At Xbox, we’re committed to providing players with a safe and secure experience on our platform. Since launching our first ever gaming console that could connect players online in 2005, we’ve continued to invest in state-of-the-art tools and technologies to protect the Xbox community. Over more than two decades of experience, we’ve developed a multifaceted safety, privacy, and security approach that features built-in safety measures, respects player privacy, and empowers players, parents, and caregivers to have control over their gaming experiences.
We frequently iterate on these safety measures in collaboration with our community, publishing partners, and industry regulators to ensure we’re providing our players with the safest possible experience. Beginning today, as part of our compliance program for the UK Online Safety Act and our ongoing investments in tools and technologies that help ensure age-appropriate experiences, players who indicate their account age as 18 and over, based in the UK, and signing into an Xbox experience with a Microsoft account will begin seeing notifications encouraging them to verify their age. This one-time process for players in the UK ensures we can continue to provide all players on our platform with age-appropriate experiences.
Starting early next year, age verification will be required for these players in the UK to retain full access to social features on Xbox, such as voice or text communication and game invites. Players who don’t verify their age between now and early 2026 can continue to play and enjoy Xbox. However, starting early next year, their use of social features on Xbox will become limited to friends only until they complete the age verification process. Whether a player verifies their age will not affect any previous purchases, entitlements, gameplay history, achievements, or the ability to play and purchase games, however we encourage players to verify their age via this one-time process now to avoid uninterrupted use of social features on Xbox in the future.
Adults in the UK can begin the age verification process now on their mobile device by scanning the QR code to then left, or by clicking this link: https://aka.ms/XboxUKAgeVerification
There are several easy and secure methods for age verification that players can choose from, including proof of government-issued ID, age estimation, mobile provider check, and credit card check. The information players provide during the age verification process is protected with industry-standard encryption and is not stored or used for any other purpose. Additional information about the age verification process, including step-by-step instructions, the options players have for verifying their age, and how player data is kept private and secure, is available at aka.ms/XboxUKAgeSupport.
The Future of Safety at Xbox Globally
As this age verification process rolls out across the UK, we’ll continue to evaluate how we can keep players around the world safe and learn from the UK process. We expect to roll out age verification processes to more regions in the future. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to player safety, so these methods may look different across regions and experiences. We’ll work with local communities, publishing partners and regulators to determine the right approach that both respects player privacy and doesn’t take away from the Xbox gameplay experience. We’ll continue to communicate the changes we’re making to our practices and the data we collect so we can better protect players on our platform.
Additional Resources
We encourage parents and caregivers of children or teens who use an Xbox console to set up child or teen accounts, which do not require age verification and allow them to manage gaming activities like screentime, spending limits, privacy and content settings, and more using the Xbox Family Settings app. You can learn more at www.xbox.com/en-US/family-hub or check out the Xbox Gaming Safety Toolkit to read more about how caregivers can support safer gaming.
For more information on Microsoft privacy, safety, and responsible gaming, please see the below list of resources:
I used to generate and print reports in Visual Studio 2015 using SQLite databases. Creating reports with RDLC was very easy — I could design them and print directly on A4 paper. ORM use was like blessing. However, after Visual Studio 2015, no newer edition of Visual Studio provides an option to add SQLite as a data source. As a result, I can no longer use ORM and insert SQLite tables into the report designer or use them in expression textboxes.
In Visual Studio 2015, I could easily add SQLite via “Add Data Source”, but that option is now missing. Even .xsd files don’t seem to support SQLite anymore. What should I do now? How to Add SQLite as DataSource in Visual Studio 2019 -2022.
Visual Studio 2015 allowed adding SQLite easily through the “Add Data Source” option, and it worked perfectly with .xsd datasets. But now, even .xsd doesn’t support SQLite properly.
I even tried installing the SQLite Data Provider bundle to bring back support, but it didn’t help. In any version of Visual Studio after 2015, I still can’t add SQLite as a data source in the RDLC report designer. This has made it very difficult to work with reports, since I can’t insert SQLite tables or use them in the expression textboxes like I used to. I can’t use ORM either.
To make things worse, Visual Studio 2015 is also nearing its end of extended support cycle. I’m not sure what to do next.
The next generation of AMD’s high-end desktop (HEDT) processors, the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series, goes on sale July 31. The Zen 5 chips will put some serious muscle into your PC—if your wallet can handle the price. The MSRPs start at $1,499 and top out at $4,999 for the first three CPUs in the non-Pro series.
AMD is targeting high-end workstation users with the Threadripper 9000 series. This means the CPUs will end up in plenty of corporate PCs—particularly workstations aimed at 3D content creation and software development. AI processing work is another target for AMD, and it’s encouraging customers to pair a Threadripper 9000 series CPU with its new GPU, the Radeon AI Pro R9700. That’s not something you can do just yet, however. As Videocardz points out, the GPU’s rollout has been mostly nonexistent. And the launch would have only seen the GPUs in pre-built systems anyway. It will be a while before you can pick up the new GPU to pair it with a Threadripper 9000 series CPU.
The cheapest of the three new CPUs is the Threadripper 9960X, which has 24 cores (48 threads), 128MB cache, and a base frequency of 4.2GHz that boosts to 5.4GHz. It goes for $1,499. The next step up is the Threadripper 9970X, with 32 cores (64 threads), a 4.0 / 5.4GHz clock, and the same cache as the 9960X. You’ll pay $1,000 more for those eight extra cores, compared to the 9960X.
The flagship Zen 5 Threadripper has 64 cores (128 threads), with the lowest clock of the three at 3.2GHz, though it still boosts to 5.4GHz. Its cache is 256MB, and it carries a much steeper price tag than its already-pricey siblings at $4,999.
The Threadripper 9000 series is compatible with the AMD TRX50 chipset, which supports 4-channel, DDR5-6400 memory and supports as many as 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes. Motherboards with this chipset also support the Threadripper Pro 9000 series CPUs, but you’ll want to go with the AMD WRX90 chipset to take advantage of Pro’s 8-channel memory support—and its support for 2TB of memory, to the TRX50’s 1TB max.
AMD also recently launched its Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series CPUs, which target workstations, too. But the Pro series is designed for very high-end workstations that have support for octa-channel memory. You won’t see those CPUs in enthusiast workstations.
Are you wondering how to become a freelance writer? Do you think you’re missing the qualifications to be a successful freelancer? Honestly? The credentials that really matter have nothing to do with writing and everything to do with mindset.
New freelance writers and experienced industry professionals alike doubt their writing skills or worry their resume isn’t impressive enough for potential clients from time to time.
But guess what? Anyone can start freelance writing without special credentials.
A strong freelance writing career depends more on confidence, practice, and a captivating writing style than a diploma. With persistence, even beginners can land freelance writing jobs, build a sustainable freelance business, and have a rewarding career.
Keep reading to learn how to become a freelance writer and make money writing.
What do freelance writers do exactly?
A freelance writer handles many types of freelance writing work. Common projects include writing articles for media websites, creating blog posts and white papers for businesses, developing website copy, sales pages, email marketing copy or ghostwriting books.
Beyond client work, a professional writer also manages a freelance writing business behind the scenes. That means bookkeeping, tracking invoices, handling client relationships, answering emails, pitching prospective clients and promoting writing services on social media or a personal blog.
Many freelance writers discover that running the freelance business side takes just as much time as writing itself, so developing solid business skills helps maintain a profitable online business.
Does freelance writing pay well?
Freelance writing can provide impressive income for those who develop strong writing skills and treat their freelance profession seriously. Skilled freelance writers have the potential to earn $10,000 per month or more, depending on experience, niche and client base. For example, professional writers with a steady freelance writing client list can charge $150 per hour or more, creating a flexible career that supports a healthy work–life balance.
New freelance writers may start with modest rates while building a freelance writing portfolio, but once confident in their writing abilities and business skills, they can raise rates and attract higher-paying clients.
Is there a demand for freelance writers?
Demand for high-quality writing services continues to grow. Brands invest heavily in content marketing to keep up with search engine optimization and industry trends. Most marketing departments do not employ full-time writers, which opens opportunities for freelance writing work.
Freelance writing job boards and online communities offer plenty of opportunities, and many companies rely on freelance writers to create blog posts, web copy, technical writing or other specialized content. For those with a captivating writing style and professional experience, countless prospective clients need help developing content.
How do freelancers find work?
While bidding sites like Upwork and Fiverr can offer some projects for those just getting started, you’ll often find higher paying clients from cold pitching. Reaching out directly to prospective clients helps build confidence, sharpen pitching skills and stand out from other writers.
Once a freelance writer builds a portfolio, job boards and online freelance marketplaces can provide even more freelance writing opportunities. In addition, networking with fellow writers and industry professionals opens doors to referrals and more projects.
How much should freelance writers charge?
Rates for freelance writing vary. For a 500-word article, beginner rates might land around $40–$60, while experienced freelance writers often charge $200 or more, depending on niche, audience and topic complexity.
A simple way to set rates is to calculate monthly expenses, desired work hours and savings targets, then divide that amount by the hours available for freelance writing work. That provides a baseline freelance writing rate to charge future clients.
As their writing improves and professional writing experience grows, freelance writers can confidently raise rates with previous clients and pitch new, higher-paying projects.
Can someone become a freelance writer without a degree?
Making it as a freelance writer is a dream for many people, yet some feel unqualified without a journalism degree or formal education.
A degree is not necessary to get paid to write. Clients usually focus on writing samples, professionalism and the ability to deliver quality writing services on time.
Many freelance writers build careers without journalism or English degrees by showcasing strong past articles, maintaining consistent client communication, and continually improving their writing skills.
With dedication, persistence, and a willingness to pitch clients directly, anyone can build a successful freelance writing career, degree or no degree.
How to become a freelance writer and make money from your craft
Before exploring how to become a freelance writer and get paid for your skills, make sure you have these core traits that help build a strong freelance writing career:
Curiosity: Curiosity drives great writing. It encourages freelance writers to research, ask questions, and discover new topics for blogs, client projects, or technical writing. Curiosity helps craft a more engaging writing style that attracts potential clients and stands out on job boards
Courage: Courage helps writers face rejection and keep pitching. Building a business takes confidence to show articles, pitch prospective clients, and market writing services, even with little professional writing experience
Hunger: Hunger is essential for success in freelance writing work. A motivated freelance writer stays driven to find freelance writing jobs, strengthen client relationships, and build a sustainable freelance business over time. That determination creates a flexible online career with opportunities for growth and higher pay
If these qualities resonate, you’re ready to start your journey to become a freelance writer and build the rewarding, flexible freelance profession you want.
Step 1: Choose your niche and freelance writing services
To build a sustainable freelance writing career, start by choosing a niche and a service to offer. A niche means the particular industry you write for, like beauty, technology or healthcare, while your service could be blog writing, freelance copywriting, technical writing or content marketing.
Being a generalist freelance writer may help you find some freelance writing jobs quickly, but it’s rarely a long-term strategy. High-paying prospective clients want writers who specialize and have deep knowledge in their industry.
For example, a skincare company would prefer a freelance writer with proven experience writing blog posts and marketing copy specifically for the beauty industry, rather than someone who writes about everything.
Choose a niche that fits these three criteria:
You’re passionate about the industry and related trends
You have professional experience or knowledge related to that niche (optional but helpful)
You can easily identify clients in the industry who need writing services
Focusing on a niche makes your business attractive to prospective clients and helps you become a better copywriter or content writer in that field.
Step 2: Build a strong portfolio
Beginners don’t need professional writing experience to start landing writing work. Publishing articles on your own blog to demonstrate your skills and range can be enough to jumpstart your writing portfolio.
Craft three to five high-quality samples that showcase your captivating writing style within your chosen niche. These samples should reflect the type of freelance writing jobs you want, whether blog posts, articles, or marketing copy.
Organize them in PDFs or a digital portfolio and keep the links handy to share with new clients. Your portfolio is often the first proof of your writing abilities, so it’s critical for building trust and landing your first freelance clients.
Step 3: Develop essential skills and tools
To succeed in freelance writing and build a professional freelance business, sharpening specific skills and mastering tools is key.
Writing: Focus on clarity, grammar, and adapting tone to different audiences. Practice blog writing, SEO content and persuasive copy, and read e-books on freelance writing
Organizational skills: Use tools like Google Sheets, Trello or Asana to track projects, pitches, invoices and deadlines
Content marketing knowledge: Understand how businesses use blogs, email copy and white papers to attract and convert leads. This knowledge helps you tailor your writing services to client needs
Editing apps: Use Grammarly or Hemingway to polish your writing before submitting to clients
Image editing: Basic skills with Canva or Photoshop can add value, as some clients request images for articles or landing pages
Step 4: Practice writing regularly and consider starting your own blog
Practice improves writing abilities and builds confidence. Many content creators start personal sites to refine their writing, experiment with different styles, demonstrate their expertise and even earn money by monetizing their blogs.
Running a blog also helps with marketing your freelance writing business by showcasing your skills to prospective clients. Blogging teaches important skills like formatting for online readers, incorporating SEO strategies and producing engaging content regularly.
Reading widely in your niche and beyond also enriches vocabulary and keeps you informed about industry trends.
Step 5: Pitch potential clients through cold outreach
For beginners, cold pitching often beats applying to freelance writing job boards initially. Why? Competition on job boards can be fierce, with many writers offering low rates. Cold pitching allows you to directly contact businesses or marketing departments you want to work with—a better way to find writing opportunities and build client relationships.
Research companies in your niche, personalize your pitch emails, and attach relevant articles. Consistent pitching helps you build a freelance client list and gain valuable professional experience.
Step 6: Network with other freelance writers and industry professionals
Joining online communities and social media groups focused on freelance writing or your niche exposes you to industry trends, job leads and advice from others. Platforms like Bluesky or X (formerly Twitter) can be excellent for connecting with fellow writers and learning about writing opportunities.
Engaging with other writers builds your freelance business network and often leads to referrals or collaborations.
Step 7: Set rates and manage your freelance business
Start by determining how much to charge based on your expenses, desired income and time available for writing work. Begin with competitive yet fair rates, and adjust them as your skills and professional experience improve.
Keep organized records of invoices, client communications, and deadlines using project management tools. Business skills like these help build a sustainable online business and a flexible career with more projects and better-paying freelance clients.
With persistence, improving writing skills and focused effort on pitching and client work, newbies can build a thriving career. Remember, every professional writer started somewhere. The key is to start freelancing now, keep learning and stay confident.
Step 8: Build credentials and keep learning
While formal education isn’t required to become a freelance writer, gaining credentials through online courses or certifications can boost your credibility and sharpen your skills. Many take classes in SEO, content marketing or technical writing to expand their writing services and attract more clients. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer excellent courses tailored to freelance writers.
Credentials help beginners stand out on job boards and in pitches to prospective clients, showing professionalism and commitment to their career. Lifelong learning through webinars, books, and workshops keeps you updated on industry trends and improves your writing abilities, helping you grow a sustainable online business.
Step 9: Manage finances and chasing invoices
A sustainable writing business demands good business skills. Managing your finances means tracking income, expenses and deadlines for client payments carefully.
Many use simple tools like spreadsheets or apps to organize invoices and follow up when payments are late. This process is called chasing invoices. Staying on top of your payments ensures steady cash flow, allowing you to focus on writing content and growing client relationships.
Proper financial management is a key part of turning freelance writing into a successful, flexible career that supports your goals and lifestyle.
Join Freelance Writers Den
Freelance Writers Den is an online community created to support freelance writers at every stage of their career. It offers training videos, live sessions and a helpful forum where writers can connect with other writers and industry professionals.
By joining, newbies get access to valuable writing services, tutorials, advice on pitching clients and tips for becoming a successful writer. The Den helps enthusiasts build client relationships and improve their skills while navigating online job boards and writing work.
Being part of this community means you’re never alone on your freelance career path. You get support, accountability, and connections to fellow writers who understand what it takes to become a freelance writer and grow a successful freelance business.
Start freelance writing today!
Starting a freelance writing career may seem overwhelming at first, but the most important thing is to begin and keep going. Choosing a profitable niche that matches your interests and knowledge is key. This focus helps you become a better content writer and attracts more freelance clients who need your specific writing services.
Launching your own blog in that niche is a powerful way to practice your skills, build a great portfolio, and develop a unique voice. Hosting your blog on platforms like WordPress or Wix, combined with simple marketing strategies through social media channels like Reddit or Pinterest, can help you grow your online presence and reach potential clients.
Aiming to publish a few writings each week is one of the best ways to improve your writing abilities and get noticed. Reading widely also sharpens your skills; consider books like On Writing by Stephen King and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White.
Beyond blogging, actively seek jobs by pitching guest posts to blogs in your niche, applying for freelance work with local marketing departments or agencies and optimizing your LinkedIn profile to showcase your portfolio. Cold pitching remains a valuable way to build client relationships and find writing opportunities that fit your career path.
Remember, being a successful freelancer requires persistence, ongoing learning and smart marketing of your writing services.
Keep writing, keep learning, and your online business will grow into the flexible, rewarding career you dream of.
FAQs
How do I start freelancing as a writer?
To start online writing, focus on building strong writing abilities and identifying your niche. Many beginners begin by creating writing samples or starting their blogs to showcase their abilities. Use job boards to find your first jobs and start pitching potential clients directly. Networking with other writers in online communities and on social media can open doors to more writing opportunities. It’s also important to learn basic business skills, like managing client relationships and invoicing. With persistence and a clear career path, you can become a successful online writer and grow your career.
Can I make $1,000 a month freelance writing?
Yes, making $1,000 a month freelance writing is achievable, especially when you focus on gaining consistent writing work and building client relationships. Start by offering writing services that match your skills, such as blog writing or copywriting. Using freelance job boards and cold pitching can help you find potential clients willing to pay well. As your writing abilities improve and your portfolio grows, you can increase your rates and take on more projects. Many reach this milestone early in their online career by balancing steady client work with marketing themselves effectively.
How much money do freelance writers make?
The income varies widely depending on experience, niche and business skills. Some beginners earn only a token amount at first, while professional writers with a strong business can make six figures. Rates differ by writing job, from content writing and technical writing to freelance copywriter projects. Factors like client relationships, writing skills and your ability to pitch clients also affect earnings. To boost income, focus on niches with high demand and improve your writing abilities through online courses and reading industry trends. With time, you can turn online writing into a flexible career that meets your financial goals.
Can I be a freelance writer with no experience?
Absolutely! Many successful freelance writers started with no professional experience. The key is to build a portfolio by creating articles or blog posts on your own or for imaginary clients. Starting a free blog helps demonstrate your writing abilities and a creative writing style to prospective clients. Use freelance writing job boards and cold pitching to land beginner positions. Joining online communities and learning from others can boost your confidence and skills. Remember, becoming a freelance writer is more about persistence and improving your writing and business skills than formal education.
How to become a freelance writer as a student?
Students can start freelance writing by balancing studies with writing work and focusing on manageable projects. Start by developing your writing abilities through blog writing or contributing guest posts on platforms related to your field. Use freelance writing job boards to find part-time jobs or internships with marketing departments or content writers. Creating your own blog helps showcase your writing abilities to potential clients. Students should also network on social media and connect with other writers for support and advice. Online writing can be a side hustle that builds valuable professional experience and a future career path.
How to become a freelance writer for free?
Becoming a freelance writer for free means using no-cost resources to develop your skills and build a portfolio. Start by writing articles or blog posts for your free blog on platforms like Medium or WordPress. Use free online courses to improve your writing abilities and learn about content marketing and SEO. Join online communities to get advice and pitch clients without spending money. Look for jobs on free job boards and practice cold pitching to potential clients. With determination and consistent writing, you can start freelancing without upfront investment and grow a successful online business.
This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.
While the iPhone 17 Pro is not expected to launch until September, a prototype of the device has potentially been spotted in the wild. However, the mysterious device could be just about anything, so this might simply be a false alarm.
X account @Skyfops today shared two somewhat blurry photos of the mysterious device. The post was later shared by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
“I just spotted a test development iPhone in the wild,” the post said.
Everything that we have wrote below is purely speculation.
In one of the photos, a person wearing reflective sunglasses can be seen holding what appears to be an iPhone inside of a thick black protective case, which might be intended to disguise the design of the iPhone 17 Pro in public. They are also holding what appears to be an iPhone 16 Pro with a sticker on the back of it, which could be hiding a data matrix code that allows Apple to track internal iPhones used by employees for development purposes.
What might make the disguised device an iPhone 17 Pro? Well, rumors indicate that the back of the device will have a rectangular camera bump, with the LED flash, rear microphone, and LiDAR Scanner expected to be vertically aligned on the right side of the bump. And in the photo, the back of the device seems to have circular openings in the top-right corner for what could be the LED flash and LiDAR Scanner. Your guess is as good as ours, though.
Gurman seems to think the photos might be the real deal. “This looks legit,” he said. Or maybe he’s just being sarcastic. Who knows.
Adding to the intrigue, @Skyfops said “the guy on the right was security and trying to go in front of the iPhone to hide it.” Allegedly!
The user is located in Los Angeles, according to the account’s bio.
Even if this really was an iPhone 17 Pro prototype in the wild, these photos do not really show anything that is not already rumored. But who doesn’t love an old-school 2010-era rumor in mid-summer, as we count down the days to Apple’s announcement?
Building Information Modeling, or BIM, revolutionized the construction and building industry by enhancing the design process as well as better management of the projects. Scan to BIM, a specific application of architectural BIM services, takes the process one notch higher by integrating 3D laser scanning and building information models to provide accurate digital models of existing facilities.
This solution is most useful to architects, engineers, and builders involved in renovation or retrofitting work because it will enable correct as-built models and improve project delivery. For architectural design service companies from Cad Crowd’s leading industry platform, adding a scan to BIM to their workflow can be useful, but it comes with its own set of issues. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to work efficiently with architectural design services companies utilizing Scan to BIM technology.
🚀 Table of contents
Understanding the scan to BIM technology
Scan to BIM (Building Information Modeling) represents a revolutionary process that seamlessly bridges the gap between physical structures and digital design workflows. The technology begins with advanced 3D laser scanning, which captures high-resolution, millimeter-accurate scans of existing buildings or construction sites. This comprehensive scanning process collects millions of precise data points, creating what professionals call a “point cloud”—an incredibly detailed digital representation of the physical space.
These point clouds serve as the foundation for generating accurate 3D modeling design services that integrate directly into BIM platforms used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The result is a data-rich digital twin that reflects real-world conditions with unprecedented precision.
Primary applications and advantages: Scan to BIM proves especially valuable for retrofit, renovation, and restoration projects where existing building conditions must be captured with absolute accuracy. Traditional measurement methods often prove slow, inaccurate, and labor-intensive, particularly in complex or inaccessible areas. Scan to BIM technology eliminates measurement guesswork by generating highly detailed models that precisely mirror actual site conditions.
Strategic benefits for design practices: Architectural firms adopting this approach experience significant operational improvements:
Dramatic reduction in documentation errors and measurement inaccuracies
Enhanced project planning capabilities and streamlined decision-making processes
Substantial cost savings through the elimination of expensive rework scenarios
Improved collaboration across disciplines and construction phases
Whether working with historic structures, large commercial complexes, or constrained urban environments, Scan to BIM ensures all design decisions are grounded in reliable, data-driven models that reflect true building conditions.
Why architectural firms should embrace scan to BIM
Architecture firms embracing Scan to BIM technology unlock transformative advantages that fundamentally enhance design accuracy and operational efficiency. This innovative approach enables architects to work from highly detailed, data-rich 3D models generated through precise laser scanning of existing structures, eliminating traditional measurement guesswork and dramatically reducing errors from outdated building documentation for architectural design firms.
Enhanced accuracy and efficiency: Scan to BIM virtually eliminates costly on-site rework by providing architects with precise as-built conditions from the project’s inception. Traditional site surveys—historically time-consuming and labor-intensive processes—are replaced by rapid laser scanning technology that captures comprehensive building data in hours rather than days. This efficiency gain liberates architects to focus on creative problem-solving and strategic design development rather than tedious measurement tasks.
Seamless collaboration: The technology’s collaborative impact proves equally significant through real-time accessible BIM models that create a unified information platform. Engineers, contractors, and stakeholders work from identical, continuously updated data, eliminating communication gaps and reducing coordination conflicts. This shared digital foundation ensures all project participants operate with consistent, accurate information throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Superior project outcomes: The result is seamless project delivery characterized by enhanced interdisciplinary communication, reduced design conflicts, and accelerated construction timelines. Scan to BIM transforms complex renovation and retrofit projects from error-prone endeavors into precision-driven, collaborative processes that consistently deliver superior outcomes while maximizing both time and cost efficiency.
Key considerations when working with architectural firms using scan to BIM
When you hire an architectural design and drafting firm for a project involving Scan to BIM, there are a few key things that you need to take into account. No, you don’t simply go out and hope to find the best firm you ought to be dealing with. You don’t want to just take anyone, either. You do need to make sure that the firm has experience with Scan to BIM technology and that they can efficiently incorporate it into their design workflow. But apart from technical knowledge, there are a couple of other things to bear in mind.
Assess the firm’s technical capability
It is not possible for all architecture companies to be efficient when it comes to utilizing Scan to BIM technology. While certain companies are able to perform this process for a very long duration, there are companies that are working towards activating it. Prior to recruiting an architectural firm to handle a Scan to BIM job, make it a point to consider their technical capability. Inquire about their experience using 3D laser scanning, BIM software, and whether they have worked with bringing Scan to BIM into their operation.
Also, it’s important to assess the software and machines the company uses for Scan to BIM. Different companies may utilize different BIM platforms (e.g., Revit, ArchiCAD), and they may not necessarily be all compatible with your needs. Make sure the company is utilizing the latest technology and software releases, as this will ensure that the models generated by them are accurate, up to date, and compatible with other tools used on the project.
Understand their approach to handling data
Scan to BIM involves the acquisition of huge amounts of data, and handling the data in an effective way is a crucial part of the process. The architectural design expert you hire should have a clear approach to handling the point cloud data, converting it into a usable BIM model, and providing the final product that best meets your project requirements.
Ask the company how they treat point cloud data. For example, do they use automated programs to automate, or do they use manual methodologies to clean? How do they ensure the correctness of the output BIM model? Understanding their data management procedure can help you decide whether or not they have the ability to handle the complexity of your job.
Communication and collaboration
Communication is essential in any architectural project, but particularly so when using Scan to BIM technology. Because there are several stages to the process, from gathering data to creating the model to implementing the design, strong lines of communication must exist among the architectural firm, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Make sure that the architectural firm you employ is committed to open communication and problem-solving as a team. Do they hold regular meetings to keep all staff members informed about project progress? Are they open to suggestion and ready to change if something needs to be adjusted? Communication is the key to preventing misunderstandings and keeping the project on track.
Before hiring an architecture practice on a Scan to BIM project, ensure that you confirm they receive what you are looking for. Do you need the BIM modeling services for energy analysis, fit-out, or future expansion if the need arises? The quality of data and amount of detail required will rely on the nature of the work.
Describe your aims to the company and make them aware of how Scan to BIM can help you achieve them. For example, if you are carrying out a full transformation, it is necessary to have a correct as-built model that can assist during the design. The architectural firm should be in a position to generate a detailed and accurate model that indicates the building as it is at the moment, including structural features, HVAC systems, and other major components.
Manage the project timeline
Scan to BIM projects can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s essential to work with a firm that understands the importance of managing the project timeline effectively. Request the company to provide a clear timetable that describes the different phases of the Scan to BIM process, from data capturing to point cloud processing, and finally, the creation of the BIM model. They should be able to provide you with realistic time schedules for each phase in the project and notify you of any delay or problem that arises.
It’s also important to know how long it will take to complete the BIM model and when you’ll be able to begin the design phase. Slowness in the Scan to BIM procedure will slow down the entire project timeline, so it’s necessary that the firm is efficient enough to meet your deadline on time.
Budget and cost estimates
Scan to BIM technology can be costly, particularly if you must acquire special hardware and software to gather the data and create the model. When hiring an architectural planning and design firm, ensure you understand the expenses of the Scan to BIM process beforehand. Ask for in-depth cost estimates with itemizations for the various expenditures, including data gathering, software licensing, model creation, and any additional expenditures.
While Scan to BIM may reap rewards in the long run by reducing errors and making projects more efficient, ensure that the cost is within your project budget. Demand that the company be transparent with you regarding their charges and how changes to the scope of the project may influence the overall cost.
Transforming architectural design through precision technology
Scan to BIM technology represents a transformative shift in architectural design and 3D architectural visualization services, bridging the gap between physical reality and digital precision. By integrating 3D laser scanning with Building Information Modeling, architectural firms can deliver unprecedented accuracy in renovation and retrofit projects while eliminating costly measurement errors. Success depends on partnering with experienced firms that demonstrate technical expertise, clear data management processes, and collaborative communication approaches.
When properly implemented, Scan to BIM streamlines project timelines, enhances cross-disciplinary coordination, and provides the data-rich foundation necessary for informed design decisions. This technology isn’t just an advantage—it’s becoming essential for competitive architectural practice in today’s market.
Take action: Partner with scan to BIM experts today
Don’t let outdated measurement methods compromise your next renovation or retrofit project. Partner with experienced architectural firms who have proven expertise in Scan to BIM technology and can deliver accurate, data-driven results. Evaluate potential firms based on their technical capabilities, communication processes, and project management track record before making your selection. Cad Crowd is a leading company that provides impeccable BIM scanning, architectural design, and engineering services to top AEC companies.
Contact qualified scan-to-BIM specialists today to transform your project accuracy and streamline your design process from day one. Request a quote today.
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You didn’t sign up to be a one-person newsroom, inbox manager, and analytics translator.
Yet somehow, that’s your Monday.
This guide was built for the social media manager who’s tired of chaotic workflows and scattered tools and wants a better way. Based on battle-tested systems from top-performing teams, it shows you how to reclaim your time, protect your sanity, and scale what drives growth.
The chaos isn’t your fault.
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Let us show you how!
In this guide you will learn how to:
Tame your inbox and manage community conversations with clarity
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If your husband has told you he wants a divorce, there are a plethora of things going through your mind.
First, you’re in shock. You have no idea what’s happening or why. You have no idea what you’ll do if you’re divorced. You have no idea who you’ll be or what will happen.
Everything seems uncertain and your world starts to spin. You want to talk to him, but usually, at that point, he’s not wanting to spill his guts, he just wants out and that’s tough.
Let’s walk through it one step at a time, together! 🙂
My Husband Wants a Divorce, I Don’t Know What To Do
First off, there’s still hope…
Hope
If your husband has come to you and told you he wants a divorce, SOMEtimes that can mean that he wants to work things out with you.
If there was no hope of him wanting the marriage, you would have just woken up one morning and all his stuff would’ve been gone. Or he’d leave in the day when you’re out with your friends and you’d not know it.
Usually, people who don’t want to work things out or want to talk about anything, just leave. No explanation, just, “I’m gone”, type of thing. That’s what happened to me.
My ex-husband left a couple of times but one of the times he abandoned us was me just waking up to a note that said, “I still love her. I’m going back to her.” Meaning…his affair.
At that point, there’s no reaching them because they are gone. You can’t work it out, because they are not listening. You can’t talk because they won’t answer the phone. There’s not a whole lot you can do except to try to piece your life back together, which is possible. I’ve done it. 🙂 But it’s tough. I’m not going to lie to you…it’s tough.
If he does just pick up and leave, there’s also still hope. Maybe you guys will have separate time for a while, maybe there’s no affair, and you guys get back together later. Maybe even you get fully divorced and then meet a few years later after everything is cooled off and remarry.
Really, the final death coffin is up to you.
For me, my ex-husband knew my boundaries. I told him that if he ever had kids with someone else, we would never EVER get back together. I didn’t want to have to deal with a life with kids coming and going and having stepfamilies and all that. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, I know there can be a great blessing in a situation like that, I’m just saying that for me personally, I never wanted to deal with that. It’s a boundary for me. I like things to be simple.
I don’t know that I could treat his kids from another marriage kindly and really be their mom. I would have resentment in my heart toward them and treat our kids better than his other kids. It would be a place of sin in my own life, not treating others how God would want me to and so for me, it’s just something that was a final straw.
My ex-husband DID end up having kids with multiple women along the way and the divorce was finalized and so it was over. There was no hope there. Really, you are the only one that can determine if there is still hope there or not.
Even if your husband has a physical affair with someone, the Bible DOES condone divorce in such cases (sex = marriage in God’s eyes; see Adam and Eve – there was no Pastor to marry them. No paper certificate and yet they were married).
However, the Bible doesn’t COMMAND you to get a divorce if there is an affair. God doesn’t say, “Okay, well he had an affair so you HAVE to divorce.” You don’t. It’s completely, 100% up to you. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not. It’s YOUR decision and you answer ONLY to God for that decision.
In such a case like this, there is no right and wrong.
It’s not MORE right that you take him back and it’s not more wrong you don’t. It’s not wrong you take him back and right you don’t. Either way, there is no right and wrong with God. You are free to do as you please. It is your decision and there is no command here.
Legalists will try to INSERT a command here. They will try to say you’re more Biblical if you take him back. But I did that and for me, it was a mistake. We just played ring around the rosies and he cheated many more times, all before the divorce was final.
Does that mean what happened to me, will happen to you?
No! And that’s the point. EVERY single situation is different. Every person is different. You cannot know the outcome and so, it is entirely up to you what you do.
The same goes with him abandoning you. Once he’s abandoned you, you do not have to take him back either. You can, or you don’t have to. It’s up to you, but let’s say, he just leaves your family and there’s no affair. He just leaves.
Same thing here. He leaves and/or he has an affair. Either way, you are free to do as you please.
How MUCH time he’s left is also up to you and I think it’s a heart matter.
If he moves out and wants to come back, it’s totally your call. There’s no right and wrong here in this situation. It’s just a matter of your heart and what you want to do before the Lord.
God’s Word and Being Educated
If at all possible, if he is still living with you and he’s not had a PHYSICAL affair, you should do absolutely everything in your power to remain together. Would he consider going to couple’s counseling? Is he open to trying to make it work?
Generally, men who want to divorce, are looking for something to change. Does the situation need to change? Are you guys always fighting about finances? Like, what’s the problem he’s having? If you’re able to determine it, it’s possible that you can save your marriage and work things out.
You should want and try your best to work things out with your spouse. While you CAN get divorced under certain circumstances according to the Bible (abandonment or affair), you should always want to work things out.
Sometimes I hear women say they are so sick of the fighting and just want to get divorced. They think that they will have peace if they are divorced. I can tell you from experience, that’s never the case. While you may very well get peace in one way, you’ll have problems in another area.
Courts.
Lawyers.
His new woman.
His new children.
Them making your life miserable.
HIM making your life miserable.
Sometimes no child support.
No one to help you around the house, making your life suddenly harder.
No one to help with the kids.
Loneliness. If you thought you were lonely before, after the divorce, you’ll be even MORE lonely and that leads to temptation and sin – sleeping with someone else outside of marriage or living with another man, which leads to sleeping with him.
If you and your husband fight, you’ll STILL fight after the divorce, it’ll just usually get UGLIER. Less frequent, but still fighting.
You don’t get out of all the problems you’re facing now and if you do, you are just trading them for a new set of problems.
Life is never problem-free. If it were, we wouldn’t need Heaven.
So decide your boundaries. Decide what you want to do, and PRAY a LOT (!!) for God to lead you and guide you in this troublesome time.
Try to get to the root of things
WHY does he want to divorce?
What does he want to be changed?
Be completely open to talk and ONLY listen.
If he decides to tell you why he wants a divorce, you should not try to solve the problem that day. You should focus ONLY on LISTENING to him.
He needs to know that you care enough to listen to what he has to say. So listen intently.
Ask him to give you a couple of days to really process through this. Ask him if he’s willing to work things out with you. But listening to him is the first step.
Listen to him with an open mind, that’s super key too. He needs to feel like you want to make him happy and that you care about him. That you’re not throwing in the towel if you want to save your marriage, because if YOU throw in the towel, he will most likely throw it in for sure!
Seeking Peace
If you’ve tried to work everything out with him and he just refuses, the absolute best advice I can give you is to keep everything 100% amiable.
Not only for the sake of the kids, you don’t want to make them feel like they have to choose (hint: they love you BOTH!) but also because if you are NOT polite and amiable, you WILL 5,000% open up a can of worms that may never die.
With how you’re feeling, that’s gonna take a really good muzzle. You really have to bite your tongue so many times and just let things slide. After he’s gone, you’re not a part of his decisions anymore and you have to accept that, even though it’s hard. There’s nothing tying him to you and he won’t generally care what you think anymore like he once did. He won’t listen to you.
Your relationship changes and you’re no longer accountable to each other, you are acquaintances.
It’s not an easy situation to tread through at all. It’s rough. But through Christ, you can still walk with the Lord, pleasing to Him as a Christian.
If you ARE still living together, the best advice in that scenario that I can give is to bend.
Ever watch the Disney classic: Beauty and the Beast? The song goes…”and then somebody bends unexpectedly”. While it’s just a cartoon and we get that, bending is SO vital to a healthy marriage. Over time, married folks just stop bending. Stop compromising. Stop trying to see it from the other person’s angle.
One of the VERY first things I discuss when starting a relationship is the importance of both of us bending toward each other. Making a mutual commitment to do this for the rest of our lives is something I value deeply, and it’s truly beautiful! Seeing this in action every day ALWAYS brings a smile to my face, regardless of who is bending that day. ❤️
Here’s the thing…the Bible says for the wife to submit to her husband but the Bible ALSO says for the husband to LOVE his wife. Look up what love means to God and it’s about putting the other person ahead of yourself. Submitting. In a marriage, you BOTH submit, you BOTH bend to each other.
You can’t force him to bend to you, but you CAN do YOUR part. Bend toward him. See the angle from his point of view. Ask God to show it to you if it’s not readily visible. The point here is that this may not save your marriage, but YOU want to be 100% blameless before the Lord, so that if your marriage DOESN’T end up working, it’s not YOUR fault!!!!
Some Don’ts To Consider
Don’t argue with your husband.
Don’t prattle.
Don’t try to convince him of anything.
Don’t play the blame game.
Don’t try to get your way.
Don’t nag (he’s not your kid; go to the Lord in prayer instead).
Don’t use the kids against him.
Don’t worry about money.
If you are a Christian, God provides for our needs! That doesn’t mean that you don’t take care of things or find employment, it just means, don’t stress over it and worry yourself to death about it. God knows your needs.
None of this is easy and I get that. But you CAN get through this. However it works out, God has a plan for your life, a plan you do not fully comprehend yet and He uses ALL things, good AND bad for your good. Just remember that. <3
Russia’s biggest airline cancelled dozens of flights on Monday following a failure of the state-owned company’s IT systems and, according to a Russian lawmaker and pro-Ukrainian hackers, was the result of a cyberattack, it was widely reported.
The airline, Aeroflot, said it cancelled about 40 flights following a “technical failure.” An online departure board for Sheremetyevo airport showed dozens of others were delayed. The cancellations and delays hobbled traffic throughout Russia and left travelers stranded at airports. The affected routes were mostly within Russia but also included routes to Belarusian capital Minsk and Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
“The damage is strategic”
Russian prosecutors confirmed to Reuters that the disruption was caused by a hack and have opened a criminal investigation into it. Russian lawmakers also hinted a cyberattack was the cause of the outage, with one of them, Anton Gorelkin, saying Russia was under digital attack, possibly at the hands of hacktivists with help from unfriendly states.
Two pro-Ukrainian hacker groups, meanwhile, took credit for the attack. Silent Crow, one of the groups, said on Telegram that its members copied the airline’s entire database of flight history, audio recordings, internal calls, and surveillance data.
“Restoration will likely require tens of millions of dollars,” the group claimed. “The damage is strategic.”
Silent Crow and the other group, named Belarusian Cyberpartisans, said the cyberattack was the result of a yearlong operation that had deeply penetrated Aeroflot’s network, destroyed 7,000 servers, and gained control over the personal computers of employees, including senior managers.
For media company Black Mixture, AI isn’t just a tool — it’s an entire pipeline to help bring creative visions to life.
Founded in 2010 by Nate and Chriselle Dwarika, Black Mixture takes an innovative approach to using AI in creative workflows. It built its visual reputation in motion design and production using traditional artistry methods and has since expanded its breadth of work to educating artists who want to start incorporating AI tools into their own projects, curating custom AI resources and sharing tutorials on their YouTube channel.
In recent years, Black Mixture has enhanced its creative workflows in apps with GPU-accelerated features. Today, the company has added new AI models and features to its toolkit, running the most complex AI tasks locally on an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090-equipped system.
Black Mixture uses generative AI to create or enhance video footage and image assets. This week, RTX AI Garage dives into some of the apps and workflows the company uses, as well as some AI tips and tricks.
Plus, NVIDIA Broadcast version 2.0.2 is now available, with up to a 15% performance boost for GeForce RTX 50 Series and NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell GPUs.
An AI for Presentation
Iteration is a critical part of the generative AI content creation process, with a typical project requiring the generation of up to hundreds of images.
While models such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini can create a single image fairly quickly, artists like Nate and Chriselle Dwarika require much faster speeds and greater creative control. With on-device AI tools accelerated by RTX, that speed and control is achievable.
Nearly all locally powered generative AI models are accelerated by NVIDIA GeForce RTX.
Generating a standard 1024×1024 image in ComfyUI takes 2-3 seconds on my RTX 4090. When you’re batch-generating hundreds of assets, that’s the difference between an hour, an entire day or more.” — Nate Dwarika
Using generative AI, the Black Mixture team can easily draw inspiration from a much wider variety of high-quality images than with manual methods, while refining outputs to their client’s preferred vision.
Nate Dwarika uses the node-based interface ComfyUI in his text-to-image workflow. It offers a high degree of flexibility in the arrangement of nodes, with the ability to combine different characteristics of popular generative AI models — all accelerated by his GeForce RTX GPU.
One such generative AI model is FLUX.1-dev, an image generation model from Black Forest Labs. When deployed in ComfyUI on an RTX AI PC, the model taps CUDA accelerations in PyTorch that significantly speeds an artist’s workflow. The image below, which would take about two minutes per image on a Mac M3 Ultra, takes less than 12 seconds to generate with a GeForce RTX 4090 desktop GPU.
Made in seconds, not minutes, on RTX.
Black Forest Labs also offers FLUX.1 Kontext, a family of models that allow users to start from a reference image or text prompt and guide edits with suggestions, without fine-tuning or complex workflows with multiple ControlNets, extensions that enable more precise control over the image structure, composition and more.
Take the stunning dragon visual below. FLUX.1 Kontext enabled the artist to rapidly iterate on his initial visual, guiding the AI model with additional inputs like poses, edges and depth maps within the same prompt window.
You’re scared. I’m not scared.
FLUX.1 Kontext is also offered in quantized variants that reduces VRAM requirements so more users can run it locally. It makes use of hardware accelerations in NVIDIA GeForce RTX Ada Generation and Blackwell GPUs.
Together with NVIDIA TensorRT optimizations, these variants provide more than double the performance. There are two levels of quantization: FP8 and FP4. FP8 is accelerated on both GeForce RTX 40 and 50 Series GPUs, while FP4 is accelerated solely on the 50 Series.
Dwarika also uses Stable Diffusion 3.5, which supports FP8 quantization for the GeForce RTX 40 Series — enabling 40% less VRAM usage and nearly doubling image generation speed.
With these visual AI tools, Black Mixture can create photorealistic, original visuals for its clients in a time- and cost-effective way.
Nate and Chriselle Dwarika also use a variety of more traditional content creation tools — all accelerated by RTX. For video content, Nate Dwarika captures footage on OBS Studio using the NVIDIA encoder (NVENC) built into his GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. Because NVENC is a separate encoder, the rest of the GPU can focus on resource-intensive ComfyUI workflows without reducing performance, all while maintaining top encoding quality.
The husband-and-wife duo completes final edits and touch-ups in Adobe Premiere Pro, which includes a wide variety of RTX-accelerated AI features like Media Intelligence, Enhance Speech and Unsharp Mask. They use GPU-accelerated encoding with NVENC to dramatically speed final file exports.
Black Mixture’s next project is an Advanced Generative AI Course to help creators get started with using AI in their workflows. It includes a series of live trainings that explore generative AI capabilities, as well as NVIDIA RTX AI technology and optimizations. Attendees can expect 6-8 weeks of live sessions, 30+ hours of self-paced lessons, guest experts, a student showcase, exclusive AI toolkits and more.
Next-Generation Streaming
NVIDIA Broadcast version 2.0.2 delivers 15% faster performance for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series and NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell GPUs.
With the performance boost, AI features like Studio Voice and Virtual Key Light can now be used on GeForce RTX 5070 GPUs or higher. Studio Voice enhances the sound of a user’s microphone to match that of a high-quality microphone, while Virtual Key Light relights a subject’s face to illuminate it as if it were well-lit by two lights.
The Eye Contact feature — which uses AI to make it appear as if users are looking directly at the camera, even when glancing to the side or taking notes — is improved with increased stability for eye color. Additional enhancements include updated user interface elements for easier navigation and improved high contrast theme support.
Each week, the RTX AI Garageblog series features community-driven AI innovations and content for those looking to learn more about NVIDIA NIM microservices and AI Blueprints, as well as building AI agents, creative workflows, productivity apps and more on AI PCs and workstations.
Plug in to NVIDIA AI PC on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X — and stay informed by subscribing to the RTX AI PC newsletter. Join NVIDIA’s Discord server to connect with community developers and AI enthusiasts for discussions on what’s possible with RTX AI.
