Category: 4. Technology

Found in Google Messages v20250701 beta is code that brings Material 3 Expressive to the buttons on the profile page. The buttons under the person’s phone number on the profile page are changed from circles to pill or lozenge-shaped. These buttons will be highlighted and also change their shape and get wider when you press on them. When your finger is removed from the buttons, they revert back to their original size and shape.

Current Messages Profile page and the one Google is reportedly working on using Material 3 Expressive. | Image credit-Android Authority

This is accomplished by using the visual design and interaction of Material 3 Expressive. At the same time, this design language should deliver wonderful experiences to users.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it’ll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today’s Hurdle, don’t worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

An advantage.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ASSET

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To splash.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SLOSH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Where one might plant a kiss.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

CHEEK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A slope.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SLANT

Final Hurdle hint

A loather.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

HATER

If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

NATPAT’s approach creates authentic emotional resonance rather than relying on licensed intellectual property or overt product placement. The three-minute NATPAT Pals episodes focus on universal childhood themes — from emotional awareness to problem-solving and family dynamics — through adventures featuring protagonists like adventurous siblings Ethan and Ruby. Playful antagonists add lighthearted conflict.

The content deliberately avoids commercial messaging, instead aligning with NATPAT’s core mission of helping children feel emotionally supported. Produced independently without external funding, the project maintains the brand’s grassroots ethos.

Image Credit: NATPAT

Well, it was a long time coming. Microsoft had really struggled with getting people to switch over to Windows 11, and for a long time, Windows 10 won out as the most popular operating system worldwide. A few days ago, we spotted that Windows 10 was on the verge of losing its top worldwide spot to Windows 11, and if its downward trend continued even a little bit, it would fall to number two.

It turns out that the trend did, in fact, continue. Now, Windows 10 has been dethroned by Windows 11, having held on for almost four years since the newer operating system’s release. As such, it seems that Microsoft has finally gotten its way and encouraged enough people to switch over to Windows 11.

Windows 11 has finally become the most-used Microsoft operating system in the world

As reported by StatCounter, the worldwide statistics show that Windows 11 has finally beaten Windows 10 to become the top Microsoft operating system. It comes after a few countries, like the US and the UK, finally relinquished their Windows 10 PCs and allowed Windows 11 to take the forefront.

If you take a peek at the chart above, you’ll see that Windows 10 remained steady over the last few months; in fact, it even gained users at times. However, Windows 10’s share has plummeted recently, presumably because its end-of-life date is rapidly approaching this October. It’ll also be Windows 11’s fourth birthday that month.

Because Statcounter collects its data in a particular way, it’s challenging to determine how many of the new wave of Windows 11 adopters arrived by purchasing a new PC or by being forced to upgrade to Windows 11 on their existing Windows 10 PC using tools like Rufus or Flyby11. Regardless of which method people picked, it’s still surprising to see people make the switch, especially given how Microsoft gave people a few free ways to extend their Windows 10 security support.

If you’re curious about how Windows fares versus other operating systems, StatCounter has that logged, too. As per its most recent report, Windows collectively takes the top spot at 70.14%, while OS X is at 9.87%. Both Linux and macOS sit around the 5% mark.

Have you made the jump over to Windows 11 in the last month or two? If so, you may want to check out the first 10 things to do with your new Windows 11 PC to get yourself properly situated. Just don’t think that Windows 11 is 2.3x faster than Windows 10 by default, despite what you think Microsoft told you.

seven slender steel arcs shape Camellia Theater in China

At 2,300 meters above sea level in the highlands of Wuliang Mountain, a delicate steel pavilion, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio, shimmers above a tea garden. The open-air Camellia Theater in Dali, Yunnan, China, emerges from the mists of Fenghuang Mountain as a weightless structure that frames the land and sky. Its purpose is to host cultural performances, quiet contemplation, and everything in between as part of a larger transformation of this historic tea estate into a tea-tourism destination.

Inspired by the form of a camellia flower, the structure was not conceived through formal drawings but emerged on-site through hand-weaving steel bars, an approach developed by the studio in close collaboration with local workers. The initial form, determined in a single day, takes shape through seven slender steel arcs that resemble petals, streamers, or even celestial tassels. ‘They are both petals and streamers,’ the designers explain, ‘like silver tassels shaken down from the sky.’

all images by Archi-translator Photography and Kong Xiangwei Studio

Kong Xiangwei Studio create petal-like canopy for performance

Part of a wider homestay renovation and cultural upgrade of the estate, the Camellia Theater sits on a natural platform recommended by the head of Huilong Village, an already beloved scenic overlook between Fenghuang Mountain and the Lancang River. The architects at Kong Xiangwei Studio opt for an intuitive intervention that blends almost invisibly with its surroundings. ‘The tea garden is a wordless poem,’ they share. ‘Human intervention should be as light as dewdrops on leaves.’

Beneath its delicate, petal-like canopy, the structure curves into the shape of a circular bench that wraps around a central clearing. It avoids disturbing the surrounding tea trees, creating a space that functions as a stage and audience seating. When a singer or storyteller stands in the middle, they’re performing to a crowd, and at the same time they’re enveloped by the landscape itself. 

a delicate steel pavilion, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio, shimmers above a tea garden

the form of the structure reflects local legend

That immersive effect is constantly in flux, thanks to the mountain’s unpredictable microclimate. At times, the theater floats in clear sunlight; at others, it disappears into mist. These conditions are part of the experience. When the sun sets, the sky often fills with glowing cloud formations, transforming the entire scene into a quiet spectacle. Even when there’s no scheduled performance, the environment itself puts on a show.

And seen from the other side of the forest, something interesting happens: the theater’s form, those seven petal-like arcs, begins to resemble a crown. Whether coincidence or subconscious intuition, the image connects to local legend, evoking the mythical queen of Caowang Mountain, weaving folklore into the architectural gesture. 

a weightless structure that frames the land and sky

its purpose is to host cultural performances

inspired by the form of a camellia flower

Mazda’s sports cars may be few and far between today, with the MX-5 Miata being the only roadster left for a fun track day. But it wasn’t always that way. Powered by a Wankel rotary engine, all three generations of the RX-7 defy normal automotive tradition. Most enthusiasts are aware of the FD RX-7 – the third generation of the brand’s most popular sports car.

However, the generation before it is worthy of praise, as well. Dubbed the FC RX-7, the second-gen is often overlooked despite being an exciting, lightweight GT car with both coupe and convertible options. Here is everything you need to know about the Mazda FC RX-7.

A Brief History Of The RX-7

Mazda’s beloved rotary sports car was brought into existence for the 1978 model year for its first generation. Designed by Matasaburo Maeda, the RX-7’s first generation was inspired by the Lotus Elan – a British sports coupe with small, lightweight construction and somewhat low power. This model was powered by a twin-rotor rotary engine mounted in the front of the car, but behind the front axle, earning it a “front mid-engine” car moniker. This gave it a 50/50 weight balance, a low center of gravity, and it weighed just 2,500 pounds. So, despite having low horsepower (only about 101 hp), the first-gen was still a blast to drive.

With the success of Mazda’s gamble on a new sports car and unconventional powertrain, the brand went on to produce two more generations of the RX-7. The second-gen is called the FC, and the third, which is arguably the most popular, is the FD. The FC vs FD RX-7 debate is a brief one, since most tuners and enthusiasts only know and recognize the third-gen model for its iconic, smooth styling – a vast difference compared to the sharp wedge shade of the FC. The last iteration of the RX-7, the FD, sold until the 1995 model year, before the legendary sports car was retired from production. Today, it’s mentioned in the same breathe as other Japanese greats like the Toyota MkIV Supra and the Nissan R34 GTR, and it’s thrilling to see them all side-by-side.

2nd-generation: Mazda RX-7 FC

The FC RX-7 was produced from 1986 to 1991. Overall, it was a huge improvement over the first generation, with nearly double the original’s horsepower, updated styling, and more tech. The FC RX-7’s weight was inflated due to some new features, but not by much. Unladen, the FC RX-7 gained about 350 pounds over the first-gen. With upgrades like leather upholstery and a quieter cabin, the FC was a better grand tourer than the FB while still staying true to its sporty origins.

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Mazda FC RX-7: Japan’s Porsche 924

Modeled After Excellence

Both the FC RX-7 convertible and coupe were modeled with the goal of openly targeting the Porsche 924 and 944. While some Porsche purists aren’t huge fans of these front-engine sports cars, they’re still incredibly fun and sought-after. When Mazda designed the first RX-7, the FB, it did so by modeling it after a British sports car. In order to stay true to its origins, but still provide upgrades and class to the FC, the brand looked to the Germans. It didn’t exactly copy Porsche’s designs, but Its inspiration is apparent in the FC’s wedge-shaped nose and angular body lines.

The FC’s steering column was still not adjustable, though, and its gauge cluster still sported orange-on-black dials like the FB. Its belt line was higher, creating a tighter enclosure while keeping adequate visibility all around, and the FC came with bigger wheels than the FB. The soft-top convertible keeps similar body lines to the coupe, but the hardtop two-seater is one of the best-looking coupes from the era.

The FC RX-7 Was Born To Win

Mazda Didn’t Come to Mess Around

FC RX-7 horsepower varies depending on which powertrain you choose – the non-turbo version made 147 hp while adding forced induction boosted the power to 185 hp in stock form. While the FC was released for the 1986 model year, buyers didn’t have the option of a turbocharger until the ’89 model year. The N/A version is still a lightweight, well-balanced sports car, but the one to buy today would be the turbo, simply due to the power output, more speed, and the sweet sound of a turbo whistling under the hood.

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In addition to the 13B engine in the Turbo II, it’s fitted with independent rear suspension, passive rear steering, more precise rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes all around. Like any turbocharged car from this era, there is no anti-lag system – the turbo spools up at around 3,500 RPM, then lunges forward like a proper sports car.

Why The Rotary Engine Is So Revered

Mazda’s rotary engine may be making a comeback, and we couldn’t be more excited. In general, the FC RX-7 engine is an incredibly smooth rotary with fewer moving parts than a piston engine. There are no reciprocating parts like one would find in a traditional internal combustion engine, which eliminates a significant amount of the typical movement that might wear parts down and be less efficient in conserving energy. It’s also packaged more tightly, giving it a better power-to-weight ratio, and the small, simple design is cheaper to produce. How could we forget, too, that the sound of a rotary is so sweet?

It Doesn’t Last As Long As A Piston Engine

Unfortunately, the Wankel isn’t the most reliable engine of all time. Despite being a thrilling option with unique sound and low weight, the rotary is simply not efficient enough at circulating engine oil to lubricate its rotors. In a typical piston engine, oil is picked up from the oil pan via the oil pump, then pulled through the filter to remove particulates before being injected into various parts of the engine to prevent metal-on-metal contact. A rotary, on the other hand, simply can’t recirculate any oil that enters due to the centrifugal force created by the rotors spinning. The Wankel makes up for this by mixing lubricant into the air-fuel mixture, similar to a two-stroke engine. While this works temporarily, it burns off oil faster than a piston engine would.

How Much Is The Rotary Engine RX-7 Worth Today?

Somewhat Affordable

Buying a JDM FC RX-7 today will set you back anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 for a model in good condition. Of course, pricing depends on where you are in the country, the car’s condition, how many miles the engine racked up over the last three decades or so, and many more factors. While non-turbocharged and earlier model year examples can go for under $10k, the turbocharged variants are still sought after – not as much as the FD, which can bring in six figures, in some cases. Ultra-low-mileage turbo examples have been sold for between $20k and $30k in the last year across various online auction sites, but the FC in general is a somewhat affordable car to buy today.

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Summary: The FC RX-7 Is An Underrated Legend

It Deserves More Recognition

The RX-7 is one of the coolest, unique sports cars of our time, and the second-generation deserves more recognition for its impact. Not everybody can afford an FD, even if the third-gen has subjectively better styling and factually more power. The RX-7 was introduced in the late seventies with inspiration based on a British sports car, so it only made sense to model the second generation after an equally interesting and capable sports car from Germany. Styling aside, the FC, especially the turbo version, is a bargain for what it’s capable of. You might pay the price when its rotary falls apart, but as long as it’s still running, you won’t regret the driving experience it provides.

Sources: Mazda

For native-born Bavarians Thomas Müller and Aleksandar Pavlović, the Bayern Munich connection is strong. What makes the club so special to them? The pair explored this topic in a February interview for Säbener51.

“Where do you start? Where do you end?” said Müller in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “I think there’s a very special identity in the club. It certainly won’t have been so firmly established around 1900, but something has developed over the decades that you don’t find elsewhere in this form.

“The success story certainly began with the way Bayern established itself very quickly after promotion in 1965, both domestically and internationally. At that time, it was possible to retain that core of young players, many of them from Munich and Bavaria, that group around Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Gerd Müller. Then came Uli Hoeneß, Paul Breitner. We mustn’t forget Katsche Schwarzenbeck and Bulle Roth — they all became icons. Something grew back then that is still the foundation of Bayern today.”

Pavlović added: “And of course this unconditional striving for success that emerged with this generation is still an essential and driving part of the club’s DNA today. As a player, you get that from day one. In my eyes, the biggest secret of Bayern’s success is the huge sense of solidarity, this family atmosphere at the club, together with the fans. You can just feel it, even on the pitch. We have this ‘Mia san mia’ inside us.”

Two players carrying the Bayern torch across the generations. Now Müller is on his way out, his last hurrah coming at any moment as the Bavarians head into the FIFA Club World Cup knockouts.

As for Pavlović? The journey is just beginning.