#Smart technology hub

[structuraremodeling]

Seamlessly Blending Tradition with Innovation: Elevating Your Old Home with Smart Technology

In an era where technology touches every aspect of our lives, transforming an old home into a smart home is not just an upgrade; it's a revolution in comfort and convenience. This transformation goes beyond mere modernization—it's about integrating intelligence into your living space, making every day more efficient and every interaction with your home more intuitive.

The journey to a smart home can start with simple, cost-effective steps. Swap out traditional light bulbs for smart bulbs that adjust to your schedule and mood, or install smart thermostats that learn your preferences and optimize energy use, saving money while keeping you comfortable. Smart security systems offer peace of mind with real-time surveillance accessible from your smartphone, and voice-activated assistants bring the convenience of controlling your home’s features with just your voice.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of making your old home "smart" is the seamless way these technologies blend into the fabric of your life. They don't just add functionality; they enhance the quality of living, making your home not only a place of comfort but a responsive partner in your daily routine.

Looking ahead, the smart home revolution isn't just an idea; it's the direction in which modern living is headed. Every existing home in Los Angeles holds the promise of transformation into a smart technology hub, seamlessly blending traditional charm with innovative features. With home additions in Los Angeles, embrace a future of connectivity and convenience, enhancing your living space for a smarter, more integrated lifestyle.

[jasonmorris1880]

Does anyone here have any experience with SwitchBot smart home hubs?

I had never heard of SwitchBot until I started exploring smart home technology. Apparently, their smart home hubs are designed to seamlessly integrate various devices, making life more convenient and efficient. Users have shared that these hubs allow for easy automation and control of home appliances, enhancing comfort and energy management. It's exciting to see how these hubs can simplify daily routines and create a more connected living space.

I'm just curious for those who have tried it - how does the SwitchBot smart home hub compare to other smart home hubs on the market? Is it user-friendly and reliable, or are there features that stand out?

[mdaf9]

Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) | With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa | Charcoal

Visit link for more info

Get your one from amazon

[digitaltrendscloud]

Exploring Guangzhou: The Heartbeat of China's Electronics Market

https://digitaltrends.cloud Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, is a key player in China’s bustling electronics market. Known for its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and dynamic business environment, Guangzhou has established itself as a pivotal hub for electronics manufacturing and innovation. This blog delves into Guangzhou’s significance in China’s electronics market,…

[guidediary]

Tech Unveiled: Your Portal to Expert Tutorials - Discover GuideBazar.com

Dive into a world of knowledge, inspiration, and insights at GuideBazar.com, your go-to destination for enriching and informative blog content. Whether you're seeking practical tips, profound ideas, or expert advice on a diverse range of topics, we've curated a treasure trove of articles that cater to your curious mind.

GuideBazar.com is more than just a blog website; it's a virtual marketplace of ideas where writers, thinkers, and enthusiasts converge to share their perspectives and experiences. Our platform is designed to be your companion on life's journey, offering you valuable resources to enhance your lifestyle, broaden your horizons, and solve those everyday dilemmas.

From practical how-tos that simplify your tasks to in-depth analyses that spark your intellectual curiosity, our blog covers an array of subjects. Whether you're a tech-savvy explorer, a culinary aficionado, a travel enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a dose of motivation, our diverse categories are tailored to resonate with your interests.

At GuideBazar.com, we believe in the power of words to inspire, educate, and transform. Our writers are passionate about crafting content that resonates with readers from all walks of life. Join our community, engage in discussions, and embark on a journey of continuous learning and growth.

Explore our digital bazaar of insights, where every article is a gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you're looking to master a new skill, unravel the mysteries of the world, or simply unwind with captivating narratives, GuideBazar.com is your compass in the world of information.

Start your exploration today, and let GuideBazar.com be your trusted companion on your quest for knowledge and enrichment.

[biglisbonnews]

Ericsson to build next-generation smart manufacturing and technology hub in Tallinn, Estonia Ericsson has set its sights on leading innovation in Europe by building a next-generation smart manufacturing and technology hub in Tallinn, Estonia. The new facility, a green field investment valued […] The post Ericsson to build next-generation smart manufacturing and technology hub in Tallinn, Estonia appeared first on CRN - India. https://www.crn.in/news/ericsson-to-build-next-generation-smart-manufacturing-and-technology-hub-in-tallinn-estonia/

[trexiejan]

My Opinion about Barbara Gordon as Oracle.

Oracle is a great character. Don't get me wrong.

My issue has nothing to do with her disability but more on how her writers and fans brag about her job and position in the DCU in an arrogant way.

I've met a lot of toxic barbara gordon fans who think she's an untouchable goddess who everyone has to worship and who thinks she runs the entire universe.

Again Oracle is a great character but I don't like it when her writers and fans ignore, sideline, and dumb down other dc characters to prop her up.

I think she's a bit overhyped and her role is over-exagerrated.

let me explain.

Her fans think she's the brain of the DCU.

I disagree with this.

Barbara is smart but I refuse to believe she's DC's no. 1 most smartest character when the Brainiac Family, Lex Luthor, Detective Chimp and Mr Terrific are right there.

Her fans think she's the one and only tech support and central hub of information for the entire dc superhero community.

Who gave Barbara this title?

In what world where 10 billion+ people exist, is it possible to only have 1 person capable of using technology and providing information to people.

I don't think Barbara is that special.

There are plenty of DC Characters who know how to use a computer.

Who know how to research.

Who know how to hack.

Who know how to communicate with other heroes.

Who know how to use technologies

The Brainiac Family, Lex Luthor, Cyborg, Mr. Terrific, Danny Chase, Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake, Luke Fox, Blue Bettle, Green Arrow, Atom etc.

and Governments exist in dc too!!! There's literally Amanda Waller!

Batman has the Bat-computer in his Batcave

The Titans have a huge computer at Titans Tower.

The Justice League has the watchtower which has even installed highly advanced off world technologies.

You expect me to believe these characters don't use their own computers and resources and just wait on Barbara to hand feed them information???

Why are her writers and fans ignoring all these other intelligent tech users and information brokers in DC?

Why are they making Barbara the center of their universe.

Reastically, A lot of characters don't really need Barbara to do things for them.

They can do what she does.

A lot of DC teams have fully functioned and stood on their own without her help.

Her fans always say she's a huge part of the Justice League and Suicide Squad.

Yes she is a member but she's not an integral part of those teams and I'm sorry but she's not easily remembered as a member of those teams. She's forgettable.

Nobody knows who Oracle is outside of comics.

Oracle doesn't even exists in multiple Justice League and Suicide Squad cartoon shows and movies.

Again Barbara is a great character but her role and importance is over-exagerrated.

And I don't know if this is the right word but she looks like a cloutchaser to me since she's often shoehorned into other character's histories and into other teams she has nothing to do with to maintain her relevance. Worse she dumbs down characters along the way to justify her presence.

just like What Tom Taylor did in the Titans book when he shoehorned her into their team despite the fact that she's not a Titan and she's not needed. They literally already have Cyborg for tech support 🙁 what's worse is that Cyborg got sidelined to make her look more useful to the team.

Again I don't hate Barbara.

I just don't like the constant bias towards her.

I do think Barbara is Gotham's information hub, but I don't think she's the queen of the entire dc universe.

Overall i think she's better on her own with her own original supporting cast because Every other hero she touches gets dumbed down to prop her up including Dick.

Dick is an intelligent detective and he's also a good hacker. He's even hacked an alien computer before but the second he gets paired with Barbara, he stays away from technologies and gets dumber so he can be the himbo muscle and she can be the Brains behind their operation 🙁

[perilegs]

A friend linked an article discussing The Sims 4 and AI, and, I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone here talk about this yet.

In a presentation for investors, EA announced the sims hub (I think it'll be replacing the gallery? It's "a unified social network that will seamlessly connect players across each and every Sims product," and by that I'm pretty sure they just mean ts4 and future ips) would be "powered and supercharged by AI." Apparently a soon-to-come update will add being able to search the hub (<- sims hub) with images, with an AI similar to google lens.

The article I mentioned earlier was also speculating about EA possibly using this AI for generative technology to create custom content, stating "Things like Custom Animation scans, face scanning technology and others are expected to make their way through The Sims Hub." Based on another article delving into Maxis's careers page and EA's patents, this could very well be the case, as here's an image from one of their patents.

I'm too tired of this to end this with anything smart but I don't think there should be technology that allows us to turn images of real human beings into content for a video game.

[mariacallous]

AI projects like OpenAI’s ChatGPT get part of their savvy from some of the lowest-paid workers in the tech industry—contractors often in poor countries paid small sums to correct chatbots and label images. On Wednesday, 97 African workers who do AI training work or online content moderation for companies like Meta and OpenAI published an open letter to President Biden, demanding that US tech companies stop “systemically abusing and exploiting African workers.”

Most of the letter’s signatories are from Kenya, a hub for tech outsourcing, whose president, William Ruto, is visiting the US this week. The workers allege that the practices of companies like Meta, OpenAI, and data provider Scale AI “amount to modern day slavery.” The companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A typical workday for African tech contractors, the letter says, involves “watching murder and beheadings, child abuse and rape, pornography and bestiality, often for more than 8 hours a day.” Pay is often less than $2 per hour, it says, and workers frequently end up with post-traumatic stress disorder, a well-documented issue among content moderators around the world.

The letter’s signatories say their work includes reviewing content on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as labeling images and training chatbot responses for companies like OpenAI that are developing generative-AI technology. The workers are affiliated with the African Content Moderators Union, the first content moderators union on the continent, and a group founded by laid-off workers who previously trained AI technology for companies such as Scale AI, which sells datasets and data-labeling services to clients including OpenAI, Meta, and the US military. The letter was published on the site of the UK-based activist group Foxglove, which promotes tech-worker unions and equitable tech.

In March, the letter and news reports say, Scale AI abruptly banned people based in Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan from working on Remotasks, Scale AI’s platform for contract work. The letter says that these workers were cut off without notice and are “owed significant sums of unpaid wages.”

“When Remotasks shut down, it took our livelihoods out of our hands, the food out of our kitchens,” says Joan Kinyua, a member of the group of former Remotasks workers, in a statement to WIRED. “But Scale AI, the big company that ran the platform, gets away with it, because it’s based in San Francisco.”

Though the Biden administration has frequently described its approach to labor policy as “worker-centered.” The African workers’ letter argues that this has not extended to them, saying “we are treated as disposable.”

“You have the power to stop our exploitation by US companies, clean up this work and give us dignity and fair working conditions,” the letter says. “You can make sure there are good jobs for Kenyans too, not just Americans."

Tech contractors in Kenya have filed lawsuits in recent years alleging that tech-outsourcing companies and their US clients such as Meta have treated workers illegally. Wednesday’s letter demands that Biden make sure that US tech companies engage with overseas tech workers, comply with local laws, and stop union-busting practices. It also suggests that tech companies “be held accountable in the US courts for their unlawful operations aboard, in particular for their human rights and labor violations.”

The letter comes just over a year after 150 workers formed the African Content Moderators Union. Meta promptly laid off all of its nearly 300 Kenya-based content moderators, workers say, effectively busting the fledgling union. The company is currently facing three lawsuits from more than 180 Kenyan workers, demanding more humane working conditions, freedom to organize, and payment of unpaid wages.

“Everyone wants to see more jobs in Kenya,” Kauna Malgwi, a member of the African Content Moderators Union steering committee, says. “But not at any cost. All we are asking for is dignified, fairly paid work that is safe and secure.”

[zootycutieart]

Making Gadgetini OCs was inevitable for me eventually, and these ideas came surprisingly easy for me. XD

A few years after the Gadgetinis were made, missions got riskier and CPUs slowly got more outdated. While Penny was able to keep the two up to date well enough, technology was still growing. Not wanting to do too risky an overhaul on the Gadgetinis, she decided to test on an additional set of partners for them. Smaller, more compact, and focused more on information than combat, they're the Gadgetinitinies!

Rivet is the eldest of the two, and is the link partner of Digit. What looks like a beauty mark is actually a communication hub, featuring technology from one of Penny's older laptops. As such, she's always connected to the internet. She knows facts about everything, for every location, for every new trend, for every bit of pop culture! One of her biggest flaws, unfortunately, comes from her information. Knowing so much about everything has made her self-conscious about her appearance. As such, she keeps herself meticulous, never missing a beat to make sure she looks her best, and the slightest bit of disarray can cause her to metaphorically bluescreen until she gets to looking the best, much to her detriment on the field.

Widget is the younger of the two, and is the link partner of Fidget. While she lacks her older sisters smarts, she instead makes up for it with better agility. Far more spatially aware, she can calculate the exact way to get into a location, squeeze through hidden spots better than anyone else, and is good at remembering directions. However, despite being able to do all this, she is unfortunately won over very easily by material things. Promise her a Horridoll or some merchandise for Technipets and she's easily distracted. This can work for the side of the heroes to get her motivation going, but it can also be her detriment if the villains try the same.

Gadgetinis © DiC

Rivet, Widget, and artwork © ZootyCutie (that's me!)

[bmv1]

From Casinos to Crypto: How Las Vegas Became a Blockchain Innovation Hub

Las Vegas, long synonymous with its iconic casinos and vibrant entertainment, is now emerging as an unexpected hub for blockchain innovation. Inspired by the gaming industry’s need for security, transparency, and enhanced user experiences, the city is becoming a leader in fintech applications powered by blockchain. This transformation is driving the convergence of technology, finance, and entertainment, paving the way for the city’s tech-driven future. Fifteen years ago, in 2010, 10,000 Bitcoin was used to purchase two pizzas, a transaction that marked the first real-world use of the cryptocurrency. At the time, Bitcoin was practically worthless. Fast forward to today, and the value of Bitcoin has skyrocketed. Now, selling just 33 Bitcoin could buy you a $3 million penthouse at the prestigious Four Seasons Private Residences in Las Vegas. This dramatic shift highlights not only Bitcoin’s meteoric rise but also redefining how wealth and assets are exchanged in a tech-driven world.

1. Blockchain Integration in Las Vegas

Resorts World Las Vegas

Resorts World Las Vegas is a prime example of how casinos are embracing blockchain technology and digital currencies.

Crypto Payments: The casino allows customers to use Bitcoin and Ethereum for hotel bookings, dining, and other services, partnering with Gemini, a regulated crypto exchange.

Cashless Gaming: Patrons can use mobile wallets instead of carrying physical cash. This not only enhances convenience but also increases transaction security, reducing risks of theft or fraud.

Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas has partnered with fintech firms to explore blockchain-based loyalty rewards programs. Customers can earn digital tokens tied to casino activities, which can be redeemed for hotel stays, entertainment, or dining experiences.

Case Study: Blockchain for Fair Play

A notable example of blockchain in casinos is FunFair Technologies, a platform that offers decentralized casino solutions using Ethereum smart contracts. While not exclusive to Las Vegas, FunFair’s model ensures provable fairness by publishing game outcomes on the blockchain, making it impossible for casinos to manipulate results.

Such innovations are being tested in Las Vegas-style gaming platforms globally, showing how blockchain can build trust between casinos and players.

Casinos in Las Vegas Accepting Bitcoin for Payments

Golden Gate Hotel & Casino 

Location: 1 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Details: As the oldest casino in Las Vegas, Golden Gate accepts Bitcoin for hotel bookings, dining, and gift shop purchases.

Note: Bitcoin is not accepted for gambling activities but can be converted to U.S. dollars for gaming. 

The D Las Vegas Hotel & Casino 

Location: 301 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Details: The D Las Vegas allows Bitcoin payments for hotel rooms, dining, and merchandise at its gift shop.

Note: Bitcoin cannot be used directly for gambling but works for other non-gaming services. 

Resorts World Las Vegas 

Location: 3000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Details: Resorts World has partnered with Gemini, a cryptocurrency platform, to accept Bitcoin for hotel stays, dining, and select retail purchases.

Innovation: The resort also offers cashless gaming solutions, making it one of the most tech-forward destinations on the Strip.

2. Fintech Innovations Inspired by Gaming

The gaming industry’s push for seamless, secure, and engaging user experiences has inspired broader fintech applications.

Cashless Gaming Solutions

Casinos like The Venetian and MGM Grand have integrated cashless payment systems. Platforms such as Sightline Payments provide mobile wallets for gaming, dining, and retail, eliminating the need for physical cash.

These systems use fintech innovations like real-time payment settlement and biometric security for user verification, enhancing both speed and safety.

Gamification in Fintech

Gamification—using game-like elements in financial services—draws heavily from the gaming industry’s playbook.

Example: Robinhood: The stock trading app uses gamified features such as streaks, confetti animations, and rewards to engage users.

Las Vegas Influence: Gaming incentives and loyalty programs serve as inspiration for fintech apps offering rewards for saving, spending, or investing responsibly.

Case Study: The Link Between Casinos and Fintech Apps

Las Vegas casinos often deploy advanced AI-powered analytics to predict player behavior and optimize incentives. This same data-driven approach is now being used in fintech apps like Acorns and Stash, which offer personalized financial advice and savings plans based on user habits.

3. Las Vegas-Based Blockchain Gaming Companies

Infinite Games

Las Vegas-based Infinite Games is pioneering blockchain integration in mobile and online gaming:

NFT Ownership: Players can own in-game items as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), enabling trade and resale across different platforms.

Player Economy: By using blockchain, Infinite Games creates decentralized gaming economies where players can monetize their skills and assets.

PLAYSTUDIOS

PLAYSTUDIOS, famous for its loyalty-based mobile games, is exploring blockchain to make rewards more transparent and tradable:

Blockchain allows digital tokens to replace traditional rewards points. Players can transfer, sell, or redeem tokens in ways not previously possible.

Emerging Companies in the Sector

Startups like Decentral Games are pushing the boundaries by creating virtual casinos in the metaverse, powered by blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

Players can visit virtual versions of Las Vegas casinos, bet using digital assets, and enjoy provably fair gameplay.

4. Future Prospects for Blockchain in Las Vegas

Las Vegas’s integration of blockchain technology points toward a future that is both innovative and economically diverse.

Enhanced Security and Transparency

Blockchain creates an immutable ledger for transactions, making gaming and financial processes tamper-proof and transparent.

For example, blockchain is being explored to log all bets, winnings, and payouts, ensuring trust between players and casinos.

Blockchain for Tourism and Hospitality

The Las Vegas tourism industry can leverage blockchain for smart contracts in hotel bookings, event tickets, and tours.

For instance, a blockchain-based booking platform could eliminate intermediaries like OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), offering tourists lower costs and direct transparency.

Economic Diversification

By embracing blockchain technology, Las Vegas is diversifying its economy beyond casinos and entertainment:

Tech Startups: The city’s business-friendly policies are attracting fintech and blockchain startups.

Investors and Talent: Las Vegas is becoming a hub for blockchain conferences like Money 20/20, drawing global investors and tech talent.

Conclusion

Las Vegas’s journey from a global gaming capital to a blockchain innovation hub is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve. By integrating blockchain into its casino operations, the city is setting new standards for transparency, security, and user engagement in gaming and fintech. From cashless gaming solutions to decentralized casinos, Las Vegas serves as both a case study and a blueprint for other cities looking to harness the power of blockchain.

Platforms like RealOpen are now facilitating real estate purchases using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. These platforms convert crypto to cash en route to escrow, allowing buyers to purchase any property, even if the seller isn’t crypto-friendly. For example, crypto enthusiasts can test these innovations by using Bitcoin to purchase luxury properties, including a Trump Las Vegas condos for sale. This seamless process allows digital asset holders to invest directly into the Las Vegas real estate market, turning crypto wealth into tangible luxury assets.

As fintech innovations inspired by the gaming industry continue to grow, Las Vegas is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution—solidifying its status not just as the Entertainment Capital of the World, but also as a Tech and Blockchain Capital for the Future.

[theculturedmarxist]

SHANGHAI — Over the past generation, China’s most important relationships were with the more developed world, the one that used to be called the “first world.” Mao Zedong proclaimed China to be the leader of a “third” (non-aligned) world back in the 1970s, and the term later came to be a byword for deprivation. The notion of China as a developing country continues to this day, even as it has become a superpower; as the tech analyst Dan Wang has joked, China will always remain developing — once you’re developed, you’re done. 

Fueled by exports to the first world, China became something different — something not of any of the three worlds. We’re still trying to figure out what that new China is and how it now relates to the world of deprivation — what is now called the Global South, where the majority of human beings alive today reside. But amid that uncertainty, Chinese exports to the Global South now exceed those to the Global North considerably — and they’re growing. 

The International Monetary Fund expects Asian countries to account for 70% of growth globally this year. China must “shape a new international system that is conducive to hedging against the negative impacts of the West’s decoupling,” the scholar and former People’s Liberation Army theorist Cheng Yawen wrote recently. That plan starts with Southeast Asia and extends throughout the Global South, a terrain that many Chinese intellectuals see as being on their side in the widening divide between the West and the rest. 

“The idea is that what China is today, fast-growing countries from Bangladesh to Brazil could be tomorrow.”

China isn’t exporting plastic trinkets to these places but rather the infrastructure for telecommunications, transportation and digitally driven “smart cities.” In other words, China is selling the developmental model that raised its people out of obscurity and poverty to developed global superpower status in a few short decades to countries with people who have decided that they want that too. 

The world China is reorienting itself to is a world that, in many respects, looks like China did a generation ago. On offer are the basics of development — education, health care, clean drinking water, housing. But also more than that — technology, communication and transportation.

Back in April, on the eve of a trip to China, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sat down for an interview with Reuters. “I am going to invite Xi Jinping to come to Brazil,” he said, “to get to know Brazil, to show him the projects that we have of interest for Chinese investment. … What we want is for the Chinese to make investments to generate new jobs and generate new productive assets in Brazil.” After Lula and Xi had met, the Brazilian finance minister proclaimed that “President Lula wants a policy of reindustrialization. This visit starts a new challenge for Brazil: bringing direct investments from China.” Three months later, the battery and electric vehicle giant BYD announced a $624 million investment to build a factory in Brazil, its first outside Asia.

Across the Global South, fast-growing countries from Bangladesh to Brazil can send raw materials to China and get technological devices in exchange. The idea is that what China is today, they could be tomorrow.

At The Kunming Institute of Botany

In April, I went to Kunming to visit one of China’s most important environmental conservation outfits — the Kunming Institute of Botany. Like the British Museum’s antiquities collected from everywhere that the empire once extended, the seed bank here (China’s largest) aspires to acquire thousands of samples of various plant species and become a regional hub for future biotech research. 

From the Kunming train station, you can travel by Chinese high-speed rail to Vientiane; if all goes according to plan, the line will soon be extended to Bangkok. At Yunnan University across town, the economics department researches “frontier economics” with an eye to Southeast Asian neighboring states, while the international relations department focuses on trade pacts within the region and a community of anthropologists tries to figure out what it all means. 

Kunming is a bland, air-conditioned provincial capital in a province of startling ethnic and geographic diversity. In this respect, it is a template for Chinese development around Southeast Asia. Perhaps in the future, Dhaka, Naypyidaw and Phnom Penh will provide the reassuring boredom of a Kunming afternoon. 

Imagine you work at the consulate of Bangladesh in Kunming. Why are you in Kunming? What does Kunming have that you want?

The Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore lyrically described Asia’s communities as organic and spiritual in contrast with the materialism of the West. As Tagore spoke of the liberatory powers of art, his Chinese listeners scoffed. The Chinese poet Wen Yiduo, who moved to Kunming during World War II and is commemorated with a statue at Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, wrote that Tagore’s work had no form: “The greatest fault in Tagore’s art is that he has no grasp of reality. Literature is an expression of life and even metaphysical poetry cannot be an exception. Everyday life is the basic stuff of literature, and the experiences of life are universal things.” 

“Xi Jinping famously said that China doesn’t export revolution. But what else do you call train lines, 5G connectivity and scientific research centers appearing in places that previously had none of these things?”

If Tagore’s Bengali modernism championed a spiritual lens for life rather than the materiality of Western colonialists, Chinese modernists decided that only by being more materialist than Westerners could they regain sovereignty. Mao had said rural deprivation was “一穷二白” — poor and empty; Wen accused Tagore’s poetry of being formless. Hegel sneered that Asia had no history, since the same phenomena simply repeated themselves again and again — the cycle of planting and harvest in agricultural societies. 

For modernists, such societies were devoid of historical meaning in addition to being poor and readily exploited. The amorphous realm of the spirit was for losers, the Chinese May 4th generation decided. Railroads, shipyards and electrification offered salvation.

Today, as Chinese roads, telecoms and entrepreneurs transform Bangladesh and its peers in the developing world, you could say that the argument has been won by the Chinese. Chinese infrastructure creates a new sort of blank generic urban template, one seen first in Shenzhen, then in Kunming and lately in Vientiane, Dhaka or Indonesian mining towns. 

The sleepy backwaters of Southeast Asia have seen previous waves of Chinese pollinators. Low Lan Pak, a tin miner from Guangdong, established a revolutionary state in Indonesia in the 18th century. Li Mi, a Kuomintang general, set up an independent republic in what is now northern Myanmar after World War II. 

New sorts of communities might walk on the new roads and make calls on the new telecom networks and find work in the new factories that have been built with Chinese technology and funded by Chinese money across Southeast Asia. One Bangladeshi investor told me that his government prefers direct investment to aid — aid organizations are incentivized to portray Bangladesh as eternally poor, while Huawei and Chinese investors play up the country’s development prospects and bright future. In the latter, Bangladeshis tend to agree.

“Is China a place, or is it a recipe for social structure that can be implemented generically anywhere?”

The majority of human beings alive today live in a world of not enough: not enough food; not enough security; not enough housing, education, health care; not enough rights for women; not enough potable water. They are desperate to get out of there, as China has. They might or might not like Chinese government policies or the transactional attitudes of Chinese entrepreneurs, but such concerns are usually of little importance to countries struggling to bootstrap their way out of poverty.

The first world tends to see the third as a rebuke and a threat. Most Southeast Asian countries have historically borne abuse in relationship to these American fears. Most American companies don’t tend to see Pakistan or Bangladesh or Sumatra as places they’d like invest money in. But opportunity beckons for Chinese companies seeking markets outside their nation’s borders and finding countries with rapidly growing populations and GDPs. Imagine a Huawei engineer in a rural Bangladeshi village, eating a bad lunch with the mayor, surrounded by rice paddies — he might remember the Hunan of his childhood.  

Xi Jinping famously said that China doesn’t export revolution. But what else do you call train lines, 5G connectivity and scientific research centers appearing in places that previously had none of these things? 

Across the vastness of a world that most first-worlders would not wish to visit, Chinese entrepreneurs are setting up electric vehicle and battery companies, installing broadband and building trains. The world that is looming into view on Huawei’s 2022 business report is one in which Asia is the center of the global economy and China sits at its core, the hub from which sophisticated and carbon-neutral technologies are distributed. Down the spokes the other way come soybeans, jute and nickel. Lenin’s term for this kind of political economy was imperialism. 

If the Chinese economy is the set of processes that created and create China, then its exports today are China — technologies, knowledge, communication networks, forms of organization. But is China a place, or is it a recipe for social structure that can be implemented generically anywhere?

Huawei Station

Huawei’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party remain unclear, but there is certainly a case of elective affinities. Huawei’s descriptions of selfless, nameless engineers working to bring telecoms to the countryside of Bangladesh is reminiscent of Party propaganda and “socialist realist” art. As a young man, Ren Zhengfei, Huawei’s CEO, spent time in the Chongqing of Mao’s “third front,” where resources were redistributed to develop new urban centers; the logic of starting in rural areas and working your way to the center, using infrastructure to rappel your way up, is embedded within the Maoist ideas that he studied at the time. Today, it underpins Huawei’s business development throughout the Global South. 

I stopped by the Huawei Analyst Summit in April to see if I could connect the company’s history to today. The Bildungsroman of Huawei’s corporate development includes battles against entrenched state-owned monopolies in the more developed parts of the country. The story goes that Huawei couldn’t make inroads in established markets against state-owned competitors, so got started in benighted rural areas where the original leaders had to brainstorm what to do if rats ate the cables or rainstorms swept power stations away; this story is mobilized today to explain their work overseas. 

Perhaps at one point, Huawei could have been just another boring corporation selling plastic objects to consumers across the developed world, but that time ended definitively with Western sanctions in 2019, effectively banning the company from doing business in the U.S. The sanctions didn’t kill Huawei, obviously, and they may have made it stronger. They certainly made it weirder, more militant and more focused on the markets largely scorned by the Ericssons and Nokias of the world. Huawei retrenched to its core strength: providing rural and remote areas with access to connectivity across difficult terrain with the intention that these networks will fuel telehealth and digital education and rapidly scale the heights of development.

Huawei used to do this with dial-up modems in China, but now it is building 5G networks across the Global South. The Chinese government is supportive of these efforts; Huawei’s HQ has a subway station named for the company, and in 2022 the government offered the company massive subsidies.

“For many countries in the Global South, the model of development exemplified by Shenzhen seems plausible and attainable.”

For years, the notion of an ideological struggle between the U.S. and China was dismissed; China is capitalist, they said. Just look at the Louis Vuitton bags. This misses a central truth of the economy of the 21st century. The means of production now are internet servers, which are used for digital communication, for data farms and blockchain, for AI and telehealth. Capitalists control the means of production in the United States, but the state controls the means of production in China. In the U.S. and countries that implicitly accept its tech dominance, private businesspeople dictate the rules of the internet, often to the displeasure of elected politicians who accuse them of rigging elections, fueling inequality or colluding with communists. The difference with China, in which the state has maintained clear regulatory control over the internet since the early days, couldn’t be clearer. 

The capitalist system pursues frontier technologies and profits, but companies like Huawei pursue scalability to the forgotten people of the world. For better or worse, it’s San Francisco or Shenzhen. For many countries in the Global South, the model of development exemplified by Shenzhen seems more plausible and attainable. Nobody thinks they can replicate Silicon Valley, but many seem to think they can replicate Chinese infrastructure-driven middle-class consumerism.

As Deng Xiaoping said, it doesn’t matter if it is a black cat or a white cat, just get a cat that catches mice. Today, leaders of Global South countries complain about the ideological components of American aid; they just want a cat that can catch their mice. Chinese investment is blank — no ideological strings attached. But this begs the question: If China builds the future of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Laos, then is their future Chinese?

Telecommunications and 5G is at the heart of this because connectivity can enable rapid upgrades in health and education via digital technology such as telehealth, whereby people in remote villages are able to consult with doctors and hospitals in more developed regions. For example, Huawei has retrofitted Thailand’s biggest and oldest hospital with 5G to communicate with villages in Thailand’s poor interior — the sort of places a new Chinese high-speed train line could potentially provide links with the outside world — offering Thai villagers without the ability to travel into town the opportunity to get medical treatments and consultations remotely. 

The IMF has proposed that Asia’s developing belt “should prioritize reforms that boost innovation and digitalization while accelerating the green energy transition,” but there is little detail about who exactly ought to be doing all of that building and connecting. In many cases and places, it’s Chinese infrastructure and companies like Huawei that are enabling Thai villagers to live as they do in Guizhou.

Chinese Style Modernization?

The People’s Republic of China is “infinitely stronger than the Soviet Union ever was,” the U.S. ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, told Politico in April. This prowess “is based on the extraordinary strength of the Chinese economy — its science and technology research base, its innovative capacity and its ambitions in the Indo-Pacific to be the dominant power in the future.” This increasingly feels more like the official position of the U.S. government than a random comment.

Ten years ago, Xi Jinping proposed the notion of a “maritime Silk Road” to the Indonesian Parliament. Today, Indonesia is building an entirely new capital — Nusantara — for which China is providing “smart city” technologies. Indonesia has a complex history with ethnic Chinese merchants, who played an intermediary role between Indigenous people and Western colonists in the 19th century and have been seen as CCP proxies for the past half century or so. But the country is nevertheless moving decisively towards China’s pole, adopting Chinese developmental rhythms and using Chinese technology and infrastructure to unlock the door to the future. “The internet, roads, ports, logistics — most of these were built by Chinese companies,” observed a local scholar. 

The months since the 20th Communist Party Congress have seen the introduction of what Chinese diplomats call “Chinese-style modernization,” a clunky slogan that can evoke the worst and most boring agitprop of the Soviet era. But the concept just means exporting Chinese bones to other social bodies around the world. 

If every apartment decorated with IKEA furniture looks the same, prepare for every city in booming Asia to start looking like Shenzhen. If you like clean streets, bullet trains, public safety and fast Wi-Fi, this may not be a bad thing. 

Chinese trade with Southeast Asia is roughly double that between China and the U.S., and Chinese technology infrastructure is spreading out from places like the “Huawei University” at Indonesia’s Bandung Institute of Technology, which plans to train 100,000 telecom engineers in the next five years. We’re about to see a generation of “barefoot doctors” throughout Southeast Asia traveling by moped across landscapes of underdevelopment connected to hubs of medical data built by Chinese companies with Chinese technology. 

In 1955, the year of the Bandung Conference in Indonesia, the non-aligned world was almost entirely poor, cut off from the means of production in a world where nearly 50% of GDP globally was in the U.S. Today, the logic of that landmark conference is alive today in Chinese informal networks across the Global South, with the key difference that China can now offer these countries the possibility of building their own future without talking to anyone from the Global North. 

Welcome to the Sinosphere, where the tides of Chinese development lap over its borders into the remote forests of tropical Asia, and beyond.

[cognitivejustice]

Creating the world’s “greenest” highway in a desert city: URB city design

Bagherian’s concept includes “water-sensitive landscape design” that includes native flora and drought-resistant plants suited to the arid climate, and soil mixed with zeolite, an absorbent crystal that aids water retention.

These “passive techniques” are complemented with smart irrigation technology, he added, “which use real-time data to adjust watering schedules based on soil moisture levels, weather forecasts, and plant needs.”

Smart tech and solar-power

The autonomous solar-powered tram is just one aspect of the proposed highway’s transport system: above the tram line, a network of green areas, parks and overpasses would increase connectivity and walkability of the city, which is currently tough to navigate on foot.

The highway would also integrate smart technology, such as “internet of things” (IoT) sensors, to manage traffic and optimize energy use.

Bagherian’s designs allow for 300-megawatt solar panels and a storage system to be embedded in the tracks, that would power the tram line, as well as generate clean energy for an estimated 130,000 homes.

And the green spaces — including parks and community gardens — would provide space for one million trees, which would also help cool the city and improve air quality.

Source

[esconpanache]

Escon Panache: Unmatched Location and Architectural Excellence

Escon Panache, where luxury living meets unparalleled convenience and design brilliance. Our commitment to delivering an extraordinary lifestyle is embodied in two of our standout features: our unmatched location and architectural excellence. Let’s delve into what makes Escon the pinnacle of sophisticated living.

Unmatched Location: The Heart of Convenience

At Escon Panache Villas, location isn’t just about being in a prime area; it’s about being at the epicenter of a vibrant, well-connected community that enhances your everyday life.

Prime Accessibility

Situated in the heart of the city, Escon Panache offers seamless connectivity to major highways, public transportation hubs, and key urban landmarks. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for a weekend getaway, or enjoying a night out in the city, you’re never far from where you need to be.

Serene Surroundings

Escon Panache offers a serene environment, providing a peaceful retreat from bustling city life. Our meticulously landscaped gardens and tranquil courtyards create a sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate.

Architectural Excellence: A Symphony of Design and Innovation

Escon Panache's architectural brilliance is not just about stunning aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that resonate with elegance, functionality, and sustainability. Our architectural team combines cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles to create living spaces that are both beautiful and practical. Each Villa is a masterpiece of design, featuring spacious layouts, high ceilings, and abundant natural light. The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of your home.

Attention to Detail

Every aspect of Escon Panache architecture is meticulously planned and executed. From the grand entrance lobby to the private balconies offering breathtaking views, no detail is too small. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship ensures that every corner of your home exudes luxury and elegance.

Smart Home Integration

Escon Panache embraces modern living with smart home technology integrated into every Villa. Control your home’s lighting, temperature, and security systems with the touch of a button, offering you convenience and peace of mind.

Experience the Difference

Escon Panache is more than just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle choice. Our unmatched location and architectural excellence set us apart, offering you a harmonious blend of convenience, luxury, and innovation. Discover the epitome of sophisticated living at Escon Panache 4 BHK Villas in Greater Noida, where every detail is designed keeping your comfort in mind.

Visit us today and experience the difference for yourself.

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Ref:-https://esconpanachevilla.blogspot.com/2024/06/escon-panache-unmatched-location-and.html

Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

[reyaint]

architecture and infrastructure of HAIQIN | by province

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date: january 5 2025. not adding pictures bc yeah no.

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Haiqin's Architecture and Infrastructure 

Stellis (Metropolis of Innovation)

Building Styles: Stellis is the epitome of modernity, with towering skyscrapers that define its skyline. The buildings are crafted from steel and glass, symbolizing the city’s technological advancements. These structures are not just functional but also serve as canvases for digital art and interactive installations. Iconic buildings like the Stellis Innovation Tower are designed with sleek, aerodynamic curves, often incorporating green technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines to reduce environmental impact.

Housing: Stellis offers a range of housing options, from luxury penthouses in high-rise buildings to smart homes equipped with the latest technology. In affluent districts, homes are equipped with automated systems for security, energy management, and even personalized climate control. In contrast, lower-income neighborhoods feature compact, efficient apartments that prioritize functionality over luxury.

Public Spaces: Public spaces in Stellis are highly interactive, with digital art installations and augmented reality displays scattered throughout the city. The central square, often used for events like the Stellis Innovations Festival, is a hub of activity, with large outdoor screens displaying tech demonstrations and performances. Parks like Tech Garden combine green space with tech expos, where new gadgets and inventions are showcased to the public.

Transportation: Stellis boasts an advanced public transport system. Maglev trains, which glide above the tracks using magnetic levitation, provide fast and efficient travel across the city. Electric buses run along eco-friendly routes, and pedestrian-friendly pathways are designed to encourage walking and cycling. Skybridges connect the towering skyscrapers, allowing residents to traverse the city without descending to street level. This also helps reduce traffic congestion in the densely packed urban areas.

Eldariaz (Land of Tradition and Harmony)

Building Styles: Eldariaz's architecture is a beautiful blend of history and nature. Stone palaces and temples are built with local materials, preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The structures are often adorned with intricate carvings and mosaics, depicting historical events and mythological stories. Traditional thatched-roof houses, common in rural areas, are designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural beauty, often surrounded by lush gardens and small orchards.

Housing: In Eldariaz, the upper class resides in opulent villas, often located in secluded areas surrounded by gardens and historical monuments. These estates are typically passed down through generations, and many are adorned with priceless artifacts. In contrast, the artisan classes live in communal housing, where shared spaces foster a sense of community and cooperation. The royal family enjoys large family estates, often located near significant cultural landmarks.

Public Spaces: Eldariaz is home to expansive public spaces, such as the Royal Gardens, where the Royal Harvest Festival is celebrated. These gardens are surrounded by ancient monuments and fountains, creating a peaceful environment for reflection and community gathering. Historical sites are preserved as public parks, where locals and tourists alike can explore the ancient ruins and temples.

Transportation: In Eldariaz, eco-friendly transportation is emphasized. Electric carts are commonly used in urban areas, while horse-drawn carriages are still popular in rural areas, providing a more traditional and scenic way to travel. The region also has a network of walking trails, allowing residents to connect with nature while moving between villages.

Nirin (Desert Oasis and Canyon Cities)

art by WLOP

before you come for my ass, yes I know it's AI. i made it using bing ai. this is just for visuals bc I can't draw and I wanted it a certain way. still not perfect but it's whatever

Building Styles: The architecture of Nirin is a testament to its unique environment. Adobe structures are common in rural areas, offering natural insulation against the desert heat. In Waterlight City, buildings are designed to blend seamlessly with the rugged canyon landscape. Large, sweeping structures resembling horns or arches rise from the canyon floor, often lit by glowing lights at night, giving the city a mystical aura. Some buildings are carved directly into the canyon walls, with smooth, organic forms that mimic the natural rock formations.

Housing:Nirin’s housing varies from communal dwellings in rural villages to more elaborate homes in urban areas. The wealthier residents live in larger homes equipped with water conservation systems, crucial in a desert environment. These homes often feature outdoor patios and gardens, where residents can enjoy the cooler desert evenings. The city’s layout incorporates elevated walkways and platforms, which provide easy access to different levels of the canyon city and offer stunning views of the surrounding desert.

Public Spaces:Nirin’s public spaces are designed to foster community and cultural exchange. The Hanging Crescent Arena, a grand amphitheater, hosts the Desert Games, an annual event that celebrates the region’s traditions. Public squares are often lined with market stalls and artisan shops, where locals can showcase their crafts and produce. The city’s public spaces are carefully integrated with the natural environment, allowing residents to experience both urban life and the surrounding desert landscape.

Transportation: In Nirin, transportation is adapted to the desert terrain. Horses are commonly used for travel, especially in rural areas, while rugged off-road vehicles are used for navigating the more remote areas of the desert. The city also has an extensive network of canyon trails, which connect the various districts and provide access to surrounding villages. For those seeking more modern transport, sports cars and bikes are common, and skateboards are often used for short distances.

Primos (Mountainous Retreats and Adventure)

Building Styles: Primos’ architecture is influenced by its mountainous terrain, with stone cottages and log cabins that blend seamlessly into the landscape. These buildings are designed to withstand the harsh mountain weather while providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The region also boasts adventure sport centers, which are designed using natural materials like wood and stone to create a rustic yet modern feel.

Housing: Housing in Primos is typically cozy and functional, with many residents living in small mountain cabins or larger estates that cater to tourists and adventurers. In rural areas, family-run vineyards and agricultural estates are common, where homes are built to accommodate large families and support local farming activities. The urban areas, such as Novas, feature lodges and apartments designed to cater to the needs of visitors seeking outdoor adventures.

Public Spaces: Primos’ public spaces are designed to celebrate nature and outdoor activities. The Mountain Festival, held annually in Novas, features artisan stalls, live music stages, and outdoor activities like rock climbing and hiking. The central plaza of Novas is surrounded by scenic views of the mountains, creating a perfect backdrop for community gatherings and celebrations.

Transportation: Transportation in Primos is designed to navigate the mountainous terrain. Cable cars are commonly used to travel between different levels of the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking trails are also an integral part of the region’s infrastructure, providing access to remote areas and connecting different towns. For more rugged terrain, off-road vehicles are used, and mountain bikes are popular for recreational purposes.

Mian (Desert Ruins and Modernity)

Building Styles:Mian’s architecture blends ancient ruins with modern structures. Sandstone is the primary building material, and many buildings feature intricate carvings and reliefs that reflect the region’s rich history. The architecture in Mian often incorporates elements of both traditional and modern design, with ancient-inspired homes sitting alongside sleek, contemporary structures.

Housing:In Mian, housing varies from traditional adobe homes in rural areas to modern apartments in the cities. The use of sandstone and other natural materials ensures that homes remain cool in the hot desert climate. In smaller cities, the mix of ancient and modern homes creates a unique architectural style that reflects the region’s past and present.

Public Spaces:Mian’s public spaces often feature art installations and monuments that honor its ancient heritage. The Sand Festival, held in Alynthi’s central square, is a celebration of the region’s history and culture, with art installations depicting ancient stories and mythological figures. Public squares are also used for community gatherings, and many are adorned with sculptures and fountains that reflect the region’s artistic traditions.

Transportation: In Mian, transportation is a mix of traditional and modern methods. Horse-drawn carriages and desert caravans are commonly used in rural areas, providing a slower, more scenic way to travel. In the cities, modern vehicles dominate the streets, with a focus on energy-efficient cars and public transport systems. The region also has a network of roads that connect the various towns and cities, making travel across the desert easier and more accessible.

Valero (Coastal and Maritime Influence)

Building Styles: Valero, a region known for its coastal towns and port cities, features a blend of seaside villas and robust maritime structures. The architecture here is designed to withstand coastal weather while offering stunning views of the sea. Large balconies, open terraces, and expansive windows dominate the design of seaside villas, allowing residents to enjoy the ocean breeze. In contrast, the port cities are marked by functional and durable warehouses, docks, and maritime infrastructure, reflecting the importance of trade and fishing industries.

Housing: Wealthy families in Valero live in large waterfront estates, often designed with private docks and lush gardens. These estates are a symbol of prestige and are typically situated on elevated platforms to avoid flooding from the ocean. Meanwhile, in fishing villages, communal living is common, with modest homes built from local materials such as wood and stone. These homes are designed to be efficient and weather-resistant, with a focus on practicality.

Public Spaces: The Velros Waterfront is a vibrant public space where the community gathers for markets, cultural events, and celebrations. The Sea Festival, celebrated here, features live music, seafood stalls, traditional dances, and local handicrafts. The waterfront is a central hub for socializing and commerce, drawing both locals and tourists.

Transportation: Given Valero’s coastal geography, boats and ferries are the primary means of transportation. A network of coastal roads connects the various towns, but the waterways remain the most efficient way to travel between regions. Small fishing boats, luxury yachts, and ferries are commonly seen on the water, transporting goods and people.

Naidya (Island Luxury and Sustainability)

Building Styles: Naidya’s islands feature luxurious resorts designed with sustainability in mind. The buildings are crafted using natural materials like bamboo, coral, and locally sourced stone. The architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, often designed to minimize environmental impact. Large open-air spaces, shaded verandas, and natural cooling systems are common in resort designs, promoting comfort without compromising on eco-friendliness.

Housing: Affluent families in Naidya reside in expansive beachside estates, often perched on cliffs or nestled along pristine beaches. These homes are designed to take advantage of the island’s natural beauty, with panoramic views of the ocean. For local artisans and workers, communal housing is common, with shared amenities like gardens and pools, creating a strong sense of community.

Public Spaces: Each capital city hosts the Island Harmony Festival, a celebration of local culture, food, and music. The festivals are marked by traditional performances, culinary displays, and art exhibitions. Public spaces like beaches and parks are used for these festivals, where local artisans showcase their crafts and visitors enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle.

Transportation: Yachts, speedboats, and small ferries are the primary means of transportation between the islands. These vessels provide both luxury and practicality, offering quick travel between islands. On the islands themselves, residents rely on bicycles, electric vehicles, and walking for short distances, contributing to the region’s sustainability efforts.

Agrios (Industrial and Functional Design)

Building Styles: Agrios is characterized by a mix of industrial buildings and modern apartments. The region’s focus is on functionality and efficiency, particularly in the urban centers like Veratinze. Factories are designed with green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient technologies, making them models of sustainable industrial design. Residential areas are often high-rise apartments or suburban homes built for practicality, though some upscale areas feature more luxurious residences.

Housing: Urban dwellers in Agrios live in modern apartments, lofts, and condominiums, with a focus on maximizing space and energy efficiency. In rural areas, traditional homes are still common, often incorporating industrial elements like steel and concrete into their design. These homes are typically larger and built to accommodate family units and agricultural activities.

Public Spaces: Veratinze’s central park hosts the Innovation Week, a celebration of technology and progress. This park is a hub for exhibitions, tech demonstrations, and public forums on sustainable innovation. The park features modern sculptures, green spaces, and interactive installations, promoting both creativity and environmental awareness.

Transportation: Agrios has a well-developed public transportation system, with trains and buses connecting urban centers to industrial zones. The region also has an extensive network of roads and highways, facilitating the transportation of goods and workers between cities and factories. In the industrial zones, automated vehicles and drones are used for deliveries and goods transportation.

Dridells (Eco-Friendly Living and Waterways)

Building Styles: Dridells’ architecture is a blend of eco-friendly buildings and traditional homes, with an emphasis on sustainability. The use of natural materials like stone, wood, and recycled materials is common. In urban areas, green roofs, solar panels, and vertical gardens are incorporated into buildings, while rural homes are designed with large, open spaces to accommodate farming and communal living.

Housing: Urban areas in Dridells feature sustainable apartment buildings and eco-villages, where residents live in harmony with nature. These homes are often equipped with energy-efficient appliances, rainwater harvesting systems, and communal gardens. Rural areas feature large family farms, where multiple generations may live together in expansive homes designed for agricultural purposes.

Public Spaces: The River Festival is one of Dridells’ most popular events, held along the scenic riverbanks. The festival celebrates the region’s connection to water, with activities like river sports, food stalls, and cultural performances. The river serves as a central hub for both transportation and leisure, and public spaces along the water are designed for both relaxation and community gatherings.

Transportation: Dridells has an extensive network of canals and waterways, which serve as the primary means of transportation for both goods and people. Boats, ferries, and barges navigate the rivers and canals, connecting the various regions. In urban areas, bicycles and electric vehicles are popular for short trips, while roads are well-maintained for vehicles.

Luminiaz (Artistic and Eco-Conscious)

Building Styles: Luminiaz is known for its eco-friendly structures, with a focus on natural ventilation, solar energy, and sustainable materials. The buildings in Ruinia, the capital city, feature vibrant murals and artistic designs that celebrate local culture. Many buildings are constructed using locally sourced materials like bamboo, clay, and stone, creating a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

Housing: Housing in Luminiaz ranges from luxurious eco-resorts to simpler residences in rural areas. Many homes are designed with open-plan layouts, large windows, and natural materials to maximize airflow and reduce energy consumption. In urban areas, residents often live in artisanal workshops or eco-villages, where community living and sustainability are prioritized.

Public Spaces: The Tropical Arts Festival is a major event in Luminiaz, celebrated in the parks of Ruinia. The festival features exhibitions of local art, live performances, and culinary delights. Public spaces in Luminiaz are designed to encourage creativity and interaction, with many parks, plazas, and cultural centers serving as gathering places for the community.

Transportation: In urban areas, bicycles and electric scooters are the preferred modes of transportation, contributing to the city’s eco-conscious lifestyle. Rural areas rely on walking paths and local guides to navigate the terrain. Public transportation systems are minimal but well-designed, with a focus on reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

[unwelcome-ozian]

Welcome to the Field Guide to Police Surveillance.

EFF’s Street-Level Surveillance project shines a light on the surveillance technologies that law enforcement agencies routinely deploy in our communities. These resources are designed for advocacy organizations, journalists, defense attorneys, policymakers, and members of the public who often are not getting the straight story from police representatives or the vendors marketing this equipment.

Whether it’s phone-based location tracking, ubiquitous video recording, biometric data collection, or police access to people’s smart devices, law enforcement agencies follow closely behind their counterparts in the military and intelligence services in acquiring privacy-invasive technologies and getting access to consumer data. Just as analog surveillance historically has been used as a tool for oppression, we must understand the threat posed by emerging technologies to successfully defend civil liberties and civil rights in the digital age.

The threats to privacy of these surveillance technologies are enormous, as law enforcement agencies at all levels of government use surveillance technologies to compile vast databases filled with our personal information or gain access to devices that can lay bare the intricacies of our daily lives. Use of these surveillance technologies can infringe on our constitutional rights, including to speak and associate freely under the First Amendment or be free from unlawful search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Law enforcement also tends to deploy surveillance technologies disproportionately against marginalized communities. These technologies are prone to abuse by rogue officers, and can be subject to error or vulnerability, causing damaging repercussions for those who interact with the criminal justice system.

The resources contained in this hub bring together years of research, litigation, and advocacy by EFF staff and our allies, and will continue to grow as we obtain more information. SOURCE