Annette English + Associates is a Los Angeles–based interior design firm that provides high-end interior design services to clients in Los Angeles and around the world. As a full-service practice, AE+A provides interior and landscape architecture and design, as well as custom furniture and lighting design. With projects demanding best practices and integrated teamwork, AE+A supplies incomparable support for architects, contractors, owners’ representatives, consultants, and landscape designers. By preference, we at AE+A believe in a style of collaboration whereby highly skilled individuals from a range of different disciplines openly share their expertise to provide stunning and unique design concepts for clients. Internationally trained with remarkable proficiency in interior architecture and design, custom furniture design, and landscape and lighting design, the team of designers at AE+A have established an esprit de corps that inculcates a culture of excellence in all aspects of the project, whether it be through conceptualization, management, or execution. Taken together, the key members of the staff contribute more than 40 years of design experience to each AE+A project from the 40,000-square-foot ground-up construction of a celebrity dream house to the remodeling of a classic Golden Age Hollywood home. Renowned for the unparalleled quality of their deliverables and now, with the addition of international projects, bringing to bear the very latest in technological design innovations, AE+A has carefully cultivated people who can navigate the modernization of architectural design without compromising the intensely personal client relations that are necessary to provide stunning and unique homes for the clients.
I wondered months ago whether the Galaxy S24’s built-in AI would be available for free or if the buyer would have to pay for it, either as a subscription or in the form of a price hike for the phone itself. As ChatGPT has shown, AI features can’t be free. If you want the best ChatGPT experience you can get, you have to pay for a subscription.
Back to the Galaxy S24, we now know that Samsung didn’t increase its flagship phone prices this year, other than a $100 price increase for the Ultra model. Initially, I speculated that Samsung would have to charge for AI differently, perhaps via a subscription.
I made it a point to ask about the cost of Galaxy AI when I met with Samsung for a Galaxy S24 briefing. Samsung said that it had no plans to charge for its AI services at this time. This implied that things could change down the road, and it turns out we now have a deadline that comes directly from Samsung: 2025.
Galaxy AI is an extensive collection of AI, and generative AI features that are built right into Android. It’s not just Samsung’s Gauss AI at play here, as the Korean giant partnered with Google for some AI features. I’d argue that Circle to Search, the standout AI feature of the Galaxy S24 series, has nothing to do with Samsung.
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That is to say that it’s not up to Samsung alone to decide how to pay for AI. And I’ll say it again and again: nothing is free on the internet. You pay with your personal data for Google features like Circle to Search. The same goes for any other generative AI tricks built with the help of Google’s Gemini or other Google LLMs.
Others, like Samsung, could find other ways to monetize AI. Samsung did tell me that it’s not collecting user data from its AI features. Also, Galaxy AI won’t train from messages and conversations.
Using Google’s Circle to Search AI feature on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Image source: Samsung
Samsung has quietly started teasing the possibility of charging for some AI features in the future. First seen by Android Central, a footnote in the Samsung Galaxy S24 announcement for Australia indicated the Galaxy AI features might not always be free:
Galaxy AI features will be provided free of charge until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.
The US announcement doesn’t contain a similar warning. However, the Galaxy S24 product pages do have footnotes that feature a similar disclaimer:
Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.
We’re still in the early days of Galaxy AI, and things will change. Samsung will continue to improve Galaxy AI features and add new ones. Also, Samsung plans to roll out Galaxy AI features to select devices later this year. On top of that, I expect all Galaxy flagships and even some mid-range phones to ship with Galaxy AI features going forward.
I will also add that some of the Galaxy AI features are available on the device. Translations in Messages, Calls, and Interpreter; the Camera’s Edit Suggestion feature; and the Photo Ambient Wallpaper picker happen on the Galaxy S24. Therefore, Samsung can’t monetize those. However, the bulk of Galaxy AI requires cloud processing. That’s where Samsung might implement subscriptions.
Finally, I’ll also say that Samsung’s Knox security suite lets you disable Galaxy AI features on the device. This is a feature that can come in handy if you don’t care about generative AI features, whether they’re free or paid.
Meanwhile, you can preorder one of the three Galaxy S24 versions at this link.
Landrightsarecriticaltoclimate change adaptation, but have been overlooked in climate change negotiations and -projects
People’sneedstoaccesslandfor climate change adaptation should be incorporated in national and local land use planning, and in adaptation projects
People’saccesstolandforclimate change adaptation should be included in national monitoring and reporting for UNFCCC Global Stocktakes and the Global Goal on Adaptation
Landrightsarealsocriticalfor climate change mitigation. Land rights therefore also require policy attention in connection to the growing emphasis on carbon projects and nature restoration.
Land rights – and struggles over them – have been a core element in human society throughout history, and they are critical to successful and equitable climate action. Land rights are diverse and can be e.g., individual or communal, exclusive or partial, permanent or temporary – but common to all forms is that they provide access to land, water and other resources that are vital for people’s adaptation. Land rights have so far rarely been discussed in the climate negotiations or national and local climate policies, but they can make or break the practical implementation of a number of the plans and mechanisms decided at the UN COP negotiations and in domestic climate policies.
Land rights are a critical underlying feature in several of the key issues and debates at the global climate change negotiations, including those at COP28. This includes the Loss & Damage agenda, the Global Goal on Adaptation, and the growing emphasis on Nature-based Solutions including carbon off-setting projects and land restoration. Incorporating land rights in the UNFCCC Global Stocktakes is equally important.
NEW YORK, January 18, 2024 — Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, today announced the availability of Kyndryl Workflow Orchestration services, a generative AI-powered digital workplace solution designed to help organizations automate, speed and streamline essential business processes.
Kyndryl Workflow Orchestration services provide a one-stop solution for companies to enhance, improve and modernize the digital workplace experience for their employees and customers. It was designed to support customers seeking to capitalize on no-code/low-code solutions that help improve business outcomes.
The new solution employs workflow capabilities and AI automation to orchestrate business processes, eliminate complexity, minimize cycle time and maximize return on investment through reduced training and development costs. With the ability to leverage modern platforms, such as Microsoft Power Platform and other no-code/low-code technologies, customers can unleash their citizen developers with the confidence that Kyndryl Workflow Orchestration services provides expertise to securely scale and digitize their business.
“The biggest impediment to improving the workplace experience for employees are legacy business processes that are complex and constrained due to components that don’t integrate or work well together,” said Ivan Dopplé, Kyndryl Senior Vice President, Global Digital Workplace Services Practice. “We are helping customers overcome their workflow challenges by bringing automation and generative AI-powered digital workplaces to life with our new Kyndryl Workflow Orchestration services.”
Customer benefits of Kyndryl Workflow Orchestration services include:
User-friendly interface to enhance the overall user experience, making it easier for employees to navigate and complete tasks efficiently.
Streamlined complex processes across various departments and enabling seamless integrations.
Real-time visibility and tracking of fully automated requests.
Access controls, encryption and audit trails to enable information security and integrity.
Automation requires zero manual interventions and minimizes the risk of human error.
Scalable to accommodate increased workload demands.
Customize applications to meet specific business needs, offering flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements.
“People often regard service level agreements as a silver bullet for their business without realizing that efficient business workflow is about more than monitoring and reporting on data from SLAs,” said Udit Singh, Practice Director, Everest Group. “Kyndryl’s Workflow Orchestration capability provides an automated resource that can enable companies to gain insights, improve performance and respond to emerging challenges or opportunities.”
To help customers get started with their workflow transformation, Kyndryl Vital and Kyndryl Consult experts are available and ready to provide a range of advisory, implementation and managed services — from co-creation and design to strategic consulting and ongoing business process improvement.
About Kyndryl Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider serving thousands of enterprise customers in more than 60 countries. The company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex, mission-critical information systems that the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com.
Ford announced it is reducing production of its F-150 Lightning trucks as demand for electric vehicles has slowed. The automaker said that its Michigan Rouge Electric Vehicle Center would only operate one shift per day starting on April 1, 2024. The move will impact roughly 1,400 employees.
The company expects that about half of the employees will transfer to its Michigan Assembly plant while the others will be placed in new roles at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. Ford is also offering employees the option to take advantage of a special retirement program.
Ford sold over 24,000 Lightning trucks in 2023, a 55% increase from 2022. However, dealers have reported a slowdown in sales of the electric truck and have a growing number of unsold vehicles on their lots.
While Ford is cutting back production on its electric vehicles, the company plans to increase production of its gas-powered Bronco SUVs and Ranger pickup. Ford said it is adding a third shift at its Michigan Assembly Plant to meet the increased demand for those vehicles.
“We are taking advantage of our manufacturing flexibility to offer customers choices while balancing our growth and profitability,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley in a statement.
Back in late 2022 Jeep announced plans to roll out a handful of fully-electric models by 2025. The announcement included early concept images of these forthcoming EVs, and gave the motoring pubic an early look at the Jeep Recon, the Jeep Avenger, and the Jeep Wagoneer S — the latter of which will enter production first. And with the first of these releases now being less than a year out, the Stellantis-owned outfit has now opted to release another sneak-peek of its first-ever battery electric vehicle; the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S.
The upcoming Jeep Wagoneer S appears to retain much of the existing Wagoneer’s defining traits and characteristics, while taking a major technological step forward. Sporting a body that puts a sleek spin on the Wagoneer’s iconic design language — including a futuristic backlit version of the model’s iconic seven-slot grille design — the Wagoneer S maintains its gas-powered predecessors’ ample dimensions and luxury, as well as the full-size SUV’s rugged nature and solid go-anywhere capabilities, with Jeep’s 4xe setup and all-terrain management both coming as standard. At the heart of the new model is a cutting-edge 447.4-kW EV powertrain that cranks out a cool 600hp. This ultimately allows the Wagoneer S to reach 60mph from a complete standstill in just 3.5-seconds — placing it on par with many of today’s luxury sports cars.
Jeep has yet to reveal the Wagoneer S’ battery size or range, though the concept version from late 2022 aimed to offer 400 miles of autonomy between charges. We imagine the production model will boast a similar range spec, as the 600-hp powertrain, backlit grille, 4xe setup, and all-terrain management were all present on the 2022 teaser build. What’s more, while Jeep’s latest annoucncement only shows off the BEV’s grille and hood, it appears to be nearly identical to the Wagoneer S from 2022. Based on all of the elements that have been carried over from the older 2022 iteration, we anticipate the production version to look a lot like the original Wagoneer S that was shown off alongside the Recon and Avenger.
An image of the Wagoneer S concept from 2022 (Photo: Jeep | Stellantis)
Part of parent company Stellantis’ larger Dare Forward 2030 efforts to shift to zero-emissions lineups within the next half-decade, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S battery electric vehicle is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in the Fall of this year, before later being released in additional global markets. And, while pricing has yet to be revealed, we anticipate a starting price of between $70,000 and $90,000 — based on other production BEV full-size SUV pricing and the existing Jeep Wagoneer’s $62,945 starting MSRP.
Where would we be without technology? No, seriously. Most of us are quite reliant on smartphones for a litany of daily tasks — everything from staying in touch with others to checking the time. But for those constantly on the move, having a smartwatch can put a smartphone’s most essential tasks right at hand and keep one from getting distracted by the iPhone’s signature flood of notifications.
This 44-millimeter touchscreen Fossil Smart Watch is perfect for those constantly on the go who want to be able to respond to calls, texts, and emails with a quick tap. Get this top-rated Apple Watch alternative for nearly 50% off today for just $162.99.
Courtesy of Amazon
Fossil Men’s Gen 6 44mm Stainless Steel and Silicone Touchscreen Smart Watch
The Fossil Gen 6 Smart Watch is built a lot like an Apple Watch, with a slightly more rugged design. It is compatible with all Android and iOS devices, and is compatible with the Alexa smart voice assistant so calls, texts, and other notifications can be answered with your voice.
This watch also keeps track of health-related activity, from sleeping habits to daily steps, and minutes of cardiovascular exertion. It’s an excellent choice for travelers, health nuts, or anyone looking to avoid checking one’s phone for the time but isn’t ready to strip down to analog.
On Earth, we get aurorae when energetic particles from the Sun are captured by the magnetic field of the Earth. These collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere and create the northern lights at certain times of year, at certain times of day, in certain parts of the country, but never localized entirely within one’s kitchen. But methane emissions are commonly found in gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, where the heating in the upper atmosphere that powers the emissions is linked to aurorae.
The team that discovered the aurorae in brown dwarf W1935 theorizes that the emission may be facilitated by an internal process in the brown dwarf similar to the atmospheric phenomena of Jupiter, or perhaps interactions between the dwarf with nearby moons or interstellar plasma. What makes the discovery puzzling is that brown dwarfs do not have a star, so there is no obvious source of heat to the upper atmosphere that can cause aurorae.
“With W1935, we now have a spectacular extension of a solar system phenomenon without any stellar irradiation to help in the explanation,” Faherty added. “With Webb, we can really ‘open the hood’ on the chemistry and unpack how similar or different the auroral process may be beyond our solar system.”
For several years, a sound emanating from the waters in South Tampa Bay have confounded locals. Now, a marine scientist from nearby Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota believes they have cracked the case.
Aliens? Probably not. Rowdy house parties? Some thought so because it’s a deep bass sound, but also unlikely. Dr. James Locascio from Mote Marine thinks the answer is actually pretty obvious: it’s the mating sound of a specific species of fish looking to procreate.
I grew up fishing Tampa Bay and live in Sarasota where Mote Marine is located. They have an interesting exhibit at the aquarium on City Island that’s a wall of pictures and buttons. Each picture shows a distinct species of fish and the corresponding button plays the sound that fish makes underwater. This fish and its sound are well known in the area because the Black Drum produces a very deep thumping bass sound.
FOX 13 Tampa Bay caught wind of this story and ran a report on the evening news:
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Over the New Year’s holiday I was about an hour south of Sarasota on Little Gasparilla Island and did some fishing. We actually caught 5 black drum in about 20 minutes (and 1 snook) while fishing from a dock.
Cass Anderson / BroBible
My buddy’s son was convinced at first that we’d caught a sheepshead which looks remarkably like a black drum but it didn’t have teeth that look like human teeth AND, more importantly, the black drum was producing that deep drumming bass sound, the same sound that’s being heard in South Tampa Bay since 2021. Here’s that sound:
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Dr. Locascio from Mote Marine told FOX 13 more about the sound, saying “it’s a low frequency sound, and so they travel much better and go further distances, and they go through dissimilar media more efficiently.”
One resident, Sara Healy, couldn’t make heads or tails of the mysterious Tampa Bay sound. That was until Dr. Locascio played the mating sound of a black drum for her. She said “That’s exactly what I heard. Identical in tone and rhythm.”
More work must be done to confirm that the mysterious Tampa Bay sound is coming from black drum fish but all signs indicate that’s what is happening.
As part of the National Inventor Hall of Fame announcement ceremony, invited guests were given a tour of Walt Disney Imagineering — including their R&D lab where the most cutting edge technology is being developed for the Disney Experiences of the future. This rare glimpse behind the curtain is a bit overwhelming as the possibilities for some of the boundary-pushing innovations highlights that Disney is always trying to make the impossible a reality.
It is no secret that Disney fans have been frustrated by the slow ramp up of new projects being announced at the domestic resorts in California and Florida. While Disney has opened major experiences internationally, Disneyland and Walt Disney World only have Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as major new attractions currently under construction. However, with Disney’s announcement of a planned $60 billion dollar investment over 10 years across domestic and international parks as well as cruise ships, it appears that we are on the cusp on unprecedented growth.
That growth starts at Walt Disney Imagineering, where artists and engineers are dreaming up how they will tell stories across new attractions and entertainment offerings. During the tour, we were able to see some of what they are working on in areas such as robotics and a pretty nifty interactive floor. Along the way, each presenter had a glimmer in their eye that showed how much they loved showing off their toys as well as the passion they have to push the boundaries on what a Disney experience can be.
A lot of computer programming and engineering went into creating this special moment, even though they were able to dream, design, and build the apparatus within a matter of months. But beyond the technological wizardry, they were able to work with an animator who worked on the character in the film to use their software to bring the character to life. It is mind blowing that Imagineering has developed tools that can be engineering marvels while also having the emotional connection in such a brief period of time.
Another robotic innovation was on display which recently had a playtest inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These charismatic droids can walk, jump, and even stay standing when being pushed, while also displaying the emotions that are a hallmark of Star Wars droids. These color coded BD units (short for buddy units) each have their own character and charm as they explore their surroundings and react to their environments in real time. It is a testament to the personal connection that Imaginners can create as most of those on the tour just wanted to pet the head of these adorable characters. You could see people transitioning from wondering how they worked to just wanting to play with their new friends.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was presented by National Inventor Hall of Fame inductee Lanny Smoot himself. The man behind the floating Madame Leota, the extendable lightsaber, and over 100 patents has his latest dream on display. The HoloTile floor is an omnidirectional modular technology that is able to keep multiple people in place by sensing where you will walk and guiding you back into place like a treadmill. Even in its development phase, the applications that were on display were endless. Imagineers could use it in the development process to walk through VR mockups of their creations. Dancers can use it to create innovative and exhilarating moves if placed at the base of a stage. Place a regular chair on the floor and you have a trackless ride vehicle that can move in every direction. We also got to see it be used as the base of an interactive droid game where the player guides a droid on a screen by walking through a virtual maze. Those strong in the force can summon and repel objects placed on the floor by using gestures. Seemingly miraculously, multiple people can be on the floor doing various things and the floor reacts to each individual’s movements.
While Imagineering isn’t quite ready to say when and where we will see this technology in the parks, the potential it has to create new experiences is only limited by their imagination. Much like the audio-animatronic figure and the omnimover ride vehicle, the HoloTile has the potential to be a theme park innovation that could inspire new stories in new ways for generations to come.
Between the theme park shutdowns and the on-again off-again relocation, it has been a tough few years for Walt Disney Imagineering. But despite the challenges, they have never stopped innovating and pushing the boundaries of using technology in immersive storytelling. With the upcoming investment, and the passion on display in Glendale, the next golden age of Disney theme park experiences may be just around the corner. As any Disney historian will tell you, the greatest innovations come from the ashes of tough times, if the recent tour of Imagineering is any indication, the next few years are going to be one heck of a ride.
,fit(1200,675),quality(65)&w=768&resize=768,0&ssl=1 "Ford Cuts F-150 Lightning Production As Demand For Electric Vehicles Slows")
