High school shop classes are back in a big way as students and educators prepare for a future in which AI could take over many of what we today think of as "white-collar" jobs.As theWall Street Journal reports, school systems across the United States are building out new curricula for shop classes that merge old-school skills like woodworking and welding with higher-tech instruction on how to operate automated machinery.After Wisconsin's Middleton High School spent $90 million updating its facilities to include a high-tech new manufacturing lab which features a fishbowl-style window to watch computer-controlled robot arms build things interest in the state-of-the-art shop classes began to rise.Quincy Millerjohn, an English teacher-turned-welding instructor at the Madison-area school, told the newspaper that he began showing students union pay scales for ironworkers and boilermakers that ranged from $41 to $52 an hour. In recent years, roughly a quarter of Middleton's 2,300 students have taken at least one of the school's classes in construction, manufacturing, or woodworking a massive proportion, especially considering that many school systems eradicated shop classes in the 1990s and the 2000s."We want kids going to college to feel these courses fit on their transcripts along with AP and honors," Millerjohn, a former English teacher, said. "Kids can see these arent knuckle-dragging jobs."Though shop classes have been experiencing something of a renaissance for years now amid increasingly unaffordable college tuitions, concerns about AI replacing office jobsseem to have led to even greater interest among America's next generation of laborers."Theres a paradigm shift happening," explained Jake Mihm, an education consultant with Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction who in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. "[Manual labor positions] are high-skill, high-wage jobs that are attractive to people because theyre hands-on, and heads-on."The same year that Middleton overhauled its shop class facilities, the Houston-area Spring Branch Independent School District successfully passed a $381.6 million bond proposal to fund so-called career technical education (CTE) facilities at its schools. According to that system's superintendent, Jennifer Blaine, vocational training enrollment has risen 9 percent over the past four years."Not everybody wants to go to college," Blaine told the WSJ, "and some people dont want to go to college right away."It's true that AI ispoisedto radically change the face of education and labor but we've got to admit, we didn't expect it to result in the return of shop class.More on AI and work: People With This Level of Education Use AI the Most at WorkShare This Article

1 of 8Andrew Lanxon/CNETFoldable game console conceptSamsung Display always comes to MWC with interesting concepts exploring new ways to use phone and device screens. This one, which looks like a Galaxy Z Flip 6 with a wrap-around game controller case, imagines how to make a foldable game console (with innovations like matching thumbstick and button circles that fit together when closed).Read more2 of 8Andy Lanxon/CNETSamsung Display MWC 2025 folding game console buttonsA closer look at Samsung Display's foldable game console with its novel innovation: on each side are a circle of buttons surrounding a hollow divot and a thumbstick, cleverly inverted on either side so that they can fold closed into each other.Read more3 of 8Andy Lanxon/CNETSamsung Display MWC 2025 folding game consoleSamsung Display's foldable game console has thumbsticks and buttons arranged in a hollow circle on both sides, though their arrangement (which is on top or bottom) is inverted in relation to each other. When folded up, each side fits neatly into the other.Read more4 of 8Andrew Lanxon/CNETFlexible Cabinbag briefcase laptop conceptOther Samsung Display concepts at MWC 2025 reimagine existing formats, like 2-in-1 laptops and tablets, into practical possibilities -- like this slim metal-exterior briefcase that unfolds into an 18.1-inch flexible OLED display. It looks like what a Wall Street suit would take to a pitch meeting in a few years' time.Read more5 of 8Andy Lanxon/CNETMWC 2025 Samsung Display concept flexible briefcaseAnother look at Samsung Display's Flexible Briefcase concept, showing how it looks on folded up on the right with its carrying handle.Read more6 of 8Andrew Lanxon/CNETA different take on a clamshell foldableSamsung's dual-folding concept was like a variation on the Galaxy Z Flip but with two folds instead of one. While that means twice as much opportunity for hinges to fail or other complications, it's an intriguing concept that could result in very different foldable concepts in the coming years.Read more7 of 8Andy Lanxon/CNETSamsung Display MWC 2025 new clamshell conceptAt MWC 2025, Samsung Display showed off a clamshell foldable with two hinges instead of one, which offers a different format. As seen here, they don't even meet in the middle when folded closed.Read more8 of 8Katie Collins/CNETA clamshell foldable with a retro-futuristic designIf you had to guess, would you say this is a phone from the past or the future? This concept device reimagines clamshell foldables, with the outer front display reshaped into a polygon with angled gray plastic evoking a sense of retro-futuristic science fiction like Disney parks's Space Mountain or the gray plastic boxes of early PCs and Apple computers.Read more

Hot on the heels of last year's Barbie flip phone, HMD is back with more niche phones to appeal to those whose preferences and needs fall outside the regular iPhone/Android flagship binary.Some companies rocked up at Mobile World Congress 2025here in Barcelona with no new phones to show off -- but not HMD. It brought its A-game to the mobile show, with a shed-load of fresh products.HMD, short for Human Mobile Devices, is best known for making Nokia phones. Perhaps it's no surprise that the company is once again releasing an update of the classic Nokia phone -- the 3210 -- but this time in the colors of Barcelona Football Club.Read more: MWC 2025: All the Phones, Wearables, Robots and AI Live From BarcelonaNokia 3210 FC Barcelona editionThe company has an ongoing partnership with the elite European soccer team, announcing its first FC Barcelona-themed device last year. This latest update to the 3210 includes hidden messages from players, custom wallpapers and the classic mobile game Snake, this time played on a football pitch. I took it for a whirl at HMD's launch event at Barcelona's Camp Nou Stadium, and it turns out I'm just as bad as ever at the simple but addictive game.The HMD Bara Fusion, meanwhile, is a collector's edition smartphone engraved with the signatures of 11 of the club's star players. HMD also promises Easter eggs that will appeal to fans, and you can even be woken up by the voice of one of your favorite players in the morning.The HMD Bara 3210 will cost 79 in the UK (around $100 converted), and the HMD Bara Fusion will cost 229 ($290), with exact availability dates and countries still to be confirmed. HMD's partnership with Barcelona has resulted in a number of special edition phones. Katie Collins/CNETHMD Fusion X1 phone for teensNot a Barcelona fan? One of HMD's other phones might be a better fit for you. The Fusion X1 is the company's first smartphone for teens, created off the back of its Better Phones Project -- an effort to bring families into the process of designing devices.The Fusion X1 allows parents control over kids' phones with a monthly Xplora subscription. This allows parents to control internet browsing and social media, in addition to a School Mode. The subscription also provides continuous location tracking at 20-second intervals with safe zones, emergency SOS calling, low battery alerts and remote device access -- your teen will be thrilled. The Fusion X1 is available for preorder now for 229 ($290) and will be available from May. @cnetdotcom Not exactly the iconic #Nokia brick phone but the 3210 is pretty close. On the other hand, the HMD Bara Fusion is a collector's edition smartphone engraved with the signatures of 11 of the club's star players. #fcbarcelona #tech #humanmobiledevices #mwc #mwc2025 #nokiabrick #nokia #hmdbarafusion #hmdbara3210 #mobile #smartphone #fc original sound - Garage Ringtones The Fusion X1 is a smartphone, but HMD is best known for making feature phones. The feature phone market is declining, but the company says it has defied the overall trend, and last year, it not only gained market share but saw double-digit growth. No wonder, then, that it's back at the show this year with a handful of feature phones.HMD 150 and 350 for music loversAlong with the HMD 2660 -- a classic flip phone -- the company unveiled two phones for music lovers. The big selling point of the HMD 150 and 350 is their retro feel, combined with prominent speakers, FM radios and long battery lives make them feel like the perfect festival phones. Let's just hope no one uses those statement speakers to play music on public transport.The HMD 2660 is available now for the low price of 69 ($90), and the HMD 350 and 150 will cost even less, at just 29 ($40).Read more: Best Flip Phones for 2025 I Took Hundreds of Photos With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. These Are My Favorites See all photos

Acclaimed minimalist city builder Islanders is getting a sequelOn Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC.Image credit: The Station/Coatsink News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on March 3, 2025 If you've spent anytime at all plopping stuff down in 2019's wonderfully soothing minimalist city builder Islanders, there's a fair chance you've been won over enough that a sequel is potentially quite exciting indeed. So brace yourself: publisher Coatsink has announced Islanders: New Shores, and it's coming to PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC this "summer".The original Islanders, to recap, was a game about strategically cramming as many amenities as possible onto a tiny (but visually pleasing) randomly generated island - all while attempting to maximise your score by making the most of each amenity's adjacency multipliers. That probably doesn't sound hugely exciting, but its chill vibes and relaxed action made for an unexpectedly hypnotic experience - a space management game as compelling as it was soothing.Which brings us to Islanders: New Shores, a gently expanded follow-up promising the chance to "explore, build, and strategise like never before". This time around, Coatsink - which acquired the franchise from original developer Grizzly Games in 2022 - has teamed up with SteamWorld Build studio The Station, and it's touting a variety of new features for its sequel.Islanders: New Shores.Watch on YouTubeFor starters, New Shores introduces "boons" - one-time power-ups unlocked as players amass points, used to gain an advantage on tougher stages - plus two distinct modes of play in the form of High Score and Sandbox, each with their own saves. Elsewhere, there's talk of 44 unique building types and seven island properties, as well as a photo mode with its own filters and a turntable camera. You can get a taste of New Shores' action in the trailer above.There's no release date for Islanders: New Shores just yet, but it's coming to Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch this "summer". And if it's anywhere near as good as its predecessor, it should be well worth keeping an eye on. Christian Donlan called the original Islanders a "thoughtful spin on strategy" and a "classic" in his Recommended review back in 2021.

The best adjustable bed frames are a step up from traditional options because of the customization they offer for fussy sleepers: elevation for your head or feet during sleep or late-night TV viewing. Studies show that angling yourself upright during sleep can help combat a number of related issuesincluding sleep apnea, acid reflux, lower back pain, and snoring. Those looking for modern, functional bedroom features can also enjoy a tech assist: Many adjustable bed frames come with motion-activated nightlights under the bed if you need to get up in the middle of the night, as well as USB ports to charge your devices as you catch some Zs.Rest assured that our selections for the best adjustable bed frames will check every one of your boxes when it comes to comfort and technology. Not only are they all ergonomic, but they also fit a variety of bedsfrom memory foam to hybrid mattresseswhile offering accessibility for sleepers who want a more adaptable sleep setup or need additional help getting into bed. Weve looked at the dimensions and materials, and have also pored over positive customer reviews to compile this list so you can find the pick thats suited to your highly specific needs.Our Top Picks for the Best Adjustable Bed Frames:Best Overall Adjustable Bed Frame: Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame, $1,564 $749Our Premium Pick: Purple Premium Plus Smart Base, $1,895An Anti-Gravity Option: Saatva Lineal Adjustable Base, $1,599 $1,399Easiest to Assemble: Blissful Nights Adjustable Base with Wireless Remote, $704 $625A Budget-Friendly Frame: Lucid Adjustable Bed Frame with Head and Foot Incline, $539Browse by CategoryPlease note that all prices are for queen-size adjustable beds. Check retailers for additional price and size information.Our FavoritesNectar Premier Adjustable Bed FrameUpsidesUSB charging stations on both sides of the bed frameUnique features like dual-massage and anti-snore settingsDownsidesShorter warranty period than others on our listSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, king, and split kingWarranty: 3 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 750 poundsControl: Wireless remote or appThere are two USB ports on each side of this bed, making it easy to charge your devices even if youre sleeping far from an outlet. The design includes tons of additional features, including an anti-snore setting (elevates the mattress slightly to open up the nasal passages), dual massage settings (individual massages on both sides of the bed), and a zero-gravity setting (head and foot elevation). Plus, the split king size allows each sleeper to choose their own personalized settings. The all-steel frame is sturdy and made to last. Reviewers note that the bed had easy-to-follow instructions and quality head and foot elevation.Saatva Adjustable Base PlusUpsidesZero-gravity positionUnder-bed lightingFoot incline featuresDownsidesHard to see remote buttons in low lightingSpecsSizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, upperflex queen, upperflex kingWarranty: 25 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 850 lbsControl: Wireless remote controlSaatvas adjustable bed base has lots of perks. This design uses zero-gravity support and preset positions to help alleviate lumbar pain and snoring. Its also got under-bed lighting and foot incline functions, as well as a massage feature and one-touch wireless remote control. The base is compatible with most frames and mattresses, including the brands Upperflex linewhich has over 50 firmness options, a dream come true for highly specific sleepers. To sweeten the deal, the brand also offers free white-glove delivery so you dont have to muscle it up the stairs yourself, and judging by the reviews, this is a very good thing: The delivery personnel were extraordinarily professional, courteous, and knowledgeable, says one enthusiastic reviewer. They completed the setup in, what we think, was record time.Lucid L300 Adjustable Bed Frame with Head and Foot InclineUpsidesQuiet motorStreamlined assemblyDownsidesNot available in a king sizeSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, and queenWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: freeWeight limit: 750 lbsControl: wireless remoteWith built-in USB ports, a quiet motor, and the promise of a five-minute assembly, you can drop any mattress or bed in this adjustable frame (as long as theyre under 14 inches thick). It's an all-time Amazon bestseller, currently boasting more than 8,000 five-star reviews. If youre in the market for a king, combine two twin beds for similar dimensions.Blissful Nights Adjustable Base with Wireless RemoteUpsidesCustomizable memory positions45-degree inclineDownsidesNot available in a full sizeSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, queen, split king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 750 lbsControl: Wireless remoteAll you need to do to setup this frame is unbox it, screw in the legs, and plug it inits that simple. From there, youve unlocked a world of comfort with a head and foot incline of 45 degrees and three different customizable memory positions. This item is very solid and the directions that came with it were soooo helpful, says one reviewer. "Made my life much easier!"Alwyn Home 15-inch Adjustable Bed BaseUpsidesHigh weight limitDesigned to work with all mattress typesDownsidesThe split system doesnt operate togetherSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, split king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: freeWeight limit: 850 lbsControl: wireless remoteThis metal frame includes all of the small tech details that make for a premium experience: a remote control, USB ports, under-the-bed lighting, outlets, and Bluetooth compatibility. It comes with anti-snore and zero gravity presets, along with adjustable head and foot positions. This bed is heavenly. My husband has stopped snoring, I am sleeping now, one enthusiastic reviewer states. Cant argue with that.White Noise Renanim SerenityFlex Adjustable Bed FrameUpsidesConvenient app controls, compatible with any mattress type under 15 inches in widthDownsidesMight operate a bit loudlySpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 800 lbsControl: Wireless remote/appThis is a great option for people who tend to lose track of their remote. Not only can you control the height, settings, and massage functions for this bed via a remote, but theres also a Wayfair-supported app. With an adjustable head and foot height, this bed can be customized to your exact needsand you can program each side separately so it truly is made for you. Its compatible with any mattress under 15 inches in width, and the different leg height options allow you to make room for as much or as little underbed storage as you need.Purple Premium Plus Smart BaseUpsidesTargeted lumbar supportAdjustable legsCustomizable memory settingsDownsidesPriceySpecsSizes available: Twin XL, queen, king, California king, split California kingWarranty: 10 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: N/AControl: Wireless remote/appPurple mattresses routinely make our best of lists, and their bed frames are just as solid. This one includes zero gravity and anti-snore presets, head and foot elevations, and targeted lumbar support. Throw in the massage settings and youve got a recipe for a much happier back. Tech-wise, the bed comes with a wireless remote and an app, theres motion-sensitive underbed lighting, and adjustable legs (okay, that isnt technically a tech feature, but it's still pretty cool).Leesa Adjustable BaseUpsidesSplit king with personalized settings on each sideAdjustable frame height (3 to 12)DownsidesOnly the pro version of this base includes added features like built-in massage, USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and a wireless remote with programmable presetsSpecsSizes available: Twin XL, full, queen, split kingWarranty: 15 yearsDelivery: FreeWeight limit: 850 lbsControl: Wireless remoteThe Leesa frame comes with all the features you need to optimize your sleep. With USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and a wireless remote it has all the tech compatibility included. It also massages, adjusts to zero gravity and personal preferences, and a split king can be set to each sleeper's comfort.How We Chose the Best Adjustable Bed FramesWe combed the internet to surface the adjustable beds customers cant stop talking about. While any bed frame purchase mainly depends on your specific sleep preferences, we looked for options that deliver on convenience (like picks with remote controls and free delivery) and function (including a wide range of elevation).Elevation: First and foremost, keep an eye out for elevations that meet your needs. Many of the bed frames in this list have customizable elevations, typically reaching around 45-degree inclines.Warranty: Leading brands adjustable bed frames average a 10-year warranty period, while some even go up to 25 years. Select a warranty that will help ensure you can use it for years without worry of any technical issues.Delivery: Since the frames themselves can be a costly purchase, we looked for options that include free delivery for one less expense.Weight limit: Eyeing the weight limit is particularly important when shopping for two sleepers. The limit usually hovers around 700 to 850 pounds.Control: For streamlined adjustments, the bed frames in our list boast remote controls to easily change the elevation at the touch of a button. Some brands also have apps that can allow you to control the beds movements from your smart phone.What is an adjustable bed frame?An adjustable bed frame allows sleepers to incline and recline the angle of their mattress. Typically, both the feet and the head of the bed can be adjusted. Being able to customize your bed can provide a more comfortable sleep experience, combat snoring, relieve pain, and promote better circulation.What makes a good adjustable bed frame?A strong metal base is key for longevity and support, you may find other premium materials on the legs or upholstery but looking for a frame that is constructed from metal will help you in the long run. While presets are important (anti-snore anyone?), it is also important to consider the range of adjustability on the head and foot areas so you can create your own perfect sleeping position (or watching TV). You also want to be able to save those to a preset so youre not doing a little math every night. Other features like adjustable legs, zero clearance, and headboard brackets will help the frame fit into your space.How much should I spend on an adjustable bed?Adjustable bed frames usually cost between $500 and $2,000. However, dont let the price in and of itself sway your purchase. If you solely need to adjust the beds elevation, all of these frames will have that for you. But usually the more features it includes, the more it will cost. For example, premium features like underbed lighting, zero-gravity presets, and anti-snore presets are often found in luxury options like Purples adjustable bed frame.What type of mattress is best for an adjustable bed?A memory foam mattress is best for an adjustable bed because of its soft, flexible material. Innerspring mattresses typically arent flexible enough for this bed frame type because of their encased coils. Other compatible mattress types include latex and hybrid mattresses (with individually wrapped coils) since they are pliable enough for an adjustable bed frames movements.

Thought Pokmon was a tough benchmark for AI? One group of researchers argues that Super Mario Bros. is even tougher. Hao AI Lab, a research org at the University of California San Diego, on Friday threw AI into live Super Mario Bros. games. Anthropics Claude 3.7 performed the best, followed by Claude 3.5. Googles Gemini 1.5 Pro and OpenAIs GPT-4o struggled.It wasnt quite the same version of Super Mario Bros. as the original 1985 release, to be clear. The game ran in an emulator and integrated with a framework, GamingAgent, to give the AIs control over Mario.Image Credits:Hao LabGamingAgent, which Hao developed in-house, fed the AI basic instructions, like, If an obstacle or enemy is near, move/jump left to dodge and in-game screenshots. The AI then generated inputs in the form of Python code to control Mario.Still, Hao says that the game forced each model to learn to plan complex maneuvers and develop gameplay strategies. Interestingly, the lab found that reasoning models like OpenAIs o1, which think through problems step by step to arrive at solutions, performed worse than non-reasoning models, despite being generally stronger on most benchmarks.One of the main reasons reasoning models have trouble playing real-time games like this is that they take a while seconds, usually to decide on actions, according to the researchers. In Super Mario Bros., timing is everything. A second can mean the difference between a jump safely cleared and a plummet to your death.Games have been used to benchmark AI for decades. But some experts have questioned the wisdom of drawing connections between AIs gaming skills and technological advancement. Unlike the real world, games tend to be abstract and relatively simple, and they provide a theoretically infinite amount of data to train AI.The recent flashy gaming benchmarks point to what Andrej Karpathy, a research scientist and founding member at OpenAI, called an evaluation crisis.I dont really know what [AI] metrics to look at right now, he wrote in a post on X. TLDR my reaction is I dont really know how good these models are right now.At least we can watch AI play Mario.

Three key investors have left General Catalyst amidst a series of recent changes at the firm, which now describes itself as an investment and transformation company, TechCrunch has learned.The departed managing directors include Deep Nishar and Kyle Doherty, who co-led General Catalysts late-stage strategy known as Endurance, and Adam Valkin, one of the three leads of the firms early-stage fund, according to multiple people close to General Catalyst.Nishar, Doherty, and Valkin didnt respond to requests for comment. General Catalyst declined to comment.While the reasons for the departures remain unclear, a General Catalyst limited partner described a number of other changes among the leadership at the company.Following its October 2023 merger with European early-stage firm La Famiglia, General Catalyst appointed Jeannette zu Frstenberg, La Famiglias founder, as one of its top most senior partners, according to the LP. About six months later, General Catalyst acquired Indian VC firm Venture Highway, placing its founder, Neeraj Arora, also among the top most senior investors at the firm, the LP added.Individuals close to General Catalyst have also said that the firms strategic shift beyond venture has influenced how investors are compensated. General Catalyst has shifted its compensation structure to favor cash bonuses over equity, these people said.Deep Nishar, a former LinkedIn executive, joined General Catalyst from SoftBanks Vision Fund in 2021. While at SoftBank, Nishar led deals into Slack and 10X Genomics.Kyle Doherty joined General Catalyst in 2017 after spending five years as head of private investments in Coatue. Dohertys investments include a digital banking startup Step and insurance company Ethos. He departed General Catalyst in July, according to his LinkedIn.Meanwhile, Valkin began his tenure with the firm in 2013. Valkin serves on the board of Rapyd, a fintech startup reportedly raising capital at a steep valuation drop of $3.5 billion, and Shift Technology, a fintech that last raised funding in 2021 at a valuation of over $1 billion. He also backed ClassPass that was acquired by MindBody in 2021.The departures come at a time when General Catalyst, which manages $32 billion in assets, is evolving from a partnership-model firm into a company and adding non-venture strategies such as a wealth management business and buying a hospital system in Ohio.The firm has been long rumored to desire becoming a public company. In recent weeks, multiple people have told TechCrunch that the firm is getting closer to contemplating an IPO. Axios reported on Friday that General Catalyst is in the very early stages of considering a public offering.

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) ICVFX Virtual Production (VP) Studio is a cutting-edge facility equipped with Brompton Technologys Tessera LED video processors. Located in Ampang Jaya, the studio, which was upgraded last year, is now fully operational with capabilities designed to meet the growing demands of filmmakers and content creators in Malaysia.The FINAS Studios complex features flagship space and two smaller studios. FINAS has transitioned from its traditional greenscreen setup to a fully integrated VP system. The VP Studio includes a curved LED wall, side panels, and ceiling displays, powered by three 4K Tessera SX40 LED video processors. Tessera Remote software ensures smooth operation, while INFiLED p2.5, p3.91, and p5.9 LED panels, calibrated using Bromptons Hydra advanced measurement system, deliver Brompton HDR-ready visuals with stunning realism and vibrancy.This technology allows filmmakers to integrate visual effects in real-time, reducing post-production demands and streamlining the creative process. The studio is also suitable for events, ceremonies, and other productions.Investing in Bromptons Tessera LED video processors allows us to deliver exceptional image quality, reliability, and real-time performance, said Mr. Idris Bin Torman, Director of Audio Visual Technology at FINAS. Their advanced features, like HDR support and pixel-perfect control, ensure we can meet the demanding needs of our projects with confidence.Its incredibly rewarding to see Brompton Tessera processors at the heart of the FINAS Studios, said Brompton Head of Sales for APAC, Sebastian Kanabar. Supporting their team in transforming their studio into a world-class Virtual Production hub aligns with our own mission to empower creative professionals to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Finding the right equipment is just one part of the equation, but partnering with the right teams is equally crucial. At FINAS, they excelled at both. By choosing state-of-the-art LED solutions and collaborating with expert partners, theyve created something truly special. The new ICVFX Virtual Production Studio is a fantastic example of how the right technology, combined with the right expertise, can drive innovation and push the boundaries of new creative possibilities for the Malaysian film industry.Source: Brompton Technology Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Acelab has launched Materials Hub, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing architectural material selection.AI-powered platform transforms complex material decisions into informed choices, balancing performance, sustainability, and cost. Today on March 3, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, Acelab announces the launch of Materials Hub, an AI-powered platform that transforms how architects and designers discover, evaluate, and specify building materials. The platform combines artificial intelligence with firms institutional knowledge to address the increasingly complex challenges of material selection in modern architecture. As an architect, Ive experienced firsthand how the explosion of material options has made specification increasingly complex, said Vardhan Mehta, cofounder and CEO of Acelab. Every day, architects juggle performance requirements, sustainability goals, and aesthetic vision while trying to tap into their firms collective expertise. We built Materials Hub because we knew there had to be a better way than hunting through scattered product data and hoping someone in the office had used a material before. This platform finally brings together everything architects needcomprehensive data, firm knowledge, and intelligent recommendations in one place, transforming how teams make material decisions.Early access trials with industry leaders have proven Materials Hubs transformative potential, with Acelabs platform delivering value through three core strengths:Acelabs approach to the Firm Library: Preserving & Growing Institutional KnowledgeCaptures and digitizes decades of material expertise and project experienceEvolves continuously with each successful specificationMakes critical knowledge instantly accessible across your entire firmEnables seamless knowledge transfer as teams change or expandPreserves insights from senior architects for the next generationFirm Library leverages Materials Hubs comprehensive database to help firms centralize their materials knowledgeAI-Powered Material IntelligenceAsk naturallyShow me slip-resistant tiles for freeze-thaw conditionsand get precise answersHarnesses data from over 100,000 building materials and understands architect terminologySurfaces hidden options by understanding intentnot just matching keywordsProvides comprehensive analysis of aesthetics, performance, and sustainabilityDelivers complete documentation for LEED, WELL, and Living Building ChallengeMakes every team member a material expert through intelligent recommendationsTransforms complex specifications into actionable insights through natural dialogueAsk anything, let Materials Hub deliver. AI-Powered search capabilities help you find the right materials for every projectStreamlined Decision-Making WorkflowCoordinates team collaboration across all locationsAutomates documentation and specification generationOptimizes material choices for each unique projectEvaluates options across performance, cost, and sustainability metricsIntegrates seamlessly with existing firm processesReduces time from research to specificationAn organized workspace that helps you select the right products, collaborate with stakeholders, & export documentationMaterials are the foundation of architectural innovation and sustainability, said Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Hon. ASLA, design principal and founder of Ross Barney Architects. Materials Hub has fundamentally changed how we approach material selection, ensuring that our choices not only meet performance requirements but also align with our sustainability goals and design vision. Having access to this depth of material knowledge, curated by architects for architects, is transformative for our industry.Here more from the team at Ross Barney Architects:Leading architecture firms including BIG, Stantec, SHoP, AECOM, CookFox and others have already joined Ross Barney Architects in adopting Materials Hub through early access programs. The platform will be available free of charge to all architecture and design firms starting March 3. Materials Hub represents more than just a technological advancementits a paradigm shift in how we approach design and sustainability, said Dave Lemont, Acelabs Executive Chairman and former CEO of Revit. The world of architecture is at a critical juncture where material choices have never been more important. By combining AI-powered search with collaborative tools and a firms own project history, weve created a platform that will change the world of material selection. This is exactly what the industry needs to move forward and create a more sustainable built environment.To celebrate the launch, Acelab is also announcing Materials Month, a month-long exploration of material innovation in architecture featuring daily insights from industry leaders and deep-dives into building materials.About AcelabFounded by architects who faced the daily challenges of material selection firsthand, Acelab is transforming how the built environment takes shape. We believe that every material choice mattersnot just for performance and aesthetics, but for the future of our planet. Our team of architects, designers, and technologists created Materials Hub to empower firms to make material choices that matter, turning their collective expertise into better project outcomes. By bridging the gap between material science and architectural practice, were helping firms deliver spaces that dont just meet todays standardsthey define tomorrows possibilities.For more information or to schedule a demonstration, visit acelabusa.com or contact [emailprotected].

KieranTimberlake announced today it has transitioned from a founder-led partnership to a 100 percent employee-owned corporation. The award-winning Philadelphia office joins other employee-owned companies such as Gensler, Ayers Saint Gross, Zaha Hadid Architects, IA Interior Architects, BNIM, SHoP Architects, and others who have made the leap. For the past forty years, KieranTimberlake has been a founder-led firm. The transition to employee-ownership, the firm said in a statement, highlights our commitment to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture, ensuring the firms future is in the hands of those who have contributed to its success.Today, KieranTimberlake has nearly 90 employees. What employee-ownership means is KieranTimberlake has adopted an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), so employees will receive shares in the company as part of their compensation, which must be bought back at fair market value when the employee leaves the office. Historically, ESOPs have helped with succession, namely transferring ownership of a company from its founders to new leadership. According to National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) data from 2022, there are 6,548 ESOPs in the United States.Moving forward, Stephen Kieran and James Timberlake, the offices cofounders whove steered KieranTimberlake since 1984, will remain engaged in design and lead the firms strategy and vision, ensuring that the principles that have defined KieranTimberlake for four decades remain central to our work, the office said.It is a clear reflection of our belief that the strength of KieranTimberlake lies not only in our work, but in our culture and people, KieranTimberlake continued.This next step reinforces our values, ensuring that the future of the firm is shaped by the talented individuals who have been integral to our growth. As part of this transition, KieranTimberlake will continue to be governed by a seven-person management group, representing all areas of the practice, the office added. This expanded leadership structure will provide a balanced and forward-thinking approach to guiding the firm in the years to come.The announcement comes a few months after Billie Faircloth, former KieranTimberlake partner, joined the faculty at Cornell AAP.