What if I told you that the way we create presentations is about to change forever? In this guide, Dylan Davis walks through how the Claude method, a innovative AI-driven approach, makes traditional software like PowerPoint feel outdated. Imagine crafting stunning, interactive slides without spending hours tweaking fonts, layouts, or animations. Instead of wrestling with […]
Apple’s 2026 MacBook lineup introduces a diverse range of laptops designed to meet the needs of various users, from students and casual users to creative professionals and power users. With a focus on performance, design, and accessibility, the lineup reflects Apple’s commitment to innovation while catering to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re seeking an […]
Matthew McConaughey filed trademark applications to prevent his likeness from being used by AI companies without permission, and the US Patent and Trademark Office has approved eight so far. According to the Wall Street Journal, the trademarks were for video and audio clips featuring the actor staring, smiling and talking. One was for a video of him standing on a porch, while another was for an audio recording of him saying “alright, alright, alright,” his signature catchphrase from the movie Dazed and Confused.
Under the law, it’s already prohibited for companies to steal someone’s likeness to sell products. However, McConaughey is taking a proactive approach due to the nebulous rules around the use of someone’s likeness for artificial intelligence and what’s considered commercial use involving the technology. His lawyer, Kevin Yorn, admits that they don’t know how the court would decide if an offender challenges the trademarks. But they’re hoping that the threat of a lawsuit would deter companies from using McConaughey’s likeness for AI in the first place. Actors have been trying to protect themselves from AI since the technology blew up, and it was one of the sticking points in the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios when the labor union went on a strike in 2023.
McConaughey isn’t anti-AI by any means: He is an investor in ElevenLabs and has partnered with the AI startup to create a Spanish version of his newsletter. He said in a statement sent to The Journal that he just wants to make sure that if his voice or likeness is ever used, it’s because he approved and signed off on it. “We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world,” he added.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/matthew-mcconaughey-fights-unauthorized-ai-likenesses-by-trademarking-himself-130000567.html?src=rss
What if you could predict the future, not with a crystal ball, but with math? In this guide, Veritasium explains how a 120-year-old concept called Markov chains has become a silent force shaping everything from weather forecasts to Google’s search algorithm. Imagine a world where tomorrow’s weather, the next word in a sentence, or even […]
Book clubs thrive on intention, and 2026 is calling for a refresh. The ritual of reading together deserves more than cramped corners and harsh overhead lighting. Creating a dedicated reading nook transforms your literary habits from scattered moments into meaningful experiences. These five essentials blend form with function, turning any space into an inviting sanctuary where pages turn naturally, and conversations flow.
The best reading nooks aren’t about excess. They’re about selecting pieces that enhance comfort while celebrating the act of reading itself. From ambient lighting that sets the perfect mood to clever tools that keep your place without damaging precious spines, each element serves a purpose. These designs honor the tactile joy of physical books while adding visual interest that makes your reading corner a destination worth visiting daily.
1. Bookish Bookmark
Every dedicated reader knows the frustration of trying to keep a book open while juggling a cup of tea or taking notes. The Bookish Bookmark solves this age-old problem with elegant simplicity. This transparent acrylic paperweight curves naturally to hold pages open without forcing the spine into unnatural positions, respecting the integrity of your favorite volumes while keeping them accessible.
The genius lies in its transparency. Unlike traditional paperweights that obstruct text, this bookmark disappears visually while doing its job. You can read straight through it without interruption, making it perfect for those moments when you need both hands free to sketch ideas or reach for snacks during intense book club discussions. The book-shaped design adds a meta touch that book lovers will appreciate.
The curved design respects the natural form of books, preventing spine damage that can devalue collectible editions.
The transparent material means no more awkward repositioning to read past an opaque weight.
It eliminates the need for makeshift solutions like coffee mugs or phones that can leave marks or cause spills.
The dedicated design shows thoughtfulness toward the reading experience itself.
What We Dislike
Acrylic resin can scratch over time with rough handling, potentially affecting its clarity.
The transparency that makes it functional also makes it easy to misplace on cluttered surfaces.
It works best with standard-sized books, leaving oversized art books or tiny pocket editions without ideal support.
The minimalist design lacks personalization options for readers who enjoy expressive accessories.
2. Anywhere Use Lamp
Lighting makes or breaks a reading environment. The Anywhere Use Lamp brings warmth and flexibility to your reading nook with its mushroom-inspired portability. Six high color rendering LEDs cast a soft glow that’s bright enough for comfortable reading without the harshness of overhead lights. The modular design means you can reposition it instantly, following natural light throughout the day or moving between rooms.
Battery power changes everything for the reading nook design. Four AA batteries free you from outlet proximity, letting you claim any corner as your literary retreat. The tactile satisfaction of pressing anywhere on the lamp’s cap to cycle through four brightness levels adds a sensory element to your reading ritual. Choose between black, white, or the new Industrial edition with its deliberately imperfect metal base that celebrates authentic character.
The portable design using AA batteries liberates your reading nook from electrical constraints.
Warm LED lighting reduces eye strain during extended reading sessions while creating an inviting ambiance.
The haptic feedback from adjusting brightness adds satisfying physicality to the experience.
Modular construction allows easy disassembly for transport to outdoor book club meetings or weekend retreats.
What We Dislike
Battery replacement creates ongoing costs and environmental considerations compared to rechargeable options.
The compact size limits coverage area for larger reading spaces or group gatherings.
AA batteries add weight that slightly contradicts the portable promise.
The minimalist aesthetic, while elegant, offers limited decorative personality for eclectic spaces.
3. Pop-Up Book Vase
Reading nooks benefit immensely from living elements. The Pop-Up Book Vase brings nature into your literary space with whimsical charm. This clever design opens like a storybook to reveal three-dimensional vase cutouts that hold fresh flowers. Three different vase designs within one book format mean you can refresh your display without purchasing new pieces, simply by turning pages to reveal new arrangements.
Natural pulp construction with water-resistant coating protects against spills while maintaining an organic aesthetic. The vase can be positioned normally or flipped upside down for dramatically different perspectives, encouraging the kind of creative thinking that enriches book discussions. Flowers add color, fragrance, and vitality to reading spaces, creating sensory layers that make settling in with a book feel truly special.
Three distinct vase designs provide variety without clutter, perfect for small spaces.
The pop-up mechanism delights visitors and adds conversation-starting visual interest.
Natural materials align with sustainable living values while complementing book aesthetics.
Fresh flowers improve air quality and mood, both beneficial for focused reading and lively discussions.
What We Dislike
The water-resistant coating requires careful maintenance to prevent degradation over time.
Structural integrity depends on proper setup, making it less intuitive than traditional vases.
Page-turning mechanisms can weaken with frequent repositioning, limiting design changes.
The creative format takes up more surface area than conventional cylindrical vases.
4. Fire Capsule Oil Lamp
Ambient lighting elevates reading from routine to ritual. The Fire Capsule Oil Lamp provides up to 16 hours of continuous illumination from its 80ml capacity, creating a serene atmosphere that invites longer reading sessions. The precision-engineered lid keeps the glass chimney dust-free, maintaining crystal clarity that showcases the living flame. This isn’t just functional lighting—it’s a centerpiece that transforms your reading nook into a sanctuary.
The included aroma plate expands functionality beyond illumination. Add essential oils to infuse your space with scents that enhance focus or relaxation during reading sessions. Paraffin oil burns clean and odorless, creating a safe ambiance for both novice and experienced users. The cylindrical form stacks beautifully for storage, while the protective drawstring pouch makes it portable for outdoor book club gatherings, where you can use insect-repelling oils.
The generous 16-hour burn time supports marathon reading sessions and extended book club meetings.
Clean-burning paraffin oil eliminates the smoke and odor concerns that candles present near books.
The aroma plate feature creates multi-sensory reading experiences that deepen immersion.
Stackable design solves storage challenges while the included pouch enables outdoor literary adventures.
What We Dislike
Open flame requires vigilant supervision, especially in homes with children or pets.
Paraffin oil represents an ongoing expense and requires dedicated storage space.
The glass chimney, while beautiful, introduces fragility that demands careful handling.
Flame lighting lacks the instant convenience of electric options for quick reading sessions.
5. StillFrame Headphones
Modern reading encompasses multiple formats. The StillFrame Headphones honor audiobook listeners and those who prefer ambient soundscapes while reading physical books. At just 103 grams, they vanish physically while delivering substantial audio through 40mm drivers that create an expansive soundstage. The design splits the difference between in-ears and over-ears, offering comfort for the 24-hour battery life that powers all-day listening.
The retro-inspired geometry references the CD era when albums demanded dedicated attention, making these headphones philosophically aligned with focused reading. Active noise cancelling creates isolation for deep concentration, while transparency mode maintains environmental awareness for shared spaces. This adaptability serves book club members who alternate between private reading and group discussions, supporting both modes with a simple tap.
The 24-hour battery life eliminates charging anxiety during long reading days or travel.
Featherlight construction at 103 grams prevents the fatigue associated with heavier headphones.
Dual-mode functionality adapts to changing environments without requiring different devices.
The wide soundstage enhances audiobook narration and creates immersive atmospheres for background music during reading.
What We Dislike
The premium design comes with corresponding pricing that may stretch book club budgets.
On-ear style can cause discomfort during extremely extended wear despite light lightweight.
The aesthetic, while striking, demands commitment to a specific design language.
Bluetooth connectivity introduces another device to charge and maintain in your reading ecosystem.
Building Your 2026 Reading Ritual
These five essentials work together to create reading environments that honor literature. The combination addresses lighting from multiple angles, supports the care of physical books, introduces natural elements, and acknowledges evolving consumption formats. Investing in a dedicated reading space signals a commitment to your book club goals, transforming intentions into daily practices that last throughout the year.
Quality tools enhance experiences worth repeating. When your reading nook becomes genuinely inviting rather than merely functional, returning to it feels effortless. These designs demonstrate that thoughtful curation matters, that small details compound into significant improvements. Your 2026 book club goals deserve this foundation, where every element serves both purpose and pleasure in equal measure.
The Final Cut camera app for iPhone transforms your device into a professional-grade video recording tool, offering advanced features and precise controls that rival dedicated equipment. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned content creator, this app enables you to produce high-quality, cinematic videos directly from your smartphone. By combining intuitive design with […]
What if building the same app nine times yielded almost identical results, no matter how sophisticated the AI behind it was? In this walkthrough, Matt Maher shows how experimenting with eight different AI models to generate Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) led to a surprising discovery: the intelligence of the AI had far less impact on […]
Apple’s iOS 27 introduces a host of updates designed to enhance performance, expand functionality, and integrate advanced technologies. With a focus on stability, usability, and innovation, this release aims to deliver a more seamless and efficient experience for users. From improved system processes to smarter AI integration, iOS 27 offers a range of features that […]
Tesla will stop selling its $8,000 Full Self-Driving (FSD) option and make it strictly a monthly subscription service after February 14, CEO Elon Musk announced on his X platform. Musk didn't reveal the price or why he's making the switch, though FSD is already available by subscription for $99 per month or $999 per year.
The shift could be advantageous for buyers, particularly if they decide to dump their new Tesla or trade it in. It will also allow prospective owners to hedge their bets, as Tesla has overpromised on the feature since it was first announced.
Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14.
FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription thereafter.
Full Self-Driving has never done what the name suggests as humans must constantly supervise the system and frequently take control. Because of that, it's more of a "driver assist" system and doesn't even qualify as Level 3 self-driving (conditional automation), let alone as a truly autonomous Level 4 or Level 5 category. Musk has been touting self-driving capabilities on Tesla vehicles since 2015, promising at the time "complete autonomy" by 2018.
Branding for the system as "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" has been called out as false advertising by consumer watchdogs and government for years, but so far, regulators have yet to take action. A California judge recently ruled that Tesla used "deceptive language to market Autopilot and recommended suspending Tesla's sales in the state for 30 days. However, the company has 90 days to comply and could still avoid punishment.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-full-self-driving-is-switching-to-a-subscription-only-service-120053137.html?src=rss
What if the very technologies designed to propel us into the future are also the ones that could unravel our digital security? IBM Technology explores how advancements like Shadow AI, quantum computing, and deepfakes are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in 2026, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and alarming threats. Imagine a world where unauthorized AI systems […]
