The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joy, family gatherings, and festive traditions. While it’s a time to celebrate and cherish the moments, it can also be a period of intense planning and preparation. This is where Google Bard comes in, offering an invaluable tool to simplify and enhance your holiday […]
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Apple has announced that it will pause sales of its Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ap[ple Watch Series 9 in the US on the 21st of December to comply with the ITC ruling until a review is carried out about the two devices. Sales of the two devices will be paused to comply with the […]
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Are you tired of juggling multiple spreadsheets, emails, and documents to manage your projects? Say hello to Microsoft Project Professional 2021, a powerful, user-friendly project management app designed to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity. With this software, you can efficiently manage your projects with appropriate timelines, budgets, and resources, all in one place. […]
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TomTom just announced a “fully integrated, AI-powered conversational automotive assistant” which should start popping up in dashboard infotainment platforms in the near-ish future. The company has issued some bold claims for the AI, saying it’ll offer “more sophisticated voice interaction” and allow users to converse naturally to navigate, find stops along a route, control onboard systems, open windows and just about anything else you find yourself doing while driving.
The company, best known for GPS platforms, partnered up with Microsoft to develop this AI assistant. The technology leverages OpenAI’s large language models, in addition to Microsoft products like Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Cognitive Services. Cosmos DB is a multi-model database and Cognitive Services is a set of APIs for use in AI applications, so this should be a capable assistant that draws from the latest advancements.
TomTom promises that the voice assistant will integrate into a variety of interfaces offered by major automobile manufacturers, stating that the auto company will retain ownership of its branding. So this could start showing up in cars from a wide variety of makers. The company hasn’t announced any definitive partnerships with known vehicle manufacturers, but the technology will be integrated into TomTom’s proprietary Digital Cockpit, an open and modular in-vehicle infotainment platform.
This isn’t the first time a company has tried to stuff an LLM inside of a car. Back in June, Mercedes announced a three-month beta program that incorporated ChatGPT models into select vehicles. This tool also leveraged Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI service. TomTom is showing off the AI at CES in January, so we’ll know more about how it actually works at that point.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tomtom-and-microsoft-team-up-to-bring-generative-ai-to-automobiles-063002000.html?src=rssIt may seem like blasphemy for an Engadget writer to diss touch controls, but as the demise of the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar has proven, those aren't always a good idea — especially on cars. As spotted by Autocar at Volkswagen City Studio in Copenhagen, the ID. 2all concept electric car now features a slightly updated interior, with the most notable change being the return of physical buttons below the central touchscreen. According to the brand's interior designer Darius Watola, this will be "a new approach for all models" based on "recent feedback from customers" — especially those in Europe who wanted "more physical buttons."
In Autocar's Tiguan launch interview back in June, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer already acknowledged customers' criticism on the over-reliance on touch controls — namely on the Golf Mk8 and ID.3, not to mention the same trend across the motor industry. The exec went as far as saying the earlier touch-heavy approach — endorsed by his predecessor, Herbert Diess — "definitely did a lot of damage" in terms of customer loyalty.
The future of Volkswagen interiors revealed. Here’s the ID.2 - on sale in 2025.
— Steve Fowler (@SteveFowler) December 14, 2023
Classy and not everything on the touchscreen. pic.twitter.com/bXef4fXk99
The ID. 2all is based on Volkswagen's updated MEB Entry platform, and packs a 223HP motor that can go up to 62MPH in under seven seconds. As far as range goes, this car can apparently travel up to 280 miles on a single charge, but that's with the larger and more advanced 56kWh battery instead of the base 38kWh version. Expect this concept electric vehicle to cost under €25,000 (around $27,300), when it arrives as a production model in Europe in 2025. The company also recently teased the ID. 2all SUV, which is described as "the brother of the ID. 2all," but it won't be out until 2026.
First look at the ID. 2all SUV, the brother of the ID. 2all. The SUV version will arrive in 2026! pic.twitter.com/4SxgTDdH2e
— Stepan Rehak (@StepanRehak) December 14, 2023
I’d like to think that we’re in a golden age for Titanium (I get the irony of using the term golden to describe it but let’s not focus on that)… whether it’s dominating the EDC world or even slowly carving its way into popular culture with the latest iPhone 15 Pro. Touted as the world’s strongest metal, titanium has some significant benefits that make it such a perfect pick for tools and other EDC. It’s medical-grade, corrosion-resistant, relatively non-reactive, fairly lightweight, and is nearly impossible to damage or even make a dent on. That makes it perfect for EDC, but it also means your EDC can be smaller but still have multiple functions and features, like the TiSpanner, a scaled-down version of your hefty toolkit spanner, but with a few extra tricks up its sleeve. Aside from being the size of a car key, the TiSpanner has a built-in spanner, caliper, bottle-opener, nail-pry, and tungsten-carbide glass-breaker for emergencies. It’s the perfect blend between size and functionality, and fits right on your keychain, allowing you to carry it wherever you go.
Designer: Sven Chan of Titaner
Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $126 (46% off) Hurry! 20 of 650 units left!
The TiSpanner is a uniquely versatile tool with a built-in precision spanner that can open/close nuts and bolts, while also functioning as a caliper tool for measuring. A rotating knob lets you make micro-adjustments to the TiSpanner’s jaws, while its meticulously machined threading ensures the kind of accuracy a pair of calipers would demand. Etched markings on the side of the TiSpanner let you calculate linear measurements, while the adjustable metal jaws themselves expand to fit hex nuts or bolts as large as M10 on the nominal scale.
Look around a bit further and you spot a few extra details that bring more value to the TiSpanner. For starters, a notch in its outer jaw, coupled with the TiSpanner’s general shape, makes it a perfect nail-pry, while a groove in the inner jaw allows the TiSpanner to function as a bottle opener. The linear design of the spanner lends itself well to both those uses, as it turns into a class 3 lever for opening bottles, and a class 2 lever for pulling/prying nails. Finally, the TiSpanner ends with quite a tactical flair, boasting a glass-breaker tip on its reverse end. Designed to be held in between your fingers with the glass-breaker pointing outwards, the TiSpanner can easily shatter even laminated panes of glass like the ones found in cars, allowing for a quick and effortless exit in an emergency.
Each TiSpanner comes meticulously machined from individual pieces of titanium, giving it incredible strength and a fairly long lifespan (I assume a couple of generations at the least). The spanner is small enough to be carried everywhere, measuring merely 2.2 inches when closed. Given its tiny size, it comes with a few slots to put in vials of tritium that help you spot your EDC in the dark, or better yet, just string your TiSpanner around a keychain and you’ll always have your multitool right at your fingertips! The TiSpanner starts at $68 USD and begins shipping in January 2024.
Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $126 (46% off) Hurry! 20 of 650 units left!
The post This tiny Titanium EDC Tool performs 5 crucial tasks and fits on a keychain first appeared on Yanko Design.
One of the most intimate and bonding experiences you can have is sharing a meal with someone. And, when it’s at your own dinner table, the pressure to create an enjoyable and comfortable environment is higher than ever – and especially if it’s a Christmas dinner. A component that you can never truly ignore in a dining setup is tableware (the little things truly do count). Having excellent tableware is really important. It has the potential to completely transform your dining experience, taking away attention even from the food! Designers have been getting extremely creative when it comes to cutlery. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and exciting tableware designs that are sure to be the highlight of your Christmas dinner party this year!
Peleg Design’s TriveTiles is the perfect mix of form, function, and art. They aren’t simply decorative trivets for your table, they’re artistic trivets that function as elaborate puzzle pieces!
Pull them apart and one single trivet turns into three separate trivets that you can use to keep multiple hot dishes on your table. Or put the trivets back together and you’ve got a single gorgeous heat-resistant Moroccan artistic tile that complements your decorative ceramicware beautifully.
Called the Iron Frying Plate, this innovative kitchen design can be used to serve your food or a frying pan with a removable handle. It is a refreshing new way to combine cooking and eating!
Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $69 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
What makes the Iron Frying Plate super cool is that it combines both a frying pan and a serving plate. It is built using durable materials and offers a functional and sophisticated solution to cooking and serving. It introduces a novel and ingenious cooking method, that supports direct-from-the-pan serving, which could allow aspiring chefs to experiment with different cooking techniques and presentation styles.
Nothing says Christmas like a couple of ornamental-looking stags! And, this stag salt and pepper set will make for a wonderful addition to your dinner table. Designed by Culinary Concepts, these lovely salt and pepper shakers will add a touch of playful whimsy to your dining table.
The stags feature beautiful detailing and a stunning silver finish, allowing them to function as charming feature pieces rather than simple tabletop necessities.
Made from a proprietary PuraSteel material and coated with PuraCotta, the Hesslebach Dutch Oven offers top-notch durability and performance, but without the dangers of toxins and poisons that are usually found in heavy metals such as iron, as well as any by-products from hard anodization.
Even the lid doesn’t have a screw for the handle, ensuring that no rust will ever fall on your delicious dish. With this focus on safety, you can cook to your heart’s content, knowing that you and your loved ones will be eating scrumptious and clean meals every time.
A revolutionary tableware piece that elegantly combines a plate’s functionality with a grater’s practicality. Perfect for your Christmas dinner party, this design allows guests to grate fresh ingredients directly onto their plates, adding a fresh and personal touch to every meal.
Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $65 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 24 hours!
This tableware piece stands out for its dual functionality, serving both as a stylish plate and an efficient grater. Its design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for grating fresh ingredients right at the table, adding a gourmet touch to your meals.
The CK20 Chef Knife from Veark is inspired by how workshop tools are made. It is built using the drop-forge method and transforms the humble knife into an expert culinary tool. It is designed to give your holiday meal the upgrade it deserves – all you need to do is pull out this stunning carving set.
Each knife is forged from a single piece of stainless steel, before being hand-finished to give the knife its razor-sharp edge. The CK20 is a robust, reliable, and rather well-balanced knife with a wrench-inspired grip that naturally has your thumb resting in its groove for maximum stability and maneuverability.
Tired of presenting your napkins in typical swans or boring old presentations? Well, this is where Peleg Design has come up with an elegant and unique solution. Try out the Bloom napkin holders, and set up a blooming dinner table for your guests.
All you need to do is grab any napkin, fold it in half, and give the Bloom a swift twist, and it will instantly transform your napkin into its pretty petal. It gives your dining table a sophisticated yet functional touch.
Kana’s Milo baking accessories transform the idea of bakeware into tableware, allowing them a special place on your Christmas dinner table. They’re thoughtfully designed and can be nested into each other when being stored. They’re also stunning to look at when placed on the table, owing to their gently scalloped handles and radially brushed metal finishes.
Each baking pan and sheet is crafted from tri-ply clad stainless steel, giving it unmatched durability and heat resistance of up to 1000°F. There’s an aluminum core sandwiched between the two sheets of stainless steel, ensuring optimal heat distribution, while the outer layers of 304-grade stainless steel are non-toxic, BBQ-friendly, and dishwasher-safe
This finely crafted and minimalist-looking mug is a meeting of earth and wood in a unique symphony of texture designed to be a lovely treat to your sensitive lips as well as your fingers!
When we’re sipping a drink, our lips come into contact with the surface of a glass or mug, and this impression sets the mood for the entire experience. This beautiful mug intends to create that kind of engagement in the form of a design with intriguing contrasts.
Studio KO’s fascination and love for objects and craft led them to create L’Oeil de KO – a curated platform that showcases the work of artisans. And the brand launched a series of cutlery sets designed by Lisbon metalsmith Sebastião Lobo.
The cutlery set features intriguing and almost impossible-looking forms and is handcrafted from brass. They have wiggly handles that support an ergonomic form and an enchanting artistic vision.
The post Top 10 Unique & Functional Tableware To Elevate Your Christmas Dinner Party This Year first appeared on Yanko Design.
Designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta in collaboration with engineer Tor Helge Dokka, this off-grid three-bedroom family home in Kongsberg, Norway is called House Dokka. It occupies 2045 square meters and is inspired by treehouse architecture. The home was created to share a serene connection with nature, allowing both to embrace one another. The house is also called Column House, and it was awarded the Architecture Prize for 2023 by the Kongsberg municipality.
Designer: Snøhetta x Tor Helge Dokka
The quaint House Dokka is deftly suspended over the stunning Norwegian landscape, as it is perched on large wooden columns, that have been firmly grounded into the rock, to minimize any kind of interference or disturbance to the surrounding environment. House Dokka was built using locally produced cross-laminated timber, and glue-laminated timber. Both the timbers ensure that the home can be easily deconstructed with minimal climate costs, whenever the life cycle of the home comes to an end. No nails were used in the construction of the home, which allows the materials to be easily sorted and recycled in the future.
Snøhetta’s goal of sustainability for the home is seen throughout the structure in the form of the large photovoltaic panels on the roof, superior insulation as well as a waterborne heat system that is linked to the ground via a source heart pump. In turn, the home produces more energy than it consumes in less than a decade! Besides generating energy for the house itself, energy is also generated for charging the family’s electric car, almost 75% of it.
The home has an eye-catching and appealing exterior which is accentuated by the black-stained timber paneling that clads it. The interiors of the home feature warm timber paneling and polished concrete flooring, which are paired up with massive black-framed windows that provide access to stunning views. The home contains two levels, with the upper floor housing an open-plan living and dining area, kitchen, master bedroom, hidden bathroom, and a timber outdoor terrace. The lower level accommodates two more bedrooms, as well as a home office, guest suite, lounge, laundry space, and a central shared bathroom.
The post Snøhetta Designs A Suspended Off-Grid Treetop House With A Serene Connection To Nature In Norway first appeared on Yanko Design.
Google is giving anyone who has a WiFi-only Stadia controller lying around an additional year to convert it to Bluetooth. The deadline to do this was previously until the end of this year, but Google is now extending it to December 31, 2024.
Google axed Stadia, its cloud gaming service, at the beginning of this year. Most customers who bought digital games through the Google Store got refunds, but some physical hardware such as Stadia’s controller that connected directly to WiFi, is still out there. Enabling Bluetooth on Stadia controllers will let people use them with any other devices such as PCs, Macs, phones or tablets. This, as Kotaku points out, could prevent e-waste.
Switching your controller to Bluetooth is permanent. It takes about three minutes and requires a USB cable, according to Google. To pair a Stadia controller to Bluetooth, you need to press and hold the Y and Stadia button for at least two seconds. You’ll know that the controller has entered “pairing mode” when the status light flashes orange. If you’re having issues establishing a connection, Google advises making sure that the controller is charged for at least 30 minutes.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-have-a-whole-additional-year-to-convert-your-google-stadia-controller-to-bluetooth-232856929.html?src=rss
I had literally forgotten about camcorders; I don’t even rightly remember the last time I used one. Since cameras on the smartphones have outdone handycams and reached near DSLR efficacy – at least with high-end models – there’s been a drastic slump in everyday usage of camcorders. Whether you want to capture family moments at home, record landscapes, or timelapse a sunset, mobile cameras are friendlier and convenient for doing it all. Chiefly because we have a smartphone on us 24/7 and an additional device is not necessary for taking pictures or recording videos.
This is why 90 Degree Instinct was an instant reminder for the moments of truth I have had with a Sony camcorder I now have lying dead in the vault. This guy is not another camcorder or a stark reminder for anyone like me that they existed. This is perhaps a utility accessory for anyone who loves capturing moments with their smartphone – especially the Samsung Galaxy Flip.
Designer: Ugly Duckling
Essentially a case for the Galaxy Flip foldable smartphone; the idea is to help home chefs, influencers, and everyday social media buffs to shoot more professional videos by transforming the smartphone into a capable camcorder. The designer has particularly chosen the foldable Samsung phone for his experimental case concept because when the Flip is placed at a “90 degrees” angle, “it resembles the shape of a… small camcorder.”
By transforming the ordinary Flip into a camcorder, user can maximize its usability for capturing videos. The case offers the phone a camcorder-esque grip for better handling, and integrates a tripod inside, to present exceptional stability without additional accessories.
The added weight of the case may be a point of contention for those who prefer a sleek device, but if you can bear the bulk – which of course is way lesser than towing a portable tripod along – you can be rest assured that the 90 Degre Instinct will not compromise portability of the phone despite the additional functions.
Designed in a range of colors, the solid case comes with point-and-shoot buttons and a tripod mount on one side, and a foldable tripod embedded on the top. The foldable tripod hinge is robust and stands out with its metallic look against the granite appearance otherwise. With the given features and their functionality, I’m impressed! Perhaps I don’t have a Flip, but if you do, you should expect the case to see the light of day.
The post Galaxy Flip case with a built-in foldable tripod can transform your phone into the perfect camcorder first appeared on Yanko Design.