Monthly Archives: October 2024

This Modular Shed Office Merges Sustainability, Creativity, Nature, and Functionality in Vancouver

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Imagine an office space that’s not only environmentally conscious but also designed to inspire creativity and connect you with nature. That’s what designer Daniil Aron-Mokhov has accomplished with the SCHTAUSS Modular Shed Office. Built from leftover materials from a home renovation and complemented by locally sourced supplies from Vancouver’s small businesses, SCHTAUSS is the perfect marriage of sustainable design and multifunctional beauty.

Designer: Daniil Aron-Mokhov

The process behind its creation was a feat of precision and craftsmanship. After four days of laser cutting and fabrication at a local FabLab, SCHTAUSS was installed on-site in just two days. Situated two meters from the main building, it transforms a quiet corner of the property into a space that merges indoor functionality with outdoor enjoyment.

One of the most captivating features of it is the southern facade, which boasts three operable openings. These aren’t your typical windows, each one is designed to bring in fresh air and natural light while doubling as seating patios. Step outside for a moment of relaxation, or work with the doors wide open to let the breeze flow in. These flexible access points create a seamless indoor-outdoor workspace that’s as refreshing as it is functional.

But the surprises don’t stop there. At the back of the structure, a ladder invites you to explore the rooftop patio, a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of Vancouver’s mountains. Normally concealed by the surrounding 2.5-meter hedges, these stunning vistas transform the rooftop into a serene retreat, a perfect spot to recharge, brainstorm, or even hold a casual meeting under the open sky.

The post This Modular Shed Office Merges Sustainability, Creativity, Nature, and Functionality in Vancouver first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mission to Earthphase: The World’s First-Ever Dual-Phase Dial and Movement by Omega x Swatch

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Omega and Swatch have introduced the Mission to Earthphase, a watch that illustrates Earth and Moon phases on a single dial. This latest addition to the MoonSwatch series features an innovative Earth phase complication, marking a first in watchmaking history. Designed to simulate how Earth appears from the Moon, the Mission to Earthphase pays tribute to the beauty of our planet as seen from space.

Designers: Swatch x OMEGA

From the dial’s textured gray surface to its intricately crafted Earth and Moon indicators, this watch is filled with details inspired by celestial mechanics. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Mission to Earthphase features a quartz movement tailored to manage these dual complications. Here, we’ll explore the design, how it works, and the unique movement that powers this timepiece.

A Design that Brings Earth and Moon Together

The Mission to Earthphase’s dial design immediately captures attention. Unlike traditional moonphase watches, which depict the phases of the Moon as seen from Earth, the Mission to Earthphase shifts perspectives. Positioned at ten o’clock, the Earth phase complication displays Earth’s phases as they would be viewed from the Moon, offering a unique perspective of our planet.

Image: Swatch

In this Earth phase indicator, continents and oceans are depicted in vivid colors. Oceans are treated with UV-reactive ink, glowing under ultraviolet light, creating a soft blue glow reminiscent of how astronauts describe Earth—as a glowing blue marble against the vastness of space. This glow captures the beauty and mystery of our planet. Landmasses are rendered with fine detail, presenting a vibrant and precise representation of the Earth’s surface.

Across the dial at the two o’clock position, the Moon phase indicator sits across the dial. Omega and Swatch have ensured that the Moon is represented with signature attention to detail. Two large depictions of the Moon glow in the dark thanks to Super-LumiNova treatment. This soft white glow adds a touch of mystique without overpowering the rest of the dial, enhancing visual appeal and ensuring legibility in low-light settings.

The Movement: Precision and Innovation

The Mission to Earthphase is powered by a unique quartz movement specifically engineered to support both Earth and Moon phase complications. Traditional moonphase watches use a simple mechanism to track the Moon’s 29.5-day cycle. However, Omega and Swatch took a more complex approach to incorporate both Earth and Moon phases.

Image: Swatch

The Earth phase rotates in the opposite direction of the Moon phase, accurately depicting how the Earth’s phases appear to an observer on the Moon. This reverse rotation reflects the actual orientation of Earth and Moon phases relative to each other.

The gearing system behind the Earth phase complication was calibrated to ensure synchronization with the Moon phase while operating independently. This design required Omega and Swatch to rethink the mechanics of dual-phase displays, resulting in a sophisticated and reliable movement.

Textured Dial and Classic Bezel for a Space-Inspired Look

The dial surface of the Mission to Earthphase features a grainy gray texture that replicates the rugged landscape of the Moon. This surface provides a tactile quality, grounding the watch in its cosmic theme and echoing the Moon’s cratered terrain. It connects the wearer to the idea of standing on the Moon and looking back at Earth.

Image: Swatch

Surrounding the detailed dial is a black tachymeter bezel with light gray markers. This bezel contrasts with the textured dial, allowing the dial’s features to remain the focal point. The tachymeter scale adds a functional element, maintaining the chronograph heritage of Omega’s Speedmaster series while emphasizing the connection between space exploration and timekeeping.

Bioceramic Case and Space-Ready Strap

The Mission to Earthphase case is crafted from Bioceramic, a material that combines ceramic with bio sourced elements derived from castor oil. The 42-millimeter case has a light gray tone that harmonizes with the lunar-themed dial, adding a sense of cohesion. Bioceramic is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for a watch designed for comfortable wear while maintaining sophistication.

Image: Swatch

Swatch has equipped the Mission to Earthphase with a black Velcro strap stitched with light gray thread, providing comfort and adjustability for various wrist sizes. The strap draws from materials used in astronaut gear, adding an authentic touch of space-inspired practicality. The Omega and Swatch branding is visible on the strap, highlighting the partnership behind this watch.

The battery cover on the watch’s back is etched with an image of the Moon, complete with Neil Armstrong’s iconic footprint—a nod to the historic lunar landing.

The Mission to Earthphase runs on a quartz movement chosen for its precision and low maintenance requirements. While mechanical movements often carry a sense of tradition, the quartz option provides the accuracy needed to maintain Earth and Moon phase indicators. This aligns with Swatch’s approach of making accessible, high-quality designs without compromising performance.

Image: Swatch

Quartz technology ensures that the Earth and Moon phases stay in perfect sync with real-world cycles, reducing the need for manual adjustments. This makes the Mission to Earthphase practical for everyday wearers who appreciate innovation without the upkeep of a mechanical movement. The stability and durability of quartz movement provide peace of mind, keeping the watch accurate with minimal intervention.

A Unique Achievement in Dual-Phase Display

The Mission to Earthphase showcases the Earth and Moon phases in a unified, independent rotation. This dual-phase complication exemplifies Omega and Swatch’s innovative engineering, clearly depicting Earth-Moon dynamics.

Image: Swatch

The Mission to Earthphase brings the cosmos to the wrist through its crafted dial, unique movement, and detailed design. Omega and Swatch provide a distinctive experience of the Earth-Moon relationship, blending technical precision with artistic vision.

The post Mission to Earthphase: The World’s First-Ever Dual-Phase Dial and Movement by Omega x Swatch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Netflix gives us another sneak peek of Squid Game season two

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We’re still officially in “teaser trailer” territory for the new season of Squid Game but a lot of interesting details just dropped in the latest one for season two.

The new trailer takes us deeper into the games as Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, returns to the island presumably to take down the rich tyrants and the Front Man from the inside of the tournament. Seong is back as a player (Player 456 again, to be specific) and at least two of the games from the last season will be part of the new one, including “Green Light” and the dalgona cookie cutting challenge. This time, however, they have an experienced contestant in the sea of green, bloodied jumpsuits who can tell them how to avoid the pitfalls (figuratively and literally if the Mirror Bridge returns).

Seong seems to be on a personal crusade to save the latest batch of players who may not have any understanding of the games and its very high stakes. Unlike last season, Seong isn’t smiling when he takes his official contestant photo. The new trailer also features an impassioned Seong trying to convince the new batch of players to vote to leave the island with their lives still intact.

The next season of Squid Game lands on Netflix the day after Christmas, but for me, it still cannot get here quick enough.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-gives-us-another-sneak-peek-of-squid-game-season-two-204719198.html?src=rss

Toyota’s new Micro-camper doubles into a cargo-van, pop-up shop, or even a wheelchair-accessible van

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As the name suggests, most camper vans are made for camping. However, Toyoya’s Kayoibako interprets things differently. Inspired instead by shipping containers, the adorable micro-camper is compact enough for tight city streets yet versatile enough to transform from a cozy camper into a mobile pop-up shop or even a mini delivery van. Built as a multifunctional, adaptable space, the Kayoibako explores the future of compact vehicles designed for urban explorers, small business owners, and anyone craving flexibility in a city-ready package.

Designer: Toyota

With a length of 3.99 meters (around 13 feet), the Kayoibako maximizes every inch of space. The tiny EV uses a nearly nonexistent hood and a minimalist driver-only seat setup, which frees up over 2.1 meters of usable floor length behind the driver and 3.1 meters in the seatless passenger area. Collaborating with lifestyle brand D&Department, Toyota created a cozy camper layout with a foldable double bed, ambient lighting, and simple furnishings, proving that functional design can be stylish too. The roof—standing at 186 cm (73 inches)—is accessible via a ladder and can double as a gear rack, providing easy storage solutions for adventurers looking to take advantage of every inch of this micro-camper.

What really makes the Kayoibako concept exciting is how easily it shapeshifts to meet diverse needs. Toyota envisioned it for multiple configurations, including an adaptive wheelchair-accessible design, a fully mobile retail shop with racks, and a straightforward cargo hauler. This flexibility comes from the vehicle’s customizable software. For instance, if you’re using it as a mobile shop, the Kayoibako could integrate inventory tracking, or, if it’s out on the trails, off-road navigation could be added to the suite. With all these options, Toyota has crafted a concept that feels a step ahead, blending physical versatility with digital intelligence.

Inside, the Kayoibako is as simple as it is modern. The minimalist dashboard is defined by an ultra-slim, curved infotainment screen that stretches across the windshield area, designed to give the driver a seamless interface with all key information in one place. The Kayoibako’s cockpit keeps things light, thanks to a skeletal steering wheel and minimal controls, perfect for a vehicle that aims to be as flexible as its users’ needs. This simplicity lets Toyota make the most of the interior, creating a spacious, uncluttered atmosphere that’s highly adaptable for different uses, from outdoor exploration to city delivery.

So, will the Kayoibako make it to production? Toyota’s been quiet about that, though its experimentation with flexible mini-vehicles, like the Hilux Champ mini-pickup, hints at a future where modular electric vehicles might become mainstream. If the Kayoibako—or something like it—hits the market, we’d be looking at a new category of hyper-adaptable, eco-friendly EVs. Whether for work, play, or a mix of both, it’s a concept that could be just what the tiny van scene has been waiting for.

The post Toyota’s new Micro-camper doubles into a cargo-van, pop-up shop, or even a wheelchair-accessible van first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hyundai reveals its newest hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Initium

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Hydrogen-powered vehicles haven’t really caught on as an alternative means of eco-friendly transportation. Hyundai, however, hopes to fix that with a bigger investment in the technology and its newest hydrogen-powered concept SUV called the Initium.

Hyundai announced it plans to start production on the hydrogen SUV in the first half of next year. The Initium can run approximately 404 miles on a single refueling and can also run on electric power as a backup that can be recharged from a household electricity supply. The vehicle will also make its public debut at the LA Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou in China next month. It’s not yet confirmed where the cars will be available when they go on sale so a US launch isn’t guaranteed.

The Initium may just be a concept car for now but Hyundai seems committed to bringing its newest hydrogen car to drivers quickly, even if the fuel source hasn’t made nearly as many strides towards widespread acceptance as electric options. The South Korean carmaker is planning on investing $4 billion to develop its hydrogen vehicle technology and infrastructure to meet its complete carbon neutrality goal by 2045 with cars like the Initium and the electric Ioniq 5 unveiled last year.

Hydrogen may be an efficient alternative to gasoline but it still has a ways to go to be competitive with electric vehicles (and that’s without acknowledging the continued prevalence of gasoline-powered cars). There are only 59 hydrogen charging stations in the US with most of them in California, according to the US Department of Energy. There are only a handful of carmakers who still offer a hydrogen powered option including Hyundai (the Nexo SUV) and Toyota (the Mirari). Honda used to offer a hydrogen car with The Clarity but it ended production in 2021, according to Car & Driver.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/hyundai-reveals-its-newest-hydrogen-powered-vehicle-the-initium-192235417.html?src=rss

OpenAI is building their own AI Chips to take on Nvidia’s Chip Dominance

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In a strategic move that feels like it’s straight from an Aaron Sorkin movie, OpenAI has started crafting its own AI chip, a custom creation designed to tackle the heavy demands of running its advanced models. The company, known for developing ChatGPT, has partnered with Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to roll out its first in-house chip by 2026, Reuters reports. While many giants might build factories to keep all chip manufacturing in-house, OpenAI opted to shelve that multi-billion-dollar venture. It’s instead using industry muscle in a way that’s both practical and quietly rebellious.

Why bother with the usual suppliers? OpenAI is already a massive buyer of Nvidia’s GPUs, essential for training and inference—the magic that turns data into meaningful responses. But here’s the twist: Nvidia’s prices are soaring, and OpenAI wants to diversify. AMD’s new MI300X chips add to the mix, showing OpenAI’s resourcefulness in navigating a GPU market often plagued by shortages. Adding AMD into this lineup might look like a mere “supply chain insurance,” but it’s more than that—this move exhibits OpenAI’s reluctance to put all its eggs in one pricey basket. Sort of like Apple developing its own Apple Intelligence while leaning on ChatGPT whenever necessary.

Broadcom is helping OpenAI shape the chip, along with a data transfer capability that’s critical for OpenAI’s needs, where endless rows of chips work in synchrony. Securing TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, to produce these chips highlights OpenAI’s knack for creative problem-solving. TSMC brings a powerhouse reputation to the table, which gives OpenAI’s experimental chip a significant production edge—key to scaling its infrastructure to meet ever-growing AI workloads.

OpenAI’s venture into custom chips isn’t just about technical specs or saving money; it’s a tactical play to gain full control over its tech (something we’ve seen with Apple before). By tailoring chips specifically for inference—the part of AI that applies what’s learned to make decisions—OpenAI aims for real-time processing at a speed essential for tools like ChatGPT. This quest for optimization is about more than efficiency; it’s the kind of forward-thinking move that positions OpenAI as an innovator who wants to carve its own path in an industry where Google and Meta have already done so.

The strategy here is fascinating because it doesn’t pit OpenAI against its big suppliers. Even as it pursues its custom chip, OpenAI remains close to Nvidia, preserving access to Nvidia’s newest, most advanced Blackwell GPUs while avoiding potential friction. It’s like staying friendly with the popular kid even while building your own brand. This partnership-heavy approach provides access to top-tier hardware without burning any bridges—a balancing act that OpenAI is managing with surprising finesse.

(Representational images generated using AI)

The post OpenAI is building their own AI Chips to take on Nvidia’s Chip Dominance first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft’s Recall AI tool for Copilot+ PCs faces a third delay

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It's deja vu all over again for Microsoft's AI-powered Recall tool. After a delay in June and then a second one in August, Microsoft is once more pushing back testing of the feature intended for its Copilot+ PCs. The Verge reported that Recall now won't enter previews for Windows Insiders until December.

"We are committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall," Brandon LeBlanc, senior product manager of Windows, told the publication. "To ensure we deliver on these important updates, we’re taking additional time to refine the experience before previewing it with Windows Insiders."

When it was introduced, Microsoft positioned Recall as a way to give your computer a photographic memory, improving the search process on PCs. But since that photographic memory would demand a high degree of access to a computer's systems and data, Recall has been the target of privacy and security concerns. Microsoft has tried to assuage those worries by presenting Recall as an opt-in feature, so users will have to give explicit permission for the AI assistant to log their computing activity. The company has also detailed other privacy protections, but today's third delay could mean that it's proving more difficult than expected to keep security on lock.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsofts-recall-ai-tool-for-copilot-pcs-faces-a-third-delay-191301031.html?src=rss

Humane recalls its troubled AI Pin’s Charge Case due to overheating

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It’s getting harder and harder not to view the Humane AI Pin as destined to go down as one of tech’s all-time stinkers and cautionary tales. After reviews questioning why it existed, returns that outpaced its sales and a warning that its Charge Case could pose a “fire safety risk,” the company is now recalling the latter. The issue stems from the case’s battery cells, supplied by a third-party vendor, which could overheat and cause a fire hazard.

Humane posted on Thursday that it’s conducting the voluntary recall “out of an abundance of caution.” The startup says its charging case is the only accessory affected — not the battery booster, charging pad or Pin itself. “The issue is isolated to battery cells used in the Charge Case Accessory,” Humane wrote. “It is not related to its hardware design.”

The company says one of its battery suppliers is to blame. “Our investigation determined that the battery supplier was no longer meeting our quality standards and that battery cells supplied by this vendor can pose a fire risk,” Humane wrote. The company says it’s severed ties with the supplier and is currently evaluating a new one.

The Humane AI Pin on a wool top.
Hayato Huseman for Engadget

In fairness to Humane, the recall was (in its words) the result of only one incident where a user plugged it into a third-party USB-C cable and power source. It hasn’t received reports of injuries or damage. As easy as it is to poke fun at an overhyped company’s other shoe dropping, at least it’s informing consumers and conducting the recall voluntarily rather than trying to bury it for the sake of PR. Perhaps Humane can look to Samsung for inspiration on rebounding from a product that catches on fire — and not in a good way.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) posted a blurb about the recall with more detail. It says consumers who bought the Charge Case separately will receive a $149 refund. Those who got the case as part of the Humane AI Pin Complete System will get $129 back. In addition, Humane will supply replacement charging cases, but don’t expect them anytime soon: The estimated wait is three to six months. The CPSC says about 10,500 units are affected.

Humane advises charge case owners to “dispose of the product in accordance with any local and state laws” rather than chucking it in the trash. Presumably, that’s to avoid a real dumpster fire to match the metaphorical one at Humane.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/humane-recalls-its-troubled-ai-pins-charge-case-due-to-overheating-185116736.html?src=rss

Apex Legends is no longer available for the Steam Deck

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Valve’s Steam Deck has proven to be an enormous success, but the custom Linux-based OS has always been a thorn in the side of certain developers. Some have alleged that it gives nefarious players easier ways to cheat, which is why popular battle royale games like Valorant, PUBG and Fortnite aren’t available for the console. We can add Apex Legends to that pile, as EA just announced its withdrawing both Steam Deck and Linux support.

“In our efforts to combat cheating in Apex, we’ve identified Linux OS as being a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats. As a result, we’ve decided to block Linux OS access to the game,” the company wrote in a blog post. “We believe the decision will meaningfully reduce instances of cheating in our game.”

Apex Legends does have access to Epic Games’ Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software, which has been compatible with Linux for years. This must have not been a good enough safeguard against cheating. It didn’t allow Fortnite onto the Steam Deck, after all, and that game’s actually made by Epic. To that end, devs on Steam will now have to disclose kernel mode anti-cheat software. 

It remains to be seen if Linux is simply harder to develop anti-cheating measures for or if doing so is just an added expense at a time when game developers have been tightening their purse strings. Phillip Koskinas, director of anti-cheat on Valorant, indicated to The Verge that bad actors could “make a Linux distribution that’s purpose-built for cheating and we’d be smoked.”

It’s not all bad news for Apex Legends fans who prefer to play on a portable console. It’ll run on the Steam Deck, so long as you install Windows. Valve hasn’t released its own dual-boot installer, so you’ll have to rely on fairly complicated third-party solutions to get the job done.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/apex-legends-is-no-longer-available-for-the-steam-deck-184431149.html?src=rss

Playdate is officially getting a Season Two with ‘about a dozen games’ next year

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Panic slipped some major news into its fall Playdate Update: Season Two is happening, and we’ll see it next year. Can I get a “hell yeah!”? It’s been over two years since Season One dropped, and in the time since, it’s remained unclear whether another would ever follow. But in today’s livestream, Panic’s Video & Podcast host Christa Mrgan confirmed that Season Two is a go, and it’s “happening next year.” Consolation for killing the Stereo Dock, perhaps?

There are a lot of details we still don’t know about Season Two, like how much it'll cost (Season One was included with the purchase of a Playdate), but a PR person for Panic confirmed to Engadget that Playdate owners will have to buy it from the Catalog. Information on pricing and the exact number of games will be released in 2025. The first season brought two games per week over the course of 12 weeks, amounting to 24 games in all. According to Mrgan, Season Two so far includes “about a dozen games.” There’s also apparently another “really cool surprise thing” that we aren’t allowed to know the details about just yet, and my curiosity is definitely piqued.

In addition to the Season Two announcement, the fall update also highlighted some upcoming Catalog games to look out for in the coming weeks and into 2025: Owlet’s Embrace, a metroidvania about an owl who is scared to fly; Comet, a puzzle-adventure game about a girl who is forced to face her fear of the dark after her brother goes missing; Office Chair Curling, which is exactly what it sounds like and looks absolutely absurd in the best way; Bwirds, a cute word puzzle game; a pinball game called Devils on the Moon from the makers of the Tetris-like, Pullfrog; and the top-down boat racing game, RowBot Rally.

There’s also a huge Catalog sale going on right now that runs through November 14. Some of our favorite Playdate games are deeply discounted, so if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to scoop up all the titles on your “to play” list, now would be the time.

Update, October 31 2024, 2:45PM ET: This story has been updated to include additional information from Panic/Playdate's PR. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playdate-is-officially-getting-a-season-two-with-about-a-dozen-games-next-year-180446193.html?src=rss