Technology
Solar-powered roof wraps new mega-modern opera house
In the heart of Priština, the capital of Kosovo, a small country in Southeast Europe, an architectural and cultural revolution is underway.
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre, recently unveiled, promises to become a landmark not just for the city but for the entire region.
As the first opera house in Kosovo, this project represents a monumental step forward for a nation that has been steadily building its cultural identity since gaining independence in 2008.
Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and a deep connection to local traditions, the theater is poised to captivate audiences from around the world.
STAY SAFE & IN THE KNOW — AT NO COST! SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S THE CYBERGUY REPORT FOR FREE SECURITY ALERTS & TECH TIPS
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)
A solar-powered symbol of tradition
The theater’s most eye-catching feature is its flowing, undulating roof, which spans an impressive area and is entirely clad in solar panels. These photovoltaic panels are designed to generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact while also lowering its operational costs.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
The roof’s design is more than just functional; it takes inspiration from the xhubleta, a traditional bell-shaped skirt worn by women in Kosovo. This cultural reference transforms the structure into a modern symbol of national pride while creating an exterior that is both elegant and dynamic. The roof’s soft curves intuitively guide visitors toward key entrances and spaces, making navigation seamless and inviting from every angle.
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)
5 BEST PORTABLE CHARGERS FOR ANY OCCASION
Architecture that balances beauty and functionality
Inside, the theater is designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for performers and audiences alike. The central foyer, illuminated by a massive skylight, serves as a welcoming hub that connects all four performance spaces. These include a 1,200-seat Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat Theatre Hall, a 300-seat Recital Hall and a flexible Theatre Room. Each space is crafted with meticulous attention to acoustics and sightlines to ensure every performance feels intimate and immersive.
The interior design features curved wooden elements that not only add sculptural beauty but also enhance sound quality throughout the venue. The use of natural materials like timber creates a warm and cohesive atmosphere, while deep velvet upholstery and acoustic curtains add both comfort and functionality.
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)
A BIRDHOUSE-INSPIRED TINY HOUSE NESTLED IN NATURE THAT RUNS ON SOLAR POWER
Connecting culture with community
The theater does not stand alone; it has been carefully integrated into its urban surroundings to serve as both a cultural hub and a public gathering space. Located near major landmarks like the Palace of Youth and Sports and Fadil Vokrri Stadium, the building sits at the heart of Priština’s emerging cultural district. A large public staircase connects the theater directly to Garibaldi Street, improving pedestrian access while creating an inviting plaza where locals and visitors can gather. The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.
The surrounding landscape has been thoughtfully designed to complement the building’s architecture while promoting biodiversity. Natural stone paving is interspersed with planted islands featuring beech trees and other vegetation native to the region. These green spaces provide shade during warmer months while adding seasonal variety to the environment.
MALWARE STEALS BANK CARDS AND PASSWORDS FROM MILLIONS OF DEVICES
DON’T JUDGE THIS SOLAR CAR JUST BY ITS SIZE
A collaborative vision
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre is a collaborative effort between some of Europe’s most innovative designers. Bjarke Ingels Group, an internationally renowned architecture firm based in Denmark, partnered with ALB-Architect to bring this vision to life. Commissioned by Kosovo’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the project reflects a shared commitment to creating a space that meets both artistic and community needs. Bjarke Ingels himself described the theater as “an efficient factory for artistic performances,” emphasizing its adaptability and functionality alongside its striking visual appeal.
SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre is truly a remarkable blend of modern technology and sustainable practices, all while paying homage to local traditions. With its stunning solar-powered roof and inviting spaces designed for artistic excellence and community engagement, this theater is set to shine as a beacon of innovation in Southeast Europe and beyond. As Kosovo carves out its place on the international cultural map, this landmark is sure to play a vital role in shaping the future narrative of the nation.
Could integrating solar technology into iconic buildings, like this opera house, change how we view renewable energy in the U.S., or is it just architectural eye candy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Samsung ‘Wide Fold’ rumored to rival Apple’s foldable next year
Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is set to arrive next year, and already faces some preemptive competition from Samsung. Korea’s ET News reports that Samsung’s upcoming “Wide Fold” is also set to launch in 2026, and will closely mirror the display size and 4:3 aspect ratio of Apple’s first foldable.
The machine-translated report says the Wide Fold is expected to feature an OLED display that measures 5.4 inches in its folded position, and 7.6 inches when unfolded. “It will be a ‘passport’ type with a 4:3 screen ratio when unfolded,” according to an unnamed industry source cited by ET News.
Last week, The Information reported that Apple’s upcoming foldable will feature a 5.3-inch display that increases to 7.7 inches when open, and will have an aspect ratio “similar to that of Apple’s largest iPads when viewed in landscape mode,” and will be “more wide than tall when unfolded.” Most iPad models sport a near 4:3 aspect ratio. This was the latest rumor that pointed to Apple’s first foldable iPhone having a wide aspect ratio in portrait mode, though Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said in September that the device would look like two iPhone Airs stuck together.
Both Samsung and Apple’s upcoming foldables are expected to launch in Fall 2026. The 4:3 aspect ratio is better for reading e-books and documents, viewing photographs, or creative tasks like design and image editing, but would result in traditional landscape and portrait videos having ugly black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. This is something that’s already noticeable on Samsung’s squarish Z Fold 7.
Technology
Bionic hand brings baseball star back to the field
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
At 18, Jamie Grohsong was living a dream many young athletes chase for years. He was a three-time all-conference shortstop, a Division I college prospect and a player who lived for the game. Then one Fourth of July night in 2023, everything changed. A firework exploded in his hand. In seconds, Jamie lost his pitching hand, his season and what felt like his entire baseball future. The path he had worked toward since childhood disappeared. For a while, Jamie accepted that reality. Baseball, the sport that shaped his identity, was over.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.
AI-POWERED BAT TRACKING COULD GIVE BASEBALL PLAYERS THE EDGE
Jamie Grohsong throws a baseball using a bionic prosthetic hand after losing his pitching hand in a fireworks accident. His return shows how technology can help athletes reclaim what they love. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
When technology reopens a closed door
Two years later, Jamie stepped back onto a baseball field wearing something he never imagined using. A bionic prosthetic known as the Ability Hand.
“The fact that I can feel and sense everything to the finest details opened my mind to the possibility of everything that could actually be done,” he told CyberGuy.
The goal was not to recreate the past. It was to find out what might still be possible.
Engineers who build advanced prosthetic hands saw Jamie’s story and reached out with a simple question. What if he did not have to give up the game entirely? That question started an extraordinary journey that blended grit, patience and cutting-edge engineering.
“When building the Ability Hand, we prioritized real-life usage,” Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, founder and CEO of PSYONIC, told CyberGuy. “While we already put the hand through its fair share of stress tests, baseball is a whole different ball game.”
Baseball is definitely a brutal test for any piece of equipment. Throwing requires precise release timing. Hitting demands force, stability and follow-through. At first, nothing came easily.
Learning how to throw again
Throwing a baseball with a bionic hand is not about raw strength. It is about timing and grip. The Ability Hand uses muscle sensors that detect subtle movements in the arm. During a throw, many muscles activate at once, which can cause the hand to open too early. Early throws slipped away. Some felt right. Others did not.
Instead of forcing the hand to grip harder, the PSYONIC team adjusted the technique. Jamie learned to hold the ball lightly and let momentum release it naturally. Small grip changes made a real difference. Slowly, throws began to land. Then they became repeatable. For Jamie, each clean throw rebuilt confidence that had been missing for two years.
3D PRINTED CORNEA RESTORES SIGHT IN WORLD FIRST
A former Division I baseball prospect, Jamie Grohsong steps back onto the field with a bionic hand, redefining what is possible after life-altering injury. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The surprise moment at Oracle Park
Just as Jamie started throwing again, another door opened. He received an invitation to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park. It was the team he grew up watching. The timeline was tight. He had barely over a week to prepare.
The pitch was not perfect. That never mattered. Standing on a Major League Baseball field with a bionic hand, Jamie proved something bigger than accuracy. He showed that the game was still part of him. Later, he said the experience taught him that life does not require perfection to be meaningful.
FULLY IMPLANTABLE BRAIN CHIP AIMS TO RESTORE REAL SPEECH
Wearing a multi-articulating bionic hand, Jamie Grohsong proves baseball is still part of his identity two years after a devastating accident. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Can you actually hit with a bionic hand?
Throwing was only part of the challenge. Hitting posed an even bigger question.
“Swinging a bat was a feeling I didn’t think I’d feel again,” Jamie said.
Engineers discovered that bat placement matters more with prosthetics than with natural hands. When the bionic hand serves as the bottom hand on the bat, impact spreads across the fingers. When it sits on top, stress concentrates on the thumb. Jamie bats left-handed, which placed the prosthetic in a safer position. He told CyberGuy, “I can hit with this thing for sure.”
Then came the first swings. The sensation was unfamiliar. The contact felt strange. Still, the bat met the ball. One swing turned into another. Soon, balls started flying deep into the field. Then it happened. Jamie sent one over the fence.
A world-first moment
Those swings marked what many believe to be the first documented home runs hit using a multi-articulating bionic hand. For Jamie, it was more than a technical milestone. It was emotional closure and a new beginning at the same time. He was not trying to prove that prosthetics make athletes better. He was proving that they can help people reconnect with what they love. The bionic hand did not replace his identity. It gave him a new way to express it.
SMART FABRIC MUSCLES COULD CHANGE HOW WE MOVE
Jamie Grohsong learns to throw and hit again with a bionic prosthetic, blending determination with cutting-edge engineering. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this story says about resilience and design
Jamie’s comeback highlights a larger truth about modern assistive technology. At its best, design focuses on real-life use rather than lab conditions. Even so, advanced prosthetics remain expensive and imperfect, and they can break under stress. Because of that, users need time, training and patience to adapt. Yet stories like this show how powerful thoughtful engineering can be when it works alongside human determination. Ultimately, this is not about superhero moments but about access, persistence and refusing to let one moment define a lifetime.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Kurt’s key takeaways
Jamie Grohsong’s journey back to baseball is not a story about beating the odds. It is a story about redefining them. With support, innovation and relentless effort, he found a way back to the field on his own terms. Technology did not give him his old life back. It helped him build a new one that still includes the game he loves.
Has technology ever helped you reconnect with something you thought you had lost? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Frozen Waymos backed up San Francisco traffic during a widespread power outage
A power outage struck San Francisco on Saturday that blacked out about 130,000 customers at its peak, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, but also caused another problem: stranded Waymo vehicles. Posts all over social media showed the company’s autonomous SUVs sitting still in the streets and causing traffic jams.
Some people posted videos of Teslas using their FSD feature to navigate the same streets, and Elon Musk tweeted that “Tesla Robotaxis were unaffected by the SF power outage.” On Sunday evening, Waymo spokesperson Suzanne Philion said “We are resuming ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area.”
In response to an inquiry from The Verge, Waymo spokesperson Suzanne Philion sent a statement saying, “We have temporarily suspended our ride-hailing services given the broad power outage in San Francisco. We are focused on keeping our riders safe and ensuring emergency personnel have the clear access they need to do their work.” PG&E reported as of 7AM PT that “Crews have restored about 110,000 customers and PG&E continues to work on restoring the remaining 21,000 customers, primarily in the Presidio, Richmond District, Golden Gate Park and small areas of downtown San Francisco,” as it continued repairs after a fire at a five-story power substation.
After this story was published, Philion sent a second statement:
We are resuming ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area. Yesterday’s power outage was a widespread event that caused gridlock across San Francisco, with non-functioning traffic signals and transit disruptions. While the failure of the utility infrastructure was significant, we are committed to ensuring our technology adjusts to traffic flow during such events.
“Throughout the outage, we closely coordinated with San Francisco city officials. We are focused on rapidly integrating the lessons learned from this event, and are committed to earning and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve every day.
Exactly why the cars weren’t moving remains unclear, with no public updates we could find on the company’s social media channels, but speculation centered on spotty wireless data connections, with cell towers either down or overloaded by people who no longer had access to Wi-Fi, and/or the street lights that weren’t operating without power.
These problems have occurred before, though, as seen in TikTok videos from earlier this year showing Waymos frozen by a malfunctioning street light and during a power outage in Austin, Texas. In a reply to a Reddit post showing another similar situation last year, someone saying they were a former employee commented explaining that the vehicle would send a request to a remote assistant and wait for their response before proceeding.
According to a company blog post, it reaches out to a human response agent when the car encounters “unique interactions,” providing them with live and recorded views from its cameras in addition to a 3D map of what the sensors are picking up. However, those may require bandwidth that’s hard to find during a significant power outage. I couldn’t find any statistics on how many remote assistance operators Waymo has available at a given time, but in November, the company announced it passed a third-party audit by Tüv Süd, a German tech inspection company that evaluated its remote assistance program against industry best practices.
Update, December 21st: Added updated statement from Waymo spokesperson Suzanne Philion.
-
Iowa1 week agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Iowa1 week agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Maine6 days agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
Maryland1 week agoFrigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland
-
New Mexico6 days agoFamily clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead
-
South Dakota1 week agoNature: Snow in South Dakota
-
Detroit, MI1 week ago‘Love being a pedo’: Metro Detroit doctor, attorney, therapist accused in web of child porn chats
-
Maine6 days agoFamily in Maine host food pantry for deer | Hand Off