More iOS 18 Hidden Tips & Tricks Revealed

iOS 18

iOS 18 is a treasure trove of hidden features that are set to transform the way you interact with your iPhone. Apple has carefully crafted a series of subtle yet impactful enhancements that promise to make your user experience more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable. From refined UI elements to advanced accessibility options, these updates showcase […]

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Asus Vivobook S15 with Snapdragon X Elite in Action (Video)

Snapdragon X Elite

The introduction of the Asus Vivobook S15, powered by the innovative Snapdragon X Elite chip, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of ARM-based Windows laptops. This innovative device combines robust performance, exceptional battery life, and competitive pricing, solidifying its position as a serious contender in the laptop market. The video below from Dave2D gives […]

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Apple’s Siri 2.0 UI in iOS 18 in Action (Video)

Siri 2.0

With the highly anticipated release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced Siri 2.0, a significant update that transforms the visual interface and animations of its renowned voice assistant. This update is designed to enhance and streamline your overall experience on iPhones, including older models such as the iPhone 13 Pro. Siri 2.0 represents a remarkable […]

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More than 1,000 students pledge not to work at Google and Amazon due to Project Nimbus

No Tech for Apartheid (NOTA), a coalition of tech workers demanding big tech companies to drop their contracts with the Israeli government, is close to reaching its goal for a campaign asking students not to work with Google and Amazon. As Wired reports, more than 1,100 people who identified themselves as STEM students and young workers have taken the pledge to refuse jobs from the companies "for powering Israel's Apartheid system and genocide against Palestinians." Based on its website, NOTA's goal is to gather 1,200 signatures for the campaign. 

"As young people and students in STEM and beyond, we refuse to have any part in these horrific abuses. We’re joining the #NoTechForApartheid campaign to demand Amazon and Google immediately end Project Nimbus," part of the pledge reads. Google and Amazon won a $1.2 billion contract under Project Nimbus to provide the Israeli government and military with cloud computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence services. A Google spokesperson previously denied that the company's Nimbus contract deals with "highly sensitive, classified or military workloads relevant to weapons or intelligence services."

As two of the biggest tech companies on the planet, Google and Amazon are also two of the biggest employees of STEM graduates. Wired says the campaign's pledgers include undergraduate and graduate students from Stanford, UC Berkeley, the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University — institutions located in the same state as Google's HQ. 

NOTA had also organized actions protesting tech companies' involvement with Israel in the past, including sit-ins and office takeovers that had led Google to fire dozens of workers. In March, one of its organizers was fired from Google after interrupting one of its executives at an Israeli tech conference in New York and loudly proclaiming that he refuses to "build technology that powers genocide or surveillance."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/more-than-1000-students-pledge-not-to-work-at-google-and-amazon-due-to-project-nimbus-042439081.html?src=rss

Stilform combined the Ballpoint and Fountain Pen and it’s the most minimal writing instrument I’ve seen

After winning 13 design awards, stilform still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Its latest iteration on the ballpoint pen might just be its most audacious one yet. With a magnetic cap that pushes the pen’s refill inside its body, the stilform FLOW is part writing instrument, part magnetic fidget toy, and a complete marvel of design and engineering. Redefining the meaning of minimalism, the FLOW comes with an all-metal design that conceals the writing tip in an unexpected way. A small cap on the top lets you deploy the nib, which pops upward as you lift the cap out, thanks to magnets. The cap then docks in the back of the pen, satisfyingly snapping in. Most critics would call this a fair amount of over-engineering, but they’re the same people who now laud the zero-gravity gel pen as a marvel of engineering. What the stilform FLOW does is art bordering on magic – the interaction feels gorgeous, and is sure to elicit a few wows from people around you… but more importantly, it’s a pen your eyes and hands will never tire of. Disposable pens may come and go, but the stilform FLOW is something you’ll keep for life.

Designers: Christoph Bohrer, Martin Wagner and Yang Han

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $107 (36% off). Hurry, only 95/500 left! Raised over $100,000.

Revolutionize your writing with stilform FLOW’s unique magnetic mechanism! The retractable tip ensures your ink stays fresh, while the magnetic cap makes every opening and closing a delightful experience.

Designed to be as convenient and smooth as a ballpoint pen, but with the luxurious ink of a fountain pen, the stilform FLOW promises a unique writing experience that you clearly won’t get with other pens. It relies on an ink refill that sits inside the FLOW’s specially crafted body. Outwardly, the FLOW looks like a smooth steel rod with a stepped cap on one end. Pull the cap out and it lifts the pen’s writing tip with it using magnets. Detach the cap and tuck it into the FLOW’s back and you’ve got yourself a gorgeously minimal pen for writing, doodling, sketching, or even signing. Once you’re done, the cap pops off the back and attaches onto the writing tip thanks to a magnetic interaction. Press the cap in and the tip also retracts inwards, returning the FLOW to its ultra-minimalist form.

The FLOW’s design encapsulates ‘less is more’ beautifully. It’s complex, but doesn’t look like it, and refines a design that stilform has been pioneering for years. The FLOW’s super-sleek design features an all-metal body, made from either aluminum, brass, or titanium (depending on the variant you choose), with a cylindrical profile and two flat edges that prevent the pen from accidentally rolling off surfaces – a feature that’s become a signature detail in stilform’s pens. The cap sits on one end of the pen, concealing the writing tip underneath it while keeping the ink from drying or leaking – this detail, as minimal as it is, is what makes the FLOW a perfect hybrid between a ballpoint and a fountain pen. Gently lift the cap out, and you’ll feel the nib inside the FLOW’s body moving along with it. The cap and nib have a strong magnetic connection that allows this, while also giving the FLOW a unique fidget interaction that your hands will definitely have a lot of fun with.

There is a sustainable angle to the FLOW too – for stilform, the idea of a pen that lasts for centuries is an incredibly powerful one. Disposable pens are for disposable ideas – a great mindset is empowered by a great writing instrument. While the FLOW itself is made to be a pen worth cherishing, stilform also ensured the FLOW was machined from recycled aluminum, further helping reduce its carbon footprint. “Recycling aluminum prevents about 100 million tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each year,” says the company. 96% of the FLOW’s aluminum body is made using recycled metal, and is designed to be further recycled when it does eventually reach its end of life. That eventuality shouldn’t come for decades, given the fact that you can easily replace refills to keep your FLOW flowing for years.

The stilform FLOW’s aluminum model has the benefit of offering anodized color finishes, letting you go beyond the simple silver-colored writing instrument. There’s a brass version of the pen too, which will patina with time to look beautifully vintage while still retaining its immaculate writing abilities. For people who believe in the best, the FLOW also comes in a titanium variant, in a matte finish as well as a DLC-coated black finish. The pen perfectly adorns tabletops and can fit into pockets too, but if you prefer something extra, stilform makes leather pouches, wooden trays, and metal vertical docking stations for the FLOW too.

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $107 (36% off). Hurry, only 95/500 left! Raised over $100,000.

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A Raised Living Area With Integrated Storage Makes This Tiny Home More Functional & Unique Than It Looks

If you’re someone whose finally hopped onto the micro-living bandwagon, then you maybe struggling with space constraints. Once you move into a tiny home, and go compact, you’re often challenged with the lack of storage space, but the Bofin tiny home won’t elicit any such complaints from its residents! Designed by Modern Tiny Living, the Bofin tiny home features a clever and thoughtfully designed layout which includes a whole bunch of drawers, shelves, books, and cabinetry. The home also incorporates a light-filled elevated living room in a space of 24 feet.

Designer: Modern Tiny Living

The tiny home is named after an Irish island that the owner is truly fond of. The Bofin is short for a North American tiny home, but it isn’t the smallest. It is founded on a double axle trailer and features a finishing of engineered wood and a steel roof. The interior of the home is quite simple an subtle, marked with PVC paneling and wood. The layout of the home focuses on a raised living room, which builds plenty of space for storage. This also allows drawers to be integrated into the seating and includes storage-integrated steps into the interior. Bookshelves have also been fitted by the sides. The raised living room is spacious and can accommodate around six people. Generous glazing allows sunlight to stream freely through the day.

Close to the living area is the kitchen which includes a table area that can be used as a dining space, work area, as well as a breakfast bar. The kitchen is also equipped with an oven, a three-burner propane-powered stove, a microwave, a sink, a fridge/freezer, a washer/dryer, and loads of cabinetry. Little storage racks have been integrated into the ceiling, and they can be pulled down to store condiments, spices, and other small items.

The bathroom is located on the other end of the home, and you can enter it via a barn-style sliding door. The bathroom seems quite compact, and it contains a toilet, shower, and small sink. The Bofin accommodates only one bedroom which can be reached through a storage-integrated staircase. This room is much like most bedrooms found in typical tiny homes, accompanied by a low ceiling and a comfy double bed.

The post A Raised Living Area With Integrated Storage Makes This Tiny Home More Functional & Unique Than It Looks first appeared on Yanko Design.

Noah NY x Timex Moon Phase Watch: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Preppy

When Noah NY and Timex collaborate, the result is a masterpiece of timeless elegance fused with contemporary streetwear sensibilities. Their latest collaboration, a refined tank wristwatch, showcases the best of both brands. This watch, with its gold-tone rectangular case and crisp white dial, blends classic American style with contemporary elements, making it a must-have for any watch enthusiast.

Designer: Noah NY + Timex

Noah NY, founded by Brendon Babenzien and Estelle Bailey-Babenzien, has made a name for itself with its mix of 1990s skate culture and 1980s preppy vibes, all while staying committed to sustainability. Brendon, who was the design chief at Supreme, created Noah to reflect his unique style, making it a brand known for its originality and social consciousness. Meanwhile, Timex, famous for its durability and classic design, has been a go-to in the watch world for over a century. Known for making affordable yet high-quality watches, Timex continues to maintain its heritage of precision and reliability. This collaboration with Noah demonstrates how well they can blend tradition with modern style.

Noah NY + Timex

The Noah x Timex watch is a visual delight, starting with its gold-tone rectangular case that nods to early 20th-century classics like the Cartier Tank and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Babenzien wanted this watch to feel like a family heirloom, timeless and special. The elegant case frames a crisp white dial, perfect for showcasing its detailed design. The dial features 12 Roman numerals that stand out against the clean backdrop, adding to its vintage charm. The watch’s minute track, with its delicate gold-tone accents, adds a touch of precision and old-school elegance to the overall look.

The centerpiece of the dial is the moon phase indicator, a feature that adds both functionality and an element of poetic elegance. This indicator transitions between a smirking sun face and a crescent moon with stars, reflecting the passage of time in a visually captivating manner. This feature not only serves a practical purpose but also enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal, making it a conversation starter. The golden hour and minute hands are dipped in black, providing a striking contrast that enhances legibility. The blackened second’s hand complements these elements, further enhancing the watch’s refined aesthetics. A subtle yet distinctive Noah logo replaces the numeral III, adding a streetwear-inspired flair to the otherwise traditional design. This logo placement showcases Noah’s influence on the watch, blending seamlessly with Timex’s classic elements.

Noah NY Logo

Complementing the sophisticated dial is a croc-embossed leather strap. This eco-friendly strap not only adds a layer of luxury but also ensures comfort and durability, aligning with Noah’s emphasis on sustainability. The textured finish of the strap contrasts beautifully with the smooth lines of the case, creating a harmonious balance between traditional and contemporary design elements.

Noah NY + TImex watch on croc-embossed leather strap

Priced at $198, the Noah x Timex watch offers remarkable value for a piece of such design and craftsmanship. Its classic design, combined with modern touches and high-quality materials, makes it a versatile accessory that can elevate any outfit. The quartz movement, as opposed to a mechanical one, makes the watch both more durable and affordable, a key benefit highlighted by Babenzien. This durability ensures it is hardy enough for everyday wear while maintaining an elegant appearance. The watch’s design versatility allows it to be paired with a wide range of outfits, from contrast-collar dress shirts and linen trousers to knit polos and pleated shorts.

The real draw of this watch is its exclusivity. When it first dropped, it sold out in seconds, leaving many disappointed. The good news is Noah has opened up pre-orders for this highly sought-after timepiece. Due to the limited supply, the watch won’t ship until April 2025. This is a rare chance to snag a piece of this limited-edition collaboration. Don’t miss out—head over to Noah’s website to secure your pre-order today and join the select group of enthusiasts who will own this unique watch.

The post Noah NY x Timex Moon Phase Watch: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Preppy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Netflix House will open two locations in Texas and Pennsylvania in 2025

Netflix announced that Dalla and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania will host the first incarnations of its Netflix House entertainment complex concept. The Netflix blog Tudum posted the announcement Tuesday morning along with an artist’s rendering of one of the locations. Both will open sometime next year.

Netflix House is the streaming giant’s first attempt at a brick-and-mortar retail business. The Dallas and King of Prussia locations will offer dining, live events and interactive sets and experiences based on some of Netflix’s most popular shows and movies.

The “experiential entertainment venue” will let fans of shows like Bridgerton, Money Heist, Stranger Things and Squid Game interact with some of its most iconic scenes and settings. The announcement promises that guests can do things like “waltzing with your partner to an orchestral cover of a Taylor Swift song on a replication of the Bridgerton set.” Then you can enter another area of Netflix House and “compete in the Glass Bridge challenge from Squid Game” presumably without experiencing a really messy death in the end.

Presumably, no high concept entertainment experience is complete without taking a forced path through a gift shop. You can pick up special merchandise like a Hellfire Club T-shirt, a copy of The Queen’s Gambit board game or an “I survived a rich guy’s game of death” coffee mug from Squid Game. Don’t forget to check out the clearance bin for a Too Hot to Handle oven mitt.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-house-will-open-two-locations-in-texas-and-pennsylvania-in-2025-213033751.html?src=rss

The FTC has referred its child privacy case against TikTok to the Justice Department

The Federal Trade Commission has referred its complaint against TikTok to the Justice Department after a long-running investigation into the company’s privacy and security practices. “Our investigation found reason to believe that TikTok is violating or about to violate the FTC Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA),” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a post on X.

In a longer statement shared by the FTC, the regulator noted its investigation into TikTok after a 2019 privacy settlement related to Musical.ly, the app acquired by ByteDance that eventually became TikTok. The FTC “also investigated additional potential violations of COPPA and the FTC Act,” it said. It’s not clear exactly what the FTC turned up, though Politico reported earlier this year that the regulator was also looking into whether TikTok had misled users about whether their personal data was accessible to people in China.

The statement itself is a somewhat unusual move for the FTC, which acknowledged that it doesn't typically publicize its referral decisions. It said it believed doing so in this case “was in the public interest.” The referral is likely to ramp up pressure on TikTok, which is also fighting a legal battle against the US government to avoid a potential ban. Lawmakers and other officials have alleged the app poses a national security threat due to its ties to China.

A TikTok spokesperson told Engadget in a statement that the company was “disappointed” with the FTC’s decision. "We've been working with the FTC for more than a year to address its concerns,” the spokesperson said. “We're disappointed the agency is pursuing litigation instead of continuing to work with us on a reasonable solution. We strongly disagree with the FTC's allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed. We're proud of and remain deeply committed to the work we've done to protect children and we will continue to update and improve our product.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ftc-has-referred-its-child-privacy-case-against-tiktok-to-the-justice-department-211542778.html?src=rss

Habbo Hotel Origins brings the original PC game back to life

Finnish developer Sulake has officially launched Habbo Hotel: Origins on Mac today, reviving the 2005 PC game in all its nostalgic glory. If you never played Habbo Hotel 20 years ago, the game is an online community that is very much a pixelated version of Roblox or Club Penguin where your avatar can chat with your friends in the virtual hotel lobby, spend in-game credits on furniture and accessories, decorate your Guest Room with said digital furniture and invite people over to your Guest Room for a chat. You could also message your friends with a little virtual phone. Now you can experience the game as it was originally made in Habbo Hotel: Origins thanks to the game’s creator Macklebee stumbling across the files by sweet serendipity.

“After discovering an old decrepit server with some long-lost files at the beginning of this year, over the past six months or so long-time Habbo developer and player Macklebee has lovingly restored an old version of Habbo Hotel first released in 2005,” the developer said in a blog post.

Sulake said Habbo Hotel: Origins is developed with a “fresh, community-led approach.” This means they have converted Infobus Park from the original game into a “kind of democratic forum” where they’ll answer players’ questions about the game’s development and direction. Infobus Park was a Public Room that served as a waiting area for players to board the bus, which only operated for a few hours a day.

Habbo Hotel: Origins sets the age limit to create a new account for 18 instead of 13. This is because the chat rooms in the original game were filled with pornographic and graphic messages, as a Channel 4 News reporter discovered while playing the game posing as an 11-year-old girl in 2012. There were also phishing scams, one of which resulted in a Dutch teenager getting arrested for stealing €4,000 worth of virtual furniture. If you played Habbo Hotel back then, you’ll probably want to keep your kids away from this revival.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/habbo-hotel-origins-brings-the-original-pc-game-back-to-life-205536943.html?src=rss