Big tech companies arent sleeping on quantum chips: Amazon Web Services introduced Ocelot; Microsoft, Majorana; and Google, Willow. But although all of these can be considered to be breakthroughs, quantum startups often focus on more practical advancements and they are making progress.Founded in 2020, Dutch startup QuantWare is one of these, which claims that the hardware it manufactures already powers quantum computers for customers in 20 countries. Its core offering, vertical integration and optimization, or VIO, focuses on scaling bottlenecks in quantum processing units (QPUs).Everyone in the quantum computing field is striving for more qubits, the quantum equivalent of bits but integrating more qubits on a single chip is more powerful and less error-prone than networking several smaller systems together. QuantWares proprietary 3D chip architecture, VIO, is the missing link in scaling up QPUs, according to its CEO, Matthijs Rijlaarsdam.A spinout of TU Delft and its affiliated research institute, QuTech, QuantWave has now raised a 20 million Series A (approximately $19.27 million) including the 5 million equity portion of the 7.5 million it previously secured from the European Innovation Council after its 6 million seed round (the remaining part is a grant).European funding aside, this all-equity round was co-led by Dutch state-owned entity Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund and regional economic development agency InnovationQuarter, solidifying QuantWaves position as a frontrunner in the Netherlands growing quantum ecosystem.The new funds will be used to scale QuantWares team and technology, which was also recently updated: In February, the startup announced it would accept preorders for Contralto-A, its first QPU for quantum error correction.While Googles Willow processor brought quantum error correction into the spotlight, QuantWare aims for a roadmap-focused strategy. Its designed for upgradability to larger VIO-powered QPUs, and Contralto-As claim to fame is that it is almost twice as large as competing solutions that are commercially available.Big tech companies, too, are engaged in the race to see who has the largest QPUs with the most qubits. But from the perspective of startups that risk not surviving long without revenues, the race is also about making quantum hardware commercially accessible to all sooner than later.On that front, QuantWare is pursuing two paths: Distributing its own designed QPUs, and allowing other companies to use its technology via its Foundry and Packaging Services. The new funding will also be deployed in these two directions further developing VIO and building out its chip fabrication facilities.In addition to research institutes, users include several well-funded quantum startups, such as Alice & Bob, which recently raised $104 million. Two of these Quantum Machines, which raised $170 million last month, and SEEQC, which announced $30 million in new funding in January are also working together with the Dutch startup on the development of technology and products.It is too early to tell which of these companies, if any, will come up with a quantum architecture that can provide a million qubits; Microsoft is in this race, too, and estimated that its Majorana announcement puts that horizon within years, not decades.Whats at stake, Rijlaarsdam told TechCrunch, is the ability for quantum to solve meaningful, industrial-scale problems.There is a large and valuable class of problems that even a gigawatt AI cluster will not be able to solve but quantum computers will, he said. That is why we are building these systems. Some examples include calculations on quantum systems, such as creating better materials, discovering new catalysts to break down microplastics, or improving the sustainability of fertilizer.But for QuantWare, which believes in quantum open architecture, the question is not who will build these million qubit systems; with VIO, it just wants to do its part in pushing for it to happen quickly.

The drive to decarbonize our economies through electrification and clean energy continues to generate momentum around battery technologies, as storage has a key role to play in enabling the green transition. While renewables are clean sources of energy compared to burning fossil fuels, their power output isnt always consistent. In the case of solar which has seen a massive rise in deployments in recent years once the sun stops shining on the photovoltaic cells, the electricity generation gets shut off.One solution for regulating the variability of solar plants is to store energy when theres a glut (during daylight hours). This way, the stored power can be made available at other times, including to serve periods of higher demand which are also, typically, later in the day when theres less sunshine around.Moonwatt, a clean tech startup founded in September last year in the Netherlands, is working on a battery-based energy storage system thats co-located with, and optimized for, solar power plants to help them manage this variability. The team designed dedicated battery enclosure hardware, inverter power electronics to connect to the grid and the software needed to integrate and manage the storage system.The startup says its approach will enable solar plants to increase their revenue by being able to sell more solar energy (including when the price of energy is more attractive) and decrease costs at the plant level because the design mutualizes some of the electrical infrastructure. Target solar plants are those producing at least a few hundred kilowatts of energy so basically anything other than residential photovoltaics deployments.Notably, Moonwatts system is being built around sodium-ion cells for the batteries that will store the solar energy. The technology offers an enticing alternative to lithium-ion since production relies on cheaper (and easier to source) raw materials, helping to keep costs down.While sodium-ion batteries can have size and weight challenges owing to being lower density than lithium-ion cells making certain applications challenging (such as mobility/EVs, where weight is an important consideration) the technology has been gaining traction as a lower cost storage option for renewables where conditions are more favorable, given these are stationary installations at sites with plenty of space to install kit. Getting more juice out of PVMoonwatts pitch to solar power plants is that their energy storage system allows them to increase their capacity factor up to 80%. Plants that buy in will be able to double their internal rate of return (IRR), they also suggest.Basically, what we allow our partner to do is to double their return, co-founder and chief commercial officer, Valentin Rota, tells TechCrunch. So in AAA [credit-rating] country, I would say an average PV [photovoltaic] asset is around, lets say 8% to 12% return IRR and we will bring the asset up to around 20%.The startups founding trio along with CEO Zukui Hu and CTO Guillaume Mancini met while working on battery tech for Tesla almost a decade ago. They have continued working together since then at different employers and across various projects, including gaining experience on small-scale, off-grid solar storage. We started to see this application first starting on what we call micro grids, so usually a small grid-resistant generator, recounts Rota. But as the cost of batteries went down and the cost of storage went down actually those applications started to arrive in bigger countries on bigger grids, and its really driven by the fundamental pace of solar.The founders had also worked together at battery manufacturer Freyr (since rebranded as Ti Energy). And once they saw costs moving in the right direction Rota says the spark for setting up Moonwatt named for an energetic play on moonshot, we presume was realizing that they could combine their knowledge of battery hardware and applying battery technologies to power up solar storage gains. We realized that this application solar storage is the backbone of the future world power grid, but there is no product dedicated to it yet, he says. So thats what Moonwatt is about: its about making the first solar-dedicated battery storage product.As the volume of solar energy being produced globally continues to surge the startups bet is that the industry will start looking for dedicated storage rather than making do with a cookie cutter product.Moonwatts big differentiators, per Rota, include the use of sodium-ion battery technology which he says offers better scalability, cost reduction and carbon footprint reduction than lithium-ion. The design of their storage system also uses a distributed architecture (rather than being centralized), making it easier for plants to integrate as he tells it. He also says the approach theyre taking allows for greater efficiency and a reduction in the cost of dispatchable electricity thanks to connecting storage much closer to panels that are at peak output. Our overarching goal, using these three features, is to reduce the cost of electricity of these dispatchable solar plants, he adds. Seed funding to step on the gasWhile its still early for this (just) months-old business and its prototype product, Moonwatt has now closed an 8 million seed funding round (around $8.3 million at current exchange rates) to step on the gas and get their storage tech to market starting with a pilot installation thats being planned for somewhere in Europe next year. They then expect to be in a position to do their first commercial deployments in 2027.The seed round is co-led by Daphni and LEA Partners, with participation from Founders Future, AFI Ventures (by Ventech) and Kima Ventures, alongside strategic business angels and customers.Commenting in a supporting statement, Paul Bazin, Partner at Daphni, suggests Moonwatts approach is the breakthrough the industry has been missing.Renewable power growth has exceeded all expectations, but were approaching a tipping point where it wont be able to scale further without better energy storage, he said. Created by industry veterans, Moonwatt is solving this with a differentiated storage product built specifically for solar.We very much nurture an ambition to be a gigawatt-hour player, a large-scale player because we want to make an impact, Rota also tells us. And with the scale comes costs. And we know that in this industry its a bottom-line-driven business, so we have to be cost competitive.Rota says the decision to focus on solar energy boils down to attractive economics and the already broad uptake of this type of renewable energy.Solar is interesting because its on a cost per megawatt hour basis very competitive and getting more so, he notes. But its also that solar is a bit more ubiquitous. Its being deployed in more than 120 countries per year already.Optimizing just for solar means the startup can fully focus on making design choices that are intended to help plants get the most out of their asset, including when it comes to shrinking the costs of connecting their energy to the grid.Looking ahead, the way to reduce [solar energy] costs is by reducing the overall balance of plant costs. So you need to reduce the number of transformer cable, etc. And the way you do this is you couple the solar and the storage, not at medium voltage level, but actually at low voltage level really next to each other, he suggests.By doing so, they share the same electrical infrastructure to connect to the grid. And if we extend a bit the view to more like a country level, this optimizing the use of grid capacity is also something we will have to do. Because, today, a stand alone solar plant uses its grid capacity only about 20% of the time, but when you add storage behind the meter, you can really shift energy usage around so you make a more efficient use of this grid capacity.The startup business at hand is also about helping solar plants switch from being developers with a feed in tariff to almost becoming energy traders with a flexible asset, he adds.

Hey all you amazingly talented people, Im starting this topic here to share my VFX work and become good at my work, hit my goals. I tiny, hopefully not boring background about me would be;My actual name is Sohan Dilusha, Im from Sri Lanka. I mainly use Maya, Unreal Engine, Substance Designer, Photoshop/ Krita as my main tools as of right now. My main goal right now is to join a studio overseas and work remote from here, or if the opportunity comes go there. I love video games, movies where the ending I dont quite understand and dogs.I will be updating this thread regularly with my work and Im super excited to be a part of this community, I will contribute as much as I can.

Shipping Containers Repurposed as Offices | Yohan Marion via UnsplashShipping container offices have surged in popularity due to their affordability, adaptability, and eco-friendly benefits. Whether you need a mobile or permanent workspace, repurposing a shipping container offers a cost-effective and efficient solution. This guide provides key insights, practical recommendations, and expert tips to help you design and optimize your shipping container office.Why Select a Shipping Container Office?Before getting into the nuts and bolts of the construction, its worth considering why shipping container offices for sale is such a great idea. Shipping containers are sturdy, secure, and environmentally friendly. Theyre built to withstand the elements, so theyre an excellent basis for an office that will be able to cope with your business needs in various environments. By taking a used shipping container and re-purposing it, youre also doing your part for the planet recycling instead of building anew.1. Affordable and Cost-EffectiveOne of the best benefits of constructing a shipping container office is that it is cost-effective. Conventional building is costly, mainly if you include labor, materials, and permits. You get a whole office space without the hefty price tag when you utilize a shipping container office. It is best for startups or companies with tight budgets who would instead maintain costs at a low level.2. Sustainability and Eco-FriendlinessBy recycling used shipping containers, you are helping to lower the carbon footprint. Shipping containers are usually made of steel and thus are extremely durable and long-lasting. Utilizing the containers implies not creating unnecessary waste and giving your office an eco-friendly alternative.Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Shipping Container OfficeShipping Container Repurposed | Jed Owen via UnsplashStep 1: Choose the Proper Shipping ContainerThe first step in building your shipping container office is choosing the correct container. Containers come in various sizes, the most common of which are 20 and 40 feet long. In deciding which one to utilize, consider the space available, purpose, and occupancy number.A 20-foot container can accommodate a small office, but a larger office or an office that needs to accommodate several people will require a 40-foot container. Inspect the container for condition before purchasing, ensuring no significant rust issues, holes, or structural damage.Step 2: Select a Suitable LocationYour container office will need a flat and level surface to ensure stability. Whether placing it in your yard, on a building site, or as part of a larger industrial complex, ensure the site has good access and proper drainage. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water collection inside the container, which could lead to rusting or flooding. Also, consult an engineer to confirm the foundation and site conditions meet structural and safety requirements.Step 3: Secure Necessary PermitsBefore proceeding with the build, check with your local government to determine whether you need building permits or zoning clearance. Depending on your location, you might need permits for electrical work, plumbing, or structural modifications to the container.Step 4: Modify the Shipping ContainerOne of the most exciting aspects of building a shipping container office is customizing it to fit your needs. While shipping containers are extremely durable, they typically lack windows and doors. To achieve your desired layout, youll need to cut openings for thema process that an engineer should always supervise to ensure structural integrity and safety.Here are some key modifications to consider upgrading:Windows and Doors: Proper ventilation and natural light are essential for a comfortable working environment. Consider installing windows to enhance daylight and airflow, and opt for double-glazed windows if you need improved insulation for extreme climates. Secure, weatherproof doors are also important for both accessibility and security.Insulation: Since shipping containers are made of steel, they can become excessively hot in summer and freezing in winter. Proper insulation ensures a comfortable indoor climate year-round. Options include spray foam, rigid foam board, or fiberglass insulation, each offering different levels of thermal efficiency and moisture resistance.Electrical and Plumbing Installation: To make the space fully functional, you must plan for electrical and plumbing systems. Electrical wiring is necessary for lighting, outlets, and possibly air conditioning. Hiring a licensed electrician is highly recommended if youre not experienced in electrical work. Additionally, suppose your design includes a bathroom or kitchenette. In that case, plumbing installation will be required, which should also be handled by a professional to ensure proper connections and compliance with local building codes.Step 5: Install Flooring and Interior FixturesOnce the container is modified, you can focus on the interior design. Wooden flooring is an excellent option for creating a comfortable and aesthetic space. You can also consider vinyl flooring, which is durable and easy to maintain.For the walls, you can install drywall, plywood, or any other material that complements the overall look you want. Adding shelves, cabinets, and workstations will make the space functional and conducive to work.Step 6: Finishing TouchesFinally, its time for the finishing touches. Add lighting, furniture, and dcor to make the office feel like a proper workspace. Depending on your preference, you can opt for modern, industrial, or minimalist interior designs. Also, consider adding air conditioning or heating units to maintain optimal comfort inside the container office.Step 7: Security and AccessibilityRemember to consider the security of your shipping container office. Install security cameras, motion detectors, and robust locks to ensure your office remains safe. Additionally, consider accessibility for employees or clients, especially if your office is located in a place with limited accessibility.Tips for Maximizing Your Shipping Container Office SpaceOptimize Vertical Space: Utilize shelves, cabinets, and vertical storage solutions to maximize the available space in your container.Natural Lighting: Incorporate skylights or larger windows to bring in more natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.Portable Options: If youre looking for flexibility, consider mobile shipping container offices that can be easily relocated as your business grows.Sustainability: Install solar panels for an eco-friendly power source and reduce electricity costs over time.Building shipping containers for offices is an exciting and sustainable way to create a functional workspace without breaking the bank. By following this quick guide and carefully considering factors such as container selection, insulation, and layout, you can build an office that meets all your business needs while also contributing to the environment.Guides by ArchEyes StaffLeave a comment

Three months into 2025, it has already been an eventful year for artificial intelligence (AI). The Trump administration announced half a trillion dollars of investment into the sector, while Chinas DeepSeek almost tore it all down, surprising everyone with a low-cost generative AI (GenAI) model.Meanwhile, the recent AI Summit held in Paris saw lines being drawn on regulation between Europe and the UK.Given the circumstances, it's understandable that some have overlooked the UK government's AI Action Plan. It was launched in January by Keir Starmer at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, setting out 50 measures aimed at making the UK an irresistible destination for AI firms. With over 14bn committed to the plan, the government wants to position the UK as a global leader in the adoption of artificial intelligence.The potential rewards are vast and well documented. The International Monetary Fund estimates that if AI is fully embraced, it could boost UK productivity by as much as 1.5 percentage points per year. These gains could contribute up to 47bn annually to the UK economy over the next decade.However, a major challenge looms - time. More specifically, the time needed to effectively integrate AI into our infrastructure and businesses. According to Global Data, the AI market is projected to surpass $1tn by 2030, with AI embedded in every organisation. But will that be the case? The recent decision to delay the UKs AI Bill, set for March, by six months to align with the incoming US administration exemplifies this best - a missed opportunity.Businesses thrive on stability and clear regulatory frameworks - postponing legislation undermines confidence at a critical moment and could deter investment and adoption of the technology. The UK cannot afford to rely on broad commitments without tangible specifics.Despite the ambitious goals of the UKs AI Action Plan, questions arise around the specifics of the plan, and whether they will enable widespread adoption. Sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance have already begun integrating AI, yet the same cannot be said for other industries. With fewer than 30% of workers currently engaging with AI in their roles, the UK must accelerate its efforts to drive AI adoption at scale.The UK should go beyond mirroring US ambitions for big tech dominance. The real opportunity lies in the adoption of AI. To remain competitive, businesses will have to embrace AI as a fundamental tool for long-term success. The UK risks an AI divide - where large corporations capitalise on AIs potential while smaller businesses miss out Gavin Poole, Here EastInvesting in skills development, fostering cross-functional collaboration across the public and private sectors, and creating AI-friendly policies will be crucial in ensuring that companies of all sizes can benefit from AI innovations. Without these initiatives, the UK risks an AI divide - where large corporations capitalise on AIs potential while smaller businesses miss out.The UK should therefore prioritise the integration of frontier technologies, like AI, into its key sectors, where it can create palpable long-term growth through practical AI implementation.At our innovation campus, Here East, were speaking with leaders in AI and wider frontier technology about how we leverage the UKs existing tech strengths to drive economic growth - precisely the kind of conversation that must shape national AI policy.The governments delay in AI regulation reflects a strategic effort to align with the US, but it risks creating uncertainty in the UK. While international collaboration on AI policy is important, clear and timely domestic regulation is necessary to maintain the UKs competitive edge. Businesses need confidence in the regulatory environment to invest, innovate, and scale AI-driven solutions.AI adoption must also be grounded in sustainability and ethics.Thriving in the GenAI era requires a robust framework that respects creative freedom, ensures privacy, and fosters trust. The government continuing to deliberate, seen with the recent issues surrounding AI and copyrighting in the creative sector, will not help solve this issue.The UK has an opportunity to lead in responsible AI implementation, balancing innovation with safeguards that protect consumers and businesses alike. Collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and universities is therefore essential to fostering AI adoption that is both ambitious and sustainable.Economic projections reinforce the urgency of decisive action. AI has the potential to drive significant productivity gains, but without a clear regulatory framework, these benefits may not be fully realised. The UK must ensure that AI regulations do not stifle growth but instead create an environment where businesses can thrive while adhering to ethical and legal standards.AI has the potential to deeply embed itself across our world-beating industries and help drive a fundamental shift in UK productivity. The latest ONS UK productivity figures paint a concerning picture - only three out of 18 industries saw productivity gains, while key sectors such as retail, energy, and healthcare experienced declines of over 4%.British workers have consistently lagged behind their counterparts in other advanced economies in terms of productivity, turning what was once a long-term concern into an urgent crisis. Without intervention, this "quicksand" problem could derail the UKs broader economic growth.To combat this, the UK must proactively invest in frontier-focused education, workforce development, and AI-driven productivity enhancements to capitalise on this transformation. As new technologies such as AI agents transform our day-to-day, reskilling workers and ensuring a smooth transition for those affected by AI-driven changes will be paramount.AI alone will not solve the UKs productivity challenges. Businesses need more than broad promises - they require tangible incentives and clear guidance on AI adoption. AI-powered tools, such as automated CV screening, mean little if they do not translate into genuine productivity gains. Without decisive action, the UK risks an AI adoption gap, where only well-resourced firms reap the benefits, leaving smaller businesses behind.The UK must shift its focus from simply keeping pace with AI investments in the US and China to leading in AI adoption and application. Rather than chasing capital-heavy AI development projects dominated by larger economies, the UK should capitalise on its unique strengths - research excellence, a strong startup ecosystem, and a history of innovation.The government has laid out a promising foundation in a turbulent time for artificial intelligence. However, if it truly wants to make the UK an AI powerhouse, it must deliver at speed. The window of opportunity is open - but it will not remain so indefinitely.Read more about the UK government's AI plansGovernment opens up bidding for AI growth zones - As part of its AI opportunities action plan, the government is encouraging local authorities to put in bids for AI growth zones.UK government unveils AI-fuelled industrial strategy - Labour plans to implement the 50 recommendations set out by entrepreneur Matt Clifford to boost the use of AI in the UK.Government funding to help businesses discover AI value - The government is betting the bank on the power of artificial intelligence to fix the public sector, mend roads and boost the UK economy.

MLB The Show 25Credit: Sony San DiegoMLB The Show 25 will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on March 18, 2025. Players who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition can access the game early, beginning on March 14, 2025.Many PC users wish Sony would unleash a version for Steam, but as of now, thats not happening. Likewise, if the rumors are true that the games visual development is being held up by the Nintendo Switchs outdated hardware, many others cant wait for the Switch 2 to drop so The Show can take a major leap visually.In any case, The Show has been a steady title from a pure gameplay standpoint. Its franchise mode hasnt been as detailed as NBA 2Ks, but it has been ahead of Maddens versionthough EAs football title closed the gap considerably with Madden 25.Lets take a look at the 10 biggest things you should know about franchise mode in MLB The Show 25.MLB The Show 25 Franchise Mode New Features and ImprovementsSony San Diego has seemingly placed an emphasis on adding a strategic element to most of the mechanics during the offseason. Heres a peek at what changed, as well as some new presentation elements specific to franchise mode.MLB The Show 25 Revamped Free Agency SystemThe new free agency system introduces a "Motivation" tracker, reflecting how interested a player is in joining a team. Players also have tags that can give a team an edge in signing them in free agency. Lowball offers can kill your teams chances of inking a free agent if they feel insulted. I love it when free agent or recruiting tools give the players a bit of personality.Its excellent for immersion.To bring some order and restrictions, users can only submit contract offers once per week, specifically on Fridays, adding a new layer of strategy. Each free agent has a maximum motivation level, meaning no team can fully convince every player to signregardless of the offer.MLB The Show 25 Big Board FeatureThe Big Board feature provides a centralized tool for tracking and planning free agent acquisitions. Ill admit this is a hardcore franchise feature, but if it works as designed and is used properly, it could sink you even deeper into the experience of running a baseball club.It offers visual insights into available players, updates weekly during the offseason, and helps teams prioritize signings based on organizational needs.MLB The Show 25 Realistic Contract NegotiationsIts tough for sports video games to nail the contract concepts. In MLB The Show 25, contract negotiations have been reworked to closely mirror real-world scenarios. Players now demand salaries based on market values, and if no agreement is reached, arbitration hearings become an option. This change will hopefully force players to balance finances carefully, ensuring payroll decisions align with long-term roster goals.In SSDs presentation of the feature, they explained that top players will set the market as they do in real life. I cant wait to see how that evolves over the life of a franchise mode experience.MLB The Show 25 Improved Trade LogicThis is a huge one. The new trade logic system has been enhanced to ideally provide fairer and more competitive offers. I am guilty of fleecing the CPU on some trades in my day, and I want to be held in check in MLB The Show 25.According to SSD, teams must now strategically manage assets, as overspending triggers budget warnings, preventing unrealistic trade outcomes.MLB The Show 25 Dynamic Market InfluenceFree agency in MLB The Show 25 has been designed to reflect real-world economics, with top teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees leading the charge in player signings. This creates a dynamic market, forcing other teams to adjust their roster-building strategies accordingly.Many users will want to change this or adjust it in the settings to give every team the level playing field they wish existed in the real MLB. I prefer it to mimic real life so that I can take down the Dodgers with the Chicago Cubs.MLB The Show 25 New Dynamic Stories and Rookie UpdatesAccording to SSD, MLB The Shows commentary will feature dynamic league stories and rookie updates. Its hard to quantify the importance of having Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton referring to something thats happening in your alternate baseball universe from game to game.If that and rookie updates function smoothly, itll make the commentary all the more digestible over the course of your franchise mode.MLB The Show 25 Enhanced Player CardsThis might seem small, but in franchise mode, the data provided on the back of a card can be cool. SSD says player cards in MLB The Show 25 will now show last-10-game performance, draft history, and Rule 5 draft eligibility.MLB The Show 25 Prospect RankingsProspect rankings are adjusted to match real-world MLB draft trends, ensuring relievers and closers are valued more accurately. In previous versions, relievers and closers were often devalued.Be on the lookout for more info on legends and Diamond Dynasty.

Tony Ferguson (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Getty ImagesDespite pleas from UFC President Dana White and others, future Hall of Famer and former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson isnt retiring. The recently released veteran, on an epic eight-fight losing streak, has a return date and an opponent.Ferguson, 41, who is now signed with the Global Fight League, will face former Bellator competitor Dillon Danis on May 11 in Los Angeles. Ferguson confirmed the date and opponent when he appeared as a guest on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, March 3.Ferguson hasnt looked formidable for a while. However, he has faced some fairly elite fighters during his losing streak. The defeats began to pile up in May 2020, when he lost to Justin Gaethje by fifth-round KO.Later that year, Ferguson lost a unanimous decision to Charles Oliveira. In May 2021, Ferguson dropped another unanimous decision to Beneil Dariush. The following year, things got a bit brutal as the stoppages beganand some of them were devastating.In May 2022, Michael Chandler knocked Ferguson out with the front kick from hell.PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 7: (R-L) Michael Chandler knocks out Tony Ferguson with a front kick in their ... [+] Lightweight bout during the UFC 274 event at Footprint Center on May 7, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesIn September 2022, Ferguson was submitted by Nate Diaz. In July 2023, he was submitted by Bobby King Green, followed by a unanimous decision defeat to Paddy Pimblett in December 2023 and another submission loss to Michael Chiesa in August 2024 in El Cucuys UFC finale.No fighter in UFC history has had a longer losing streak. Fergusons loss to Chiesa broke another legend, BJ Penns, record for consecutive futility.Danis has been a fighter tough to take seriously as a combat sports athlete. The former Conor McGregor training partner owns a 2-0 record in MMA.MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Dillon Danis takes to the stage during a KSI v Tommy Fury - Prime ... [+] Card Press Conference at Manchester Central on October 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)Getty ImagesHes known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess, but he has been able to parlay the fame he garnered during his connection with McGregor into crossover opportunitieslike the boxing match he has on March 29 against KSI.While Ferguson proved to be past his prime in the UFC, it might not be crazy to suggest he could be more competitive against an inexperienced and less-accomplished fighter like Danis.Fergusons hardcore fans will be hoping they get an opportunity to see their favorite fighter get his hand raised in victory again. On the flip side, it would suck to see him lose againespecially to a fighter who hasnt dedicated as much to the sport as Ferguson has throughout his career.It appears the May event will be the GFLs first show. The venue hasnt been revealed, but when you take a look at the calendar, the date isnt a bad one for the new promotion.Its a Sunday, the day after UFC 315, so there wont be much combat sports competition. From a sports standpoint, there could be a clash with Sunday Night Baseball and NBA Playoff action.In any case, Id be surprised if something from the GFL isnt trending on multiple social media platforms. Will the attention last to the second event? That remains to be seen. As a combat sports journalist, Id love to see it work, but Id be lying if I said I had high hopes.Id love to be wrong about the GFL and Fergusons chances of winning.

Last week, I joined over 3,200 digital rights activists, tech policymakers, and researchers and a smattering of tech company representatives in Taipei at RightsCon, the worlds largest digital rights conference. Human rights conferences can be sobering, to say the least. They highlight the David vs. Goliath situation of small civil society organizations fighting to center human rights in decisions about technology, sometimes challenging the priorities of much more powerful governments and technology companies. But this years RightsCon, the 13th since the event began as the Silicon Valley Human Rights Conference in 2011, felt especially urgent. This was primarily due to the shocking, rapid gutting of the US federal government by the Elon Muskled DOGE initiative, and the reverberations this would have around the world. At RightsCon, the cuts to USAID were top of mind: the development agency has long been one of the worlds biggest funders of digital rights work, from ensuring that the internet stays on during elections and crises around the world to supporting digital security hotlines for human-rights defenders and journalists targeted by surveillance and hacking. Now, the agency is facing over 90% cuts to its budget under the Trump administration. The withdrawal of funding is existential for the international digital rights communityand follows other trends that are concerning for those who support a free and safe Internet. We are unfortunately witnessing the erosion of multistakeholderism, with restrictions on civil society participation, democratic backsliding worldwide, and companies divesting from policies and practices that uphold human rights, Nikki Gladstone, RightsCons director, said in her opening speech. Cindy Cohn, director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which advocates for digital civil liberties, was more blunt: The scale and speed of the attacks on peoples rights is unprecedented. Its breathtaking, she told me. But its not just funding cuts that will curtail digital rights globally. As various speakers highlighted throughout the conference, the United States government has gone from taking the leading role in supporting an open and safe internet to demonstrating how to dismantle it. Heres what speakers are seeing: The Trump administrations policies are being weaponized in other countries On Tuesday, February 25, just before RightsCon began, Serbian law enforcement raided the offices of four local civil society organizations focused on government accountability, citing Musk and Trumps (unproven) accusations of fraud at USAID. The (Serbian) Special Anti-Corruption Department ... contacted the US Justice Department for information concerning USAID over the abuse of funds, possible money laundering, and the improper spending of American taxpayers funds in Serbia, Nenad Stefanovic, a state prosecutor, explained on a TV broadcast announcing the move. Since Trumps second administration, we cannot count on them [the platforms] to do even the bare minimum anymore. -Yasmin Curzi For RightsCon attendees, it was a clearand familiarexample of how oppressive regimes find or invent reasons to go after critics. Only now, by using the Trump administrations justifications for revoking USAIDs funding, they hope to gain an extra veneer of credibility. Ashnah Kalemera, a program manager for CIPESA, a Ugandan nonprofit that runs technology for civic participation initiatives across Africa, says Trump and Musks attacks on USAID are providing false narratives that justify arrests, intimidations, and continued clampdowns on civil society organizationsorganizations that obviously no longer have the resources to do their work anyway. Yasmin Curzi, a professor at FGV Law School in Rio de Janeiro and an expert on digital law, says that American politics are also being weaponized in Brazils domestic affairs. There, she told me, right wing figures have been lifting signs at protests like Trump save us! and Protect our First Amendment rights, which they dont have. Instead, Brazils Internet Bill of Rights seeks to balance protections on user privacy and speech with criminal liabilities for certain types of harmful content, including disinformation and hate speech. Despite the differing legal frameworks, in late February the Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates Truth Social, and the video platform Rumble tried to enforce US-style speech protections in Brazil. They sued Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for banning a Brazilian digital influencer who had fled to the United States to avoid arrest in connection with allegations that he has spread disinformation and hate. Truth Social and Rumble allege that Moraes has violated the United States free speech laws. (A US judge has since ruled that because the Brazilian court had yet to officially serve Truth Social and Rumble as required under international treaty, the platforms lawsuit was premature and the companies do not have to comply with the order; the judge did not comment on the merits of the argument, though the companies have claimed victory.) Platforms are becoming less willing to engage with local communities In addition to how Trump and Musk might inspire other countries to act, speakers also expressed concern that their trolling and use of dehumanizing language and imagery will inspire more online hate (and attacks), just at a time when platforms are rolling back human content moderation. Experts warn that automated content moderation systems trained on English-language data sets are unable to detect much of this hateful language. India, for example, has a history of platforms recognizing the necessity of using local-language moderators and also failing to do so, leading to real-world violence. Yet now the attitude of some internet users there has become If the president of the United States can do it, why cant I? says Sadaf Wani, a communications manager for IT for Change, an Indian nonprofit research and advocacy organization, who organized a RightsCon panel on As her panel noted, these online attacks are accompanied by an increase in automated and even fully AI-based content moderation, largely trained on North American data sets, that are known to be less effective at identifying problematic speech in languages other than English. Even the latest large language models have difficulties identifying local slang, cultural context, and the use of non-English characters. AI is not as smart as it looks, so you can use very obvious [and] very basic tricks to evade scrutiny. So I think thats whats also amplifying hate speech further, Wani explains. Others, including Curzi from Brazil and Kalemera from Uganda, described similar trends playing out in their countriesand they say changes in platform policy and a lack of local staff make content moderation even harder. Platforms used to have humans in the loop whom users could reach out to for help, Curzi said. She pointed to community-driven moderation efforts on Twitter, which she considered to be a relative success at curbing hate speech until Elon Musk bought the site and fired some 4,400 contract workersincluding the entire team that worked with community partners in Brazil. Curzi and Kalemera both say that things have gotten worse since. Last year, Trump threatened Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg with spend[ing] the rest of his life in prison if Meta attempted to interfere withi.e. fact-check claims aboutthe 2024 election. This January Meta announced that it was replacing its fact-checking program with X-style community notes, a move widely seen as capitulation to pressure from the new administration. Shortly after Trumps second inauguration, social platforms skipped a hearing on hate speech and disinformation held by the Brazilian attorney general. While this may have been expected of Musks X, it represented a big shift for Meta, Curzi told me. Since Trumps second administration, we cannot count on them [the platforms] to do even the bare minimum anymore, she adds. Meta and X did not respond to requests for comment.The USs retreat is creating a moral vacuum Then theres simply the fact that the United States can no longer be counted on to support digital rights defenders or journalists under attack. That creates a vacuum, and its not clear who else is willingor ableto step into it, participants said. The US used to be the main support for journalists in repressive regimes, both financially and morally, one journalism trainer said during a last-minute session added to the schedule to address the funding crisis. The fact that there is now no one to turn to, she added, makes the current situation not comparable to the past. But thats not to say that everything was doom and gloom. You could feel the solidarity and community, says the EFFs Cohn. And having [the conference] in Taiwan, which lives in the shadow of a very powerful, often hostile government, seemed especially fitting. Indeed, if there was one theme that was repeated throughout the event, it was a shared desire to rethink and challenge who holds power. Multiple sessions, for example, focused on strategies to counter both unresponsive Big Tech platforms and repressive governments. Meanwhile, during the session on AI and hate-speech moderation, participants concluded that one way of creating a safer internet would be for local organizations to build localized language models that are context- and language-specific. At the very least, said Curzi, we could move to other, smaller platforms that match our values, because at this point, the big platforms can do anything they want. Do you have additional information on how Doge is affecting digital rights globally? Please use a non-work device and get in touch at tips@technologyreview.com or with the reporter on Signal: eileenguo.15.

2025-03-04T05:38:16Z Read in app President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on key US trading partners. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are now in effect.The Trump administration is imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.Trump doubled the US's additional tariffs on China from 10% to 20%.President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China are here.Tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico went into effect on Tuesday. Energy imports from Canada are subject to a lower 10% tariff.Trump had initially announced tariffs on both countries in early February, but he reached a deal with the leaders of Mexico and Canada to delay the tariffs by a month.Also on Tuesday, Trump doubled the tariff on goods from China from 10% to 20% in an effort to push for strengthened drug policy, particularly surrounding the flow of fentanyl into the US.The president's initial executive order placing tariffs on the three countries said the tariffs would remain in place "until the crisis is alleviated," referring to border and drug policy.Responses from China, Mexico, and CanadaBeijing retaliated swiftly against Trump's additional tariffs, announcing that China will impose additional tariffs of 10% to 15% on some US imports starting March 10.They include 10% tariffs on US soybeans, pork, and beef imports, as well as 15% tariffs on chicken and cotton imports, according to the Commerce Ministry.US farm imports into China were also targeted by Beijing when Trump started the trade war in his first term.Beijing is also banning Illumina a California-based biotech firm from selling gene sequencing products in China to "safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests," the country's Commerce Ministry announced separately.Beijing also added 10 US companies onto a list of unreliable entities and imposed dual-use item export controls on 15 US entities.Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said in a statement earlier on Monday evening that if the White House followed through, his administration would retaliate with 25% tariffs on $155 billion of US goods."Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered," Trudeau said.The statement said Ottawa plans to roll out the retaliatory measures over 21 days, with immediate tariffs on an initial $30 billion tranche of US goods. Trudeau added that his government is discussing other "non-tariff measures."Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said on Monday that she would wait to see the scale of the new tariffs before announcing any retaliation.The US imports a range of key goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, including crude oil, car parts, and electronics. Some companies, like Walmart, have said they will raise prices if tariffs go into effect.Trump wrote on Truth Social in February that Americans will feel "some pain" with tariffs, but "it will all be worth the price that must be paid."The White House did not immediately respond to BI's request for comment.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

2025-03-04T05:09:37Z Read in app Russian recruitment is still going strong into 2025, and Ukraine expects Moscow to keep hiring people straight out of criminal trials, a top intelligence official said. AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? A top Ukrainian official said Russia beat its 2024 recruitment goal and is still doing so in 2025.That's after Moscow already raised its goal to 430,000 troops last year.It comes as Russia has poured cash into sign-up bonuses and passed laws to recruit crime suspects.The deputy chief of Ukraine's military intelligence said Russia is exceeding its recruitment targets, affirming Moscow's earlier claim of hiring over 440,000 soldiers in 2024.That recruiting success is set to continue in 2025, Maj. Gen. Vadim Skibitsky said in an interview published by the news agency RBC Ukraine on Monday."In January, they fulfilled their recruitment plans by 107%," said Skibitsky. "This issue remains relevant, and the Russian authorities have no problem with staffing their troops and filling losses."Skibitsky said Russia initially set a hiring target of 380,000 troops in 2024 but raised it to 430,000 recruits. And beat that goal, he added.In December, Dmitry Medvedev, the chairman of Russia's security council, said Moscow had signed contracts with 440,000 new soldiers in 2024.Skibitsky confirmed that number in his Monday interview and said that Russia officially plans to recruit another 343,000 soldiers in 2025."But based on the experience of 2024, we know that these plans inevitably change, in the upward direction," he said.Recruiting at that scale is allowing Russia to continue fighting intensely in Ukraine, Skibitsky said."It is important to understand that almost 80% of those recruited under contract are used to replace combat losses," he told RBC Ukraine.These reported figures come as the Kremlin has poured cash into one-time recruitment bonuses for the military just one of many ways it's pushing its economy and spending toward defense.In July, Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree that more than doubled the baseline sign-up bonus from 195,000 rubles to 400,000 rubles for the rest of 2024.The 400,000 ruble payout is worth about $4,450 now. But some regions upped their bonuses to nearly 2 million rubles last year, putting them on par with the US military's sign-on payments."For the Russian Federation, these are very large sums," Skibitsky told RBC Ukraine.Federal statistics from the Russian government in December cited the average monthly wage in the country as 86,500 rubles.Ukraine expects Russia to also significantly ramp up the number of soldiers it recruits from prisons or criminal trials.With Russia already actively recruiting from prisons, Putin signed a bill in October allowing those who face criminal charges to avoid their trials or convictions if they enlist in the military.Skibitsky said Russia's plans for 2025 include 30% of its forces being made up of "special contingents," which describe units fielding inmates or soldiers who signed up to avoid charges.That's up from 15% of its forces involving such troops last year, Skibitsky said."This issue is already arising for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation what to do with these people and how to work with them," he said.Analysts from the Washington-based think tank Institute for the Study of War wrote that Russia likely increased its recruitment target in 2024 because that's when it stepped up the intensity of its assaults in Ukraine.Moscow has, over the last year, started throwing thousands of men daily at Ukrainian positions in ground assaults, sustaining high casualties but also pressuring Kyiv's tired forces on the front lines.ISW analysts wrote that Russia will likely have to raise its recruitment quota again this year to maintain that strategy."Continued Western military aid would help Ukrainian forces inflict additional losses on the Russian military that would likely intensify Russia's economic and military issues and force Putin into making concessions during meaningful negotiations in 2025," they wrote.