Monthly Archives: July 2024

Artisanal sex toy businesses might not survive Etsy’s new seller policies

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Simply Elegant Glass has been selling hand-crafted sex toys on Etsy for nearly a decade. In that time, the shop has made over 7,000 sales and racked up more than 1,500 mostly five-star reviews. The Etsy shop — which offers glass dildos, anal plugs and other insertable items — drives the majority of the small business’ overall sales. But as of Monday July 29, the bulk of the shop’s catalog won't be allowed on the marketplace anymore under Etsy’s new restrictions around sex toys.

The Adult Nudity and Sexual Content policy, which was quietly published at the end of June to the platform’s “House Rules,” states that “Etsy prohibits the sale of adult toys that are: inserted into the body; applied to the genitalia; designed for genitals to be inserted into them.” Among other things, it specifically forbids vendors from selling “dildos, vibrators, anal plugs, sex dolls and fleshlights.” The policy update, spotted first by Mashable, came in tandem with a community forum post by Etsy’s head of Trust & Safety, Alice Wu Paulus, who wrote that it was designed to reflect “evolving industry standards and best practices so that we can continue to keep our users safe.”

The note about the impending change said Etsy would, in the coming weeks, “communicate directly with sellers who may need to update their listing images to be compliant.” Enforcement would begin on July 29, it said, and non-compliant listings would be removed. But up to three weeks after the new policy was published online, sellers that spoke to Engadget said they were never contacted directly by Etsy. All of them found out about the ban through social media or other means.

Etsy did not answer specific questions about the reasons behind its decision when contacted by Engadget, but a spokesperson said the change will only affect a very small percentage of the platform’s overall seller community. The only explanation stated in the policy change itself notes that the site wants to ensure “content is appropriate for a wide audience.”

It’s been received as the final nail in the coffin for many adult-oriented businesses on Etsy. Multiple sellers described the preceding years to Engadget as a fight to exist and succeed on the platform. And with no alternative marketplace for handmade products currently operating at Etsy’s scale, it feels as though the only venue for finding such items has been “essentially deleted off the internet,” said Andy, a glassblower for Simply Elegant Glass who chose to share only their first name.

“If I want to find products that are handmade — unless I knew of their existence beforehand through Etsy — finding them is incredibly difficult,” Andy said. They said they found advertising on Google to be “prohibitively expensive,” and products from small businesses are often buried in search results. If a person were just searching by product type, “I don’t think you would be able to find [Simply Elegant Glass] on Google,” Andy said.

Simply Elegant Glass launched its own website a few years ago and recently migrated to Shopify in an effort to shift away from its reliance on Etsy, but said in a recent post on X that even still, “most of our traffic originates from Etsy searches.”

As they see it, Andy said the platform has trended toward “allowing more dubious sellers, people who do not actually make the toys, dropshippers” and shops that would otherwise seem to “fly in the face of [Etsy’s] policies.” Dropshipping is an increasingly common practice in which businesses sell products they don’t actually make or even keep in stock themselves — instead, they source these items from a third-party supplier once they’ve received the orders, and the suppliers will ship them to the customers. Etsy has said that dropshipping is not allowed on the platform under most circumstances, but dropshippers have still found a way.

In addition to sex toys, Etsy’s new policy prohibits the sale of all pornography, including vintage Playboy magazines and any photographs or photo-realistic depictions of sex acts and genitalia. Non-realistic artworks featuring sex acts or genitalia may be permitted, but only under certain conditions: if sex acts are shown, there can be no visible genitalia; if genitalia are shown, there can’t be any “sexual context.” Any materials that feature a combination of familial and sexual terms, e.g., “slogans such as ‘Daddy’s slut’ or ‘Choke me Mommy,’” are out, too. Etsy will, however, continue to allow certain sexual accessories, like some BDSM gear and sex furniture.

Sellers that spoke to Engadget questioned why Etsy couldn’t solve issues of safety with methods other than a ban, like creating a designated adult-only section to keep these materials from popping up in inappropriate places.

The marketplace is one that sellers and shoppers alike have come to rely on for bespoke sex products. Etsy “is really the only place you can go that I know of to support small business/makers in the alternative product world,” Alissa Milano, an Etsy patron who has purchased sex and kink products on the platform, told Engadget in a DM.

On top of discoverability, the intuitive user interface makes it easy for shops to create listings and offer customization options, and it gives potential buyers a way to get in touch with a seller if they have any questions before placing an order. “I talk to most of the customers,” said Daniel Tyler, who runs the UK-based adult site Secret Kink, and sells on Etsy under the name of SecretLatex. Often, he says, “they want little changes here and there. If you're buying on Amazon, you won't get that.” And because it costs so little to list products on Etsy — $.20 per listing — it’s “probably the most accessible place to sell something,” said Chelsea Downs, founder of New York Toy Collective. Emerging indie marketplaces like Spicerack that are trying to provide a better option for sellers in the adult space are a promising development, but they don’t yet have the reach or name recognition of Etsy.

Even before the ban, though, adult product sellers say they’ve grappled with account suspensions and seemingly arbitrary listings removals, despite their best efforts to comply with Etsy’s existing rules around mature items. Or, their shops would plummet in the search ranks and be unable to climb back up. “It just gets worse and worse and worse,” said Downs, who notes that her shop’s sales on the platform are not nearly what they once were.

Tyler says his Etsy shop was banned about six or seven years back for unknown reasons. “I couldn’t get the shop open, no one would respond,” he said. He rebranded and returned to the platform a few years later, and has so far been “safe,” but says, “I get various warnings about policy violations every other week.” The current Etsy shop sells latex and rubber kinkwear as well as dildos, silicone penis sleeves and gender expression products such as packers — prosthetics meant to mimic the bulge of a penis and testicles that can be worn under clothing. Some of his listings won’t be allowed under the new rules.

Etsy sales accounted for 50 percent of Secret Kink’s turnover last year, and 30 percent the year before that, Tyler said. “I always said to my partner that I'm worried that any day… they’re just going to close my store down,” he said. Amid the economic struggles small businesses are already dealing with, Tyler says the platform’s latest move is “just another kick in the teeth.”

Both Tyler and Downs also expressed concerns about how the changes could affect shoppers’ access to gender affirming products. Downs’ shop, which has made over 12,000 sales in its seven years on Etsy, also sells a mix of pleasure and gender expression products. According to an Etsy spokesperson, items like packers that would be classified as prosthetics and not toys (i.e. not intended for sexual acts) are still permitted, along with some sexual wellness products.

The overhaul at Etsy comes on the heels of age verification laws that have begun to gain traction in the US, with the stated intent of shielding minors from adult content on the internet. In recent weeks, Pornhub has pulled out of several states that have enacted or are trying to push forward with such legislation, rather than comply with verification methods that could pose a privacy risk to the site’s users. And sex was already a tough sell for online businesses prior to this movement. Payment processors, like PayPal and Stripe, have historically taken a harsh stance on the sale of sex-related products and sexual content (remember when OnlyFans tried to ban porn to appease the banks?).

Whatever Etsy’s reasoning, affected sellers say they’re bracing for industry-wide impacts. Matt Rowe, one of the owners of the fantasy sex toy shop Odyssey Toys said in an email that it’s going to be a “devastating blow for so many” artisan makers. “There's some extremely talented people driving innovation and creating some incredible work through their designs, and for many of them their business may have the rug pulled out from underneath them almost overnight.”

Rowe said he considers Odyssey “one of the lucky ones” because Etsy currently accounts for only about 20-25 percent of the business’ sales — but the potential impact on the team of owners and workers, plus their families, is still “really worrying.” Odyssey moved into a bigger office earlier this year, and brought on new staff members, Rowe said.

With no word from Etsy in the aftermath of its decision, many sellers said their future right now feels uncertain. “We're left wondering if our account will be deactivated? Restricted? Or will they just remove our products? Who knows!” Rowe said.

Selling sex toys may have put a target on their backs, but the affected sellers warned that there are broader issues plaguing Etsy that will continue to affect even the small businesses that don't carry mature products. Their gripes include being “dinged” in search rankings for not offering free shipping, and having to navigate a playing field that’s changed immensely with an influx of dropshippers, mass-produced products and AI art. “This idea of a handmade marketplace no longer exists,” said Downs.

In July, Etsy updated its seller handbook with new categories to reflect what it says belongs on the platform, loosening its grip on the “handmade,” “vintage” or “craft supply” categories that listings were once required to fit into. Now, shops can choose to label their products as “made by a seller,” “designed by a seller,” “sourced by a seller” or “handpicked by a seller.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/artisanal-sex-toy-businesses-might-not-survive-etsys-new-seller-policies-230014133.html?src=rss

Artisanal sex toy businesses might not survive Etsy’s new seller policies

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Simply Elegant Glass has been selling hand-crafted sex toys on Etsy for nearly a decade. In that time, the shop has made over 7,000 sales and racked up more than 1,500 mostly five-star reviews. The Etsy shop — which offers glass dildos, anal plugs and other insertable items — drives the majority of the small business’ overall sales. But as of Monday July 29, the bulk of the shop’s catalog won't be allowed on the marketplace anymore under Etsy’s new restrictions around sex toys.

The Adult Nudity and Sexual Content policy, which was quietly published at the end of June to the platform’s “House Rules,” states that “Etsy prohibits the sale of adult toys that are: inserted into the body; applied to the genitalia; designed for genitals to be inserted into them.” Among other things, it specifically forbids vendors from selling “dildos, vibrators, anal plugs, sex dolls and fleshlights.” The policy update, spotted first by Mashable, came in tandem with a community forum post by Etsy’s head of Trust & Safety, Alice Wu Paulus, who wrote that it was designed to reflect “evolving industry standards and best practices so that we can continue to keep our users safe.”

The note about the impending change said Etsy would, in the coming weeks, “communicate directly with sellers who may need to update their listing images to be compliant.” Enforcement would begin on July 29, it said, and non-compliant listings would be removed. But up to three weeks after the new policy was published online, sellers that spoke to Engadget said they were never contacted directly by Etsy. All of them found out about the ban through social media or other means.

Etsy did not answer specific questions about the reasons behind its decision when contacted by Engadget, but a spokesperson said the change will only affect a very small percentage of the platform’s overall seller community. The only explanation stated in the policy change itself notes that the site wants to ensure “content is appropriate for a wide audience.”

It’s been received as the final nail in the coffin for many adult-oriented businesses on Etsy. Multiple sellers described the preceding years to Engadget as a fight to exist and succeed on the platform. And with no alternative marketplace for handmade products currently operating at Etsy’s scale, it feels as though the only venue for finding such items has been “essentially deleted off the internet,” said Andy, a glassblower for Simply Elegant Glass who chose to share only their first name.

“If I want to find products that are handmade — unless I knew of their existence beforehand through Etsy — finding them is incredibly difficult,” Andy said. They said they found advertising on Google to be “prohibitively expensive,” and products from small businesses are often buried in search results. If a person were just searching by product type, “I don’t think you would be able to find [Simply Elegant Glass] on Google,” Andy said.

Simply Elegant Glass launched its own website a few years ago and recently migrated to Shopify in an effort to shift away from its reliance on Etsy, but said in a recent post on X that even still, “most of our traffic originates from Etsy searches.”

As they see it, Andy said the platform has trended toward “allowing more dubious sellers, people who do not actually make the toys, dropshippers” and shops that would otherwise seem to “fly in the face of [Etsy’s] policies.” Dropshipping is an increasingly common practice in which businesses sell products they don’t actually make or even keep in stock themselves — instead, they source these items from a third-party supplier once they’ve received the orders, and the suppliers will ship them to the customers. Etsy has said that dropshipping is not allowed on the platform under most circumstances, but dropshippers have still found a way.

In addition to sex toys, Etsy’s new policy prohibits the sale of all pornography, including vintage Playboy magazines and any photographs or photo-realistic depictions of sex acts and genitalia. Non-realistic artworks featuring sex acts or genitalia may be permitted, but only under certain conditions: if sex acts are shown, there can be no visible genitalia; if genitalia are shown, there can’t be any “sexual context.” Any materials that feature a combination of familial and sexual terms, e.g., “slogans such as ‘Daddy’s slut’ or ‘Choke me Mommy,’” are out, too. Etsy will, however, continue to allow certain sexual accessories, like some BDSM gear and sex furniture.

Sellers that spoke to Engadget questioned why Etsy couldn’t solve issues of safety with methods other than a ban, like creating a designated adult-only section to keep these materials from popping up in inappropriate places.

The marketplace is one that sellers and shoppers alike have come to rely on for bespoke sex products. Etsy “is really the only place you can go that I know of to support small business/makers in the alternative product world,” Alissa Milano, an Etsy patron who has purchased sex and kink products on the platform, told Engadget in a DM.

On top of discoverability, the intuitive user interface makes it easy for shops to create listings and offer customization options, and it gives potential buyers a way to get in touch with a seller if they have any questions before placing an order. “I talk to most of the customers,” said Daniel Tyler, who runs the UK-based adult site Secret Kink, and sells on Etsy under the name of SecretLatex. Often, he says, “they want little changes here and there. If you're buying on Amazon, you won't get that.” And because it costs so little to list products on Etsy — $.20 per listing — it’s “probably the most accessible place to sell something,” said Chelsea Downs, founder of New York Toy Collective. Emerging indie marketplaces like Spicerack that are trying to provide a better option for sellers in the adult space are a promising development, but they don’t yet have the reach or name recognition of Etsy.

Even before the ban, though, adult product sellers say they’ve grappled with account suspensions and seemingly arbitrary listings removals, despite their best efforts to comply with Etsy’s existing rules around mature items. Or, their shops would plummet in the search ranks and be unable to climb back up. “It just gets worse and worse and worse,” said Downs, who notes that her shop’s sales on the platform are not nearly what they once were.

Tyler says his Etsy shop was banned about six or seven years back for unknown reasons. “I couldn’t get the shop open, no one would respond,” he said. He rebranded and returned to the platform a few years later, and has so far been “safe,” but says, “I get various warnings about policy violations every other week.” The current Etsy shop sells latex and rubber kinkwear as well as dildos, silicone penis sleeves and gender expression products such as packers — prosthetics meant to mimic the bulge of a penis and testicles that can be worn under clothing. Some of his listings won’t be allowed under the new rules.

Etsy sales accounted for 50 percent of Secret Kink’s turnover last year, and 30 percent the year before that, Tyler said. “I always said to my partner that I'm worried that any day… they’re just going to close my store down,” he said. Amid the economic struggles small businesses are already dealing with, Tyler says the platform’s latest move is “just another kick in the teeth.”

Both Tyler and Downs also expressed concerns about how the changes could affect shoppers’ access to gender affirming products. Downs’ shop, which has made over 12,000 sales in its seven years on Etsy, also sells a mix of pleasure and gender expression products. According to an Etsy spokesperson, items like packers that would be classified as prosthetics and not toys (i.e. not intended for sexual acts) are still permitted, along with some sexual wellness products.

The overhaul at Etsy comes on the heels of age verification laws that have begun to gain traction in the US, with the stated intent of shielding minors from adult content on the internet. In recent weeks, Pornhub has pulled out of several states that have enacted or are trying to push forward with such legislation, rather than comply with verification methods that could pose a privacy risk to the site’s users. And sex was already a tough sell for online businesses prior to this movement. Payment processors, like PayPal and Stripe, have historically taken a harsh stance on the sale of sex-related products and sexual content (remember when OnlyFans tried to ban porn to appease the banks?).

Whatever Etsy’s reasoning, affected sellers say they’re bracing for industry-wide impacts. Matt Rowe, one of the owners of the fantasy sex toy shop Odyssey Toys said in an email that it’s going to be a “devastating blow for so many” artisan makers. “There's some extremely talented people driving innovation and creating some incredible work through their designs, and for many of them their business may have the rug pulled out from underneath them almost overnight.”

Rowe said he considers Odyssey “one of the lucky ones” because Etsy currently accounts for only about 20-25 percent of the business’ sales — but the potential impact on the team of owners and workers, plus their families, is still “really worrying.” Odyssey moved into a bigger office earlier this year, and brought on new staff members, Rowe said.

With no word from Etsy in the aftermath of its decision, many sellers said their future right now feels uncertain. “We're left wondering if our account will be deactivated? Restricted? Or will they just remove our products? Who knows!” Rowe said.

Selling sex toys may have put a target on their backs, but the affected sellers warned that there are broader issues plaguing Etsy that will continue to affect even the small businesses that don't carry mature products. Their gripes include being “dinged” in search rankings for not offering free shipping, and having to navigate a playing field that’s changed immensely with an influx of dropshippers, mass-produced products and AI art. “This idea of a handmade marketplace no longer exists,” said Downs.

In July, Etsy updated its seller handbook with new categories to reflect what it says belongs on the platform, loosening its grip on the “handmade,” “vintage” or “craft supply” categories that listings were once required to fit into. Now, shops can choose to label their products as “made by a seller,” “designed by a seller,” “sourced by a seller” or “handpicked by a seller.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/artisanal-sex-toy-businesses-might-not-survive-etsys-new-seller-policies-230014133.html?src=rss

Johan Link’s LinkOne Watch Masterfully Fuses Icelandic Nature with Scandinavian Minimal Design

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Imagine the rugged, untamed landscapes of Iceland, where raw geometric forms meet delicate natural beauty. Inspired by this breathtaking scenery, Johan Link, a Swiss architecture student with an unyielding passion for design, set out on a remarkable journey. His goal was to create a timepiece that captured the essence of nature’s raw elegance and timeless charm. The culmination of his vision and meticulous craftsmanship is the LinkOne, a watch that effortlessly blends the rugged and the refined.

Designer: Johan Link

Johan Link’s journey to create the LinkOne was an intricate dance of creativity and precision. Months were spent sketching, iterating, 3D printing, and prototyping, all to achieve the perfect balance between form and function. The result is a distinctive watch that embodies the simplicity and elegance of nature while showcasing the innovative spirit of its creator.

At first glance, the LinkOne captivates with its black anodized aluminum case, a testament to both strength and style. Crafted from CNC-milled 6061-T6 aluminum, the case is not only durable but also boasts a bead-blasted and anodized finish, giving it a sleek, refined appearance. This robust exterior protects the intricate mechanics within, ensuring the watch’s reliability and longevity.

However, the true allure of LinkOne lies in its unique combination of materials. The watch features 3D-printed Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) straps, which provide a velvet-like texture for unparalleled comfort. These straps are more than just functional; they are a tactile delight, inviting the wearer to experience a new level of comfort and style.

 

The post Johan Link’s LinkOne Watch Masterfully Fuses Icelandic Nature with Scandinavian Minimal Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Intelligence reportedly may not arrive until October with iOS 18.1

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Apple Intelligence isn’t likely to be ready in time for the public releases of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in September, but you might not have to wait too long for it after that. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to introduce Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, which the company expects to be out by October. The betas for these — with some of the AI features — will reportedly be ready for developers to start playing with as soon as this week.

Apple Intelligence won’t offer its full suite of features at the start. Some, like the AI-powered Siri, are expected to come later in the year. Gurman has reported that these updates could even slip into next year. And when Apple Intelligence does arrive, it won’t be compatible with every phone that can support iOS 18. Apple said during its announcement that it requires a device with an A17 Pro processor or M-series chip. That rules out all recent iPhone models except the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-intelligence-reportedly-may-not-arrive-until-october-with-ios-181-213406695.html?src=rss

Apple Intelligence reportedly may not arrive until October with iOS 18.1

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Apple Intelligence isn’t likely to be ready in time for the public releases of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in September, but you might not have to wait too long for it after that. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to introduce Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, which the company expects to be out by October. The betas for these — with some of the AI features — will reportedly be ready for developers to start playing with as soon as this week.

Apple Intelligence won’t offer its full suite of features at the start. Some, like the AI-powered Siri, are expected to come later in the year. Gurman has reported that these updates could even slip into next year. And when Apple Intelligence does arrive, it won’t be compatible with every phone that can support iOS 18. Apple said during its announcement that it requires a device with an A17 Pro processor or M-series chip. That rules out all recent iPhone models except the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-intelligence-reportedly-may-not-arrive-until-october-with-ios-181-213406695.html?src=rss

JSAUX 6-in-1 USB Hub also doubles as a Charging Dock for your Handheld Game Console

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While most USB-C hubs go as far as providing a place to wirelessly charge your phone or TWS earbuds, the new Docking Station from JSAUX is more gamer-focused. Designed specifically for handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go, this docking station gives you the advantage of connectivity as well as a nifty place to rest your gaming gadget while it charges.

Designer: JSAUX

Unlike previous JSAUX Docking Stations, the new 6-in-1 variant features a detachable console stand. This allows users to switch between two configurations: a docked mode for connecting the handheld to a monitor and wired peripherals, and a standalone mode for using the stand on its own. This flexibility caters to gamers who want a dedicated desk setup but also appreciate portability for on-the-go sessions.

USB hubs are a dime a dozen, but this one’s design is one of its highlights. It comes with a two-part form factor – the hub itself, with all the ports, and a base that holds the console. The hub plugs into the base, effectively becoming a backrest for your console (which is great because the console invariably ends up hiding your cables and clutter), but when you need to travel, detach them and slip them into your backpack and they aren’t as space-consuming as when assembled together.

A USB-C port with 100W Power Delivery ensures your handheld console is always charged and ready for action. For those who rely on a wired internet connection for online gaming, a Gigabit Ethernet port provides a stable and high-speed link. Additionally, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports offer ample connectivity for peripherals like keyboards, mice, or external storage drives.

But perhaps the most impressive feature is the HDMI port. Capable of outputting stunning 4K visuals at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, this port elevates the handheld gaming experience to a whole new level. Connect your console to a compatible monitor or TV, and enjoy your games in breathtaking detail.

As of now, the 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station is available for purchase directly from the JSAUX website. While specific pricing details are currently unavailable, considering the previous model’s competitive price point of $31.99 on Amazon, it’s reasonable to anticipate a similarly attractive price tag for this new and improved version.

The post JSAUX 6-in-1 USB Hub also doubles as a Charging Dock for your Handheld Game Console first appeared on Yanko Design.

Goliath Campers G-47 teardrop trailer makes Aussies ready for safe and comfortable off-road camping

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We don’t live in a perfect world, but everyday we strive to create a world for ourselves that’s as perfect as it can be. And then when we want to venture out of the flawless living environment, into the wilderness where nature could heel the faults in us, we need a perfect partner that can ride without drag behind our daily driver, pull up where the heart wishes, and allow us to hop into the bed without having to move another finger for set up.

Welcome to the perfect Aussie creation that does this bit alongside allowing us to open the hatch and cook up a feast. We are talking about the G-47 teardrop trailer by Queensland-based marine-grade mobile home builders, Goliath Campers.

Designer: Goliath Campers

Every trailer builder has some distinction to their credit. For Goliath, it is their off-road camper trailers, carefully constructed with top-quality marine-grade material and finished in eye-catching hues. G-47 model is no different: it’s a hard-shelled living unit that features off-grid capability – water storage, 200Ah lithium battery, solar panel, and 2000W inverter – a swing-out grill for barbeques on the go, and a flip-up rainfall shower for hot baths in the cold wilderness.

All this and more fits within a compact 15.4-foot-long trailer that rides on a Cruisemaster independent suspension system and twin shock absorbers to accord it off-roading ability. Regarded as a teardrop trailer, despite its unique body crafted from foam core fiberglass, the G-47 features a hatch kitchen accessible from the outside. It includes an induction cooker, Weber BBQ grill, wine rack, sink, 65-litre fridge with freezer, 300-litre cupboard, and diesel hot water system.

Size and style matter when it comes to extending the outdoor space with an ensuite awning that can additionally provide privacy for using the portable toilet. When it comes to retiring for the day, climb onto the double bed under an overhead stargazing hatch and send yourself into slumber. On cold wintery evenings, when you don’t want to move a hand, the onboard Redarc Red Vision TVMS System lets you control the trailer functions by turning on the lights, the outdoor stereo, the fridge, and the water pump from your smartphone. Like all good things come for a price, the Goliath Campers G-47 camping trailer retails for AUD 69,500.

The post Goliath Campers G-47 teardrop trailer makes Aussies ready for safe and comfortable off-road camping first appeared on Yanko Design.

Elon Musk shared a doctored Harris campaign video on X without labeling it as fake

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As spotted by The New York Times, Elon Musk shared an altered version of Kamala Harris’ campaign video on Friday night that uses a deepfake voiceover to say things like, “I was selected because I am the ultimate diversity hire,” in the VP’s voice. Nowhere does the post alert users to the fact that the video has been manipulated and features comments Harris did not actually say. Under X’s own policies, users “may not share synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm (‘misleading media’).”

The post has been up all weekend, amassing over 119 million views by early Sunday afternoon. It was originally posted by another user, @MrReaganUSA, whose post states that it is a parody. Among other things, the voice in the video says, “I had four years under the tutelage of the ultimate deep state puppet, a wonderful mentor, Joe Biden.” Musk’s post — which only says, “This is amazing,” with a laughing emoji — has not been labeled as misleading, which the site will sometimes do if it determines certain media is as such, and no Community Notes have been added, though NYT notes that several have been suggested.

Altered media is in some cases allowed to stay up on the site and won’t be labeled as misleading, according to X’s policies. That includes memes and satire, “provided these do not cause significant confusion about the authenticity of the media.” The potential for deepfakes to be used to influence voters’ opinions ahead of elections has been a growing concern in recent years. Earlier this year, 20 tech companies signed an agreement pledging to help fight the “deceptive use of AI” in the 2024 elections — including X.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/elon-musk-shared-a-doctored-harris-campaign-video-on-x-without-labeling-it-as-fake-172617272.html?src=rss

Elon Musk shared a doctored Harris campaign video on X without labeling it as fake

Posted on by

As spotted by The New York Times, Elon Musk shared an altered version of Kamala Harris’ campaign video on Friday night that uses a deepfake voiceover to say things like, “I was selected because I am the ultimate diversity hire,” in the VP’s voice. Nowhere does the post alert users to the fact that the video has been manipulated and features comments Harris did not actually say. Under X’s own policies, users “may not share synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm (‘misleading media’).”

The post has been up all weekend, amassing over 119 million views by early Sunday afternoon. It was originally posted by another user, @MrReaganUSA, whose post states that it is a parody. Among other things, the voice in the video says, “I had four years under the tutelage of the ultimate deep state puppet, a wonderful mentor, Joe Biden.” Musk’s post — which only says, “This is amazing,” with a laughing emoji — has not been labeled as misleading, which the site will sometimes do if it determines certain media is as such, and no Community Notes have been added, though NYT notes that several have been suggested.

Altered media is in some cases allowed to stay up on the site and won’t be labeled as misleading, according to X’s policies. That includes memes and satire, “provided these do not cause significant confusion about the authenticity of the media.” The potential for deepfakes to be used to influence voters’ opinions ahead of elections has been a growing concern in recent years. Earlier this year, 20 tech companies signed an agreement pledging to help fight the “deceptive use of AI” in the 2024 elections — including X.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/elon-musk-shared-a-doctored-harris-campaign-video-on-x-without-labeling-it-as-fake-172617272.html?src=rss

Celebrate Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th Anniversary at HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger in Paris Just in time for the Olympics

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This week, our Sneaker Sunday feature focuses on a brand we hold dear: Onitsuka Tiger. Celebrating 75 years of innovation, style, and cultural impact, Onitsuka Tiger has consistently pushed the boundaries of footwear and fashion. We admire their dedication to quality and design, and we’re excited to share details of their monumental anniversary celebration.

Designer: Onitsuka Tiger

Established in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, Onitsuka Tiger has made a significant mark in the streetwear scene with its iconic sneakers. The Japanese brand gained notable pop culture prominence when Uma Thurman’s character wore Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” series. The yellow and black ensemble, inspired by Bruce Lee’s legendary Mexico 66 trainers featured in his final film, “Game of Death,” highlighted the brand’s blend of heritage and contemporary style.

Onitsuka Tiger marks its 75th anniversary with an extraordinary event on the historic Champs-Élysées in Paris, showcasing the “HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger.” This unique event is housed in an 18th-century building, a significant structure on this prestigious avenue, typically closed to the public. This exclusive venue, set to face the brand’s future flagship store scheduled to open in July 2025, will be the heart of the celebration.

HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger in Paris

The exterior of the building is a stunning example of classic architecture, adorned with Onitsuka Tiger’s bold and modern branding. The iconic Tiger Yellow is prominently displayed in the decorations and banners, creating a striking contrast against the historic stone facade. Large banners and signage with the brand’s name and logo are prominently placed, inviting visitors to enter this immersive experience.

HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger in Paris

Upon entering, guests are greeted with a vibrant yellow theme that extends throughout the venue. This consistent color scheme ties together the various elements of the event, from the decor to the exhibits. The lobby features a sleek, modern design juxtaposed with historic architectural details, blending the old with the new to embody the spirit of Onitsuka Tiger.

Hôtel Onitsuka Tiger in Paris

The event includes various exhibitions showcasing the brand’s rich history and innovative future. A display of archival shoes chronicles the evolution of Onitsuka Tiger over the past 75 years. Each pair tells a story, from the first shoes that launched the brand to the game-changing designs that expanded its global reach. Alongside these, a special photo exhibition traces the brand’s trajectory, offering visitors a visual journey through its significant milestones.

The Yellow Tiger Café is nestled within the premises, where guests can indulge in Japanese culinary delights. The café’s vibrant yellow decor aligns with the event’s overall theme, providing a cohesive and immersive dining experience. Menu items are carefully crafted to reflect the brand’s Japanese heritage, offering a unique taste of its cultural roots.

The Yellow Tiger Café: Featuring cuisine by chef Yoji Tokuyoshi

The “HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger Residents (Partners)” program features various artists presenting cultural artworks and performances. These contributions add a layer of depth to the event, celebrating the intersection of fashion, art, and culture that defines Onitsuka Tiger.

Left: YUJA WANG: Grammy-winning pianist at Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th anniversary. Right: YOJI TOKUYOSHI: Michelin-starred chef overseeing YELLOW TIGER CAFÉ at Hôtel Onitsuka Tiger.

Left: Yutaro Inagaki: Emerging artist blending Japanese and Western styles, creating live at HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger for the 2025 Champs-Élysées flagship. Right: Maïa Barouh: Japanese-French artist curating local talent at Hôtel Onitsuka Tiger.

“HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger” will run from Monday, July 22, 2024, to Saturday, August 17, 2024, and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, except on Saturday, August 3. Located at 25 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France, admission is free, but advance booking is required. Reservations can be made through the company’s webpage: Onitsuka Tiger 75th Anniversary.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, the “Onitsuka Tiger 75th Anniversary Event in TOKYO” will express the brand’s past, present, and future as it progresses toward its 100th anniversary. This event will feature a photo exh ibition of 75 pairs of archival shoes, each telling its own story. Highlights will include the inaugural pair that launched the brand, the pair that revolutionized its market position, and those that spread its influence globally.

The Tokyo celebration will also premiere art pieces inspired by Onitsuka Tiger, blending creativity and innovation. A short movie tour of Onitsuka Tiger stores worldwide will be presented using cutting-edge computer graphics, XR technology, and motion capture, providing an immersive experience of the brand’s global presence. Additionally, the latest collection will be featured in a special installation, highlighting the brand’s continuous evolution.

CONCEPT MOVIE: Immerse yourself in Onitsuka Tiger’s journey, showcased at the significant milestone of its 75th anniversary, and discover its pursuit of the future in Paris.

Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to see five new 75th-anniversary items unveiled at the event. These redesigned, modern reinterpretations of iconic models reflect the brand’s journey through its birth, growth, challenges, and evolution.

The event will run from Friday, August 9, 2024, to Sunday, August 25, 2024. Opening hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the last admission at 6:30 p.m. On the final day, August 25, the event will conclude at 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4:30 p.m. The event will be held at 6-14-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Admission is free, but priority is given to those with advance reservations. Each person is limited to one reservation, which can be secured through the official Onitsuka Tiger app for seamless access to the venue.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit the company’s webpage: Onitsuka Tiger 75th Anniversary.

These dual celebrations in Paris and Tokyo honor Onitsuka Tiger’s rich history and set the stage for its future, reflecting its enduring legacy and forward-thinking vision. Join us in celebrating Onitsuka Tiger’s remarkable journey and future aspirations at these landmark events. It’s a fitting tribute to a brand that continues to inspire and innovate, connecting its past, present, and future in unforgettable experiences.

The post Celebrate Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th Anniversary at HÔTEL Onitsuka Tiger in Paris Just in time for the Olympics first appeared on Yanko Design.