Google Unveil’s Its First Mass Timber Building That Looks After The Environment & Employees

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This week, Google unveiled its first mass timber office building in Sunnyvale, California. It is designed to be a cutting-edge and eco-friendly building that will serve as a productive and conducive workspace for the employees. It was designed, keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the environment and employees. It is a five-story structure that will have 96% less carbon emissions than a traditional steel and concrete building of the same size.

“This building, 1265 Borregas, showcases creating sustainable buildings that empower people to do their best work,” said Michelle Kaufmann, Google’s director of R+D for the Built Environment and the guiding force behind the creation of the new workspace in Sunnyvale’s Moffett Park district.

Designer: Google

As mentioned, it is the first building to be constructed from mass timber, which is a new type of engineered wood. Small pieces of wood are layered and laminated together to build large beams and walls. The office is designed to create an environment of collaboration, support, and focus. It is equipped with neighborhood spaces that will facilitate hybrid connections and interesting collaborations.

It is a representation of Google’s priority to build nature-based or biophilic workplaces. According to research, people work best when surrounded by nature, and with this new workspace, Google is hoping to create a fresh and inspiring work environment. Timber is exposed inside and outside the office, which allows natural light to stream in while offering splendid views of the Northern California landscape. Automatic wooden blinds have been integrated, and they adapt to the sun’s position, minimizing glare.

Mass timber is blessed with regenerative qualities, as it can absorb and store carbon over time. Hence, choosing mass timber was a sustainable and eco-friendly decision made by Google. It also reduces carbon emissions that are emitted from the extraction, production, and transportation of traditional building materials. Additionally, 100% of the structural mass timber lumber used to build 1265 Borregas was sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Around three acres of pollinator-friendly native plants, such as coast live oak, California wild rose, and common milkweed,d were planted at the site and its neighboring sites. This further encourages the creation of an office building and site that is sustainable and efficient. The widespread presence of greenery helps to improve employee wellbeing, ensuring they focus and work better.

The post Google Unveil’s Its First Mass Timber Building That Looks After The Environment & Employees first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hands-On with Nano-Texture Display: Why the M4 Pro Chip Makes the MacBook Pro the Best Laptop Yet

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When Apple introduced the nano-texture display option, it revolutionized how creators like me interacted with their most crucial tool. Let’s face it, we look at the display on the laptop 100% of the time we use it, so it needs to be as perfect as humanly possible. Until now, despite countless improvements from Apple and others, no display has truly nailed the combination of resolution, quality, accuracy, and glare reduction. This is the first time it genuinely feels like everything has come together perfectly. As someone who frequently battles glare while simultaneously demanding the ideal combination of portability and power, I wholeheartedly believe that the MacBook Pro 14-inch, equipped with the formidable M4 Pro chip, represents a significant improvement that fully satisfies all my creative demands.

Designer: Apple

The Glare-Killing Game Changer: How Does Nano-Texture Technology Work?

The magic lies in microscopic etchings that break down light waves. Instead of applying a coating that dulls the display, Apple precisely alters the glass surface itself. These nanometer-scale etchings scatter ambient light while attempting to maintain the display’s inherent color accuracy and contrast.

The nano-texture display, a $150 upgrade, felt like a luxury at first—until I used it for the first time today. Working outdoors, on airplanes, in cars, or any bright environment is now effortless. Previously, my 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro would glare so much under sunlight that I’d have to squint or move indoors. Now, with the nano-texture display, direct sunlight feels irrelevant. I placed both laptops side-by-side during my testing, and the difference was immediate. The nano-texture display stood out, turning a frustrating glare-filled workspace into a productive one.

Apple’s nano-texture technology effectively reduces glare—it’s the closest thing to a paper-like feel I’ve experienced on a laptop screen, offering a unique viewing experience akin to a printed photograph. The etched surface scatters light evenly, making it comfortable to look at for long hours without that usual agony of dealing with glare. The crisp colors and contrast are still intact, which is crucial for my work. The nano-texture display also gives me a genuine sense of immersiveness, drawing me in without distraction, which is particularly beneficial for long sessions of writing, editing images, and videos. Whether I’m writing or editing images or videos, the screen performs seamlessly, with wide viewing angles and consistent quality, regardless of lighting conditions.

Performance Characteristics and Viewing Experience:

  • Glare Reduction: Exceptional, with near-complete elimination of reflections in diverse lighting conditions.
  • Color Preservation: Slightly reduced color vibrancy compared to glossy displays but maintains remarkable consistency across different environments.
  • It feels like viewing a printed photograph
  • Maintains readability in bright sunlight
  • Provides consistent visual performance from multiple angles

Nano-texture is specifically designed for the following professional use cases:

  • Photographers and visual artists
  • Professionals working in variable lighting environments
  • Creators who prioritize consistent display performance over peak color saturation

Portability Without Performance Compromise

For someone who is always on the move, the weight of my gear matters as much as its performance. The M4 14-inch MacBook Pro is incredibly light at 3.5 pounds compared to the 16-inch, which is heftier at 4.7 pounds and almost on par with the 15-inch MacBook Air M3, which weighs 3.3 pounds. This reduction might not sound significant on paper, but it’s transformative in daily use—especially when carrying other essentials.

The smaller display size could seem limiting, but it works perfectly for my needs in real-world use. As an editor and journalist who runs multiple tasks simultaneously—often including working in tight spaces like cafés or planes—the compact form factor fits seamlessly into my workflow without feeling like a compromise. As a one-bag packer, the smaller M4 MacBook Pro fits easily into my backpack, allowing me to travel light without sacrificing capability.

Performance: Effortless Efficiency

Apple Silicon has spoiled me with its reliability. The M4 Pro chip continues the tradition of handling demanding tasks without hiccups. Whether I’m editing a 4K video, running multiple content creation applications, or using a native AI app to transcribe audio to text, the performance is seamless. Efficiency isn’t just about speed—it’s about working without worrying if my machine can keep up.

What’s most surprising is how quiet it remains, even under heavy loads. I’ve been extremely spoiled by the noiseless MacBook Air, thanks to its fanless architecture, so this is a welcome feature during late-night writing sessions or when working in quieter environments. Nano-Texture: The Heart of the Upgrade

This display technology presents the perfect opportunity to upgrade—at this very moment. The nano-texture screen significantly reduced reflections, transforming how I work in mixed lighting conditions. My work remains vibrant and clear in a sunlit office, where glare usually dominates. At the same time, in dimly lit offices, the contrast and color accuracy stay sharp. It feels like the display adapts to me rather than vice versa.

For those already using an M1 Max MacBook Pro, the move to the M4 Pro might feel incremental on paper. But for me, it’s the culmination of subtle refinements: the nano-texture display, compactness of the 14-inch form factor, and even more efficient performance. These changes align perfectly with all my daily needs. It’s about having reliable tools that enhance my workflow and make my day-to-day tasks more efficient.

The M4 14-inch MacBook Pro is a reliable and essential part of how I create, edit, and collaborate every day. This is just a rough hands-on, and the full review is forthcoming. I have a trip to Japan, China, and then Dubai in the next few weeks back to back, and I can’t wait to put it through real-world tests. Starting at $1,999, with the nano-texture display option adding $150, it’s an investment that feels justified every time I power it on. For anyone who demand the best from their gear, this MacBook Pro delivers an experience worth every dollar.

The post Hands-On with Nano-Texture Display: Why the M4 Pro Chip Makes the MacBook Pro the Best Laptop Yet first appeared on Yanko Design.

LinkedIn is killing the standalone live audio feature you probably forgot about

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Remember in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when live audio was suddenly everywhere? The trend was made popular by the briefly viral phenomenon Clubhouse before seemingly every other online platform copied the feature for themselves.

Since then, live audio has become mostly a footnote to a weird time when we were all stuck at home at the same time with nothing to do and listening to hours-long streams of strangers talking to each other passed as entertainment. Now LinkedIn, which was somewhat late to the live audio party in 2022, has opted to get rid of its standalone live audio events.

In an update, the company says it will no longer support native audio events beginning next month. Users will stop being able to create new events as of December 2, and previously scheduled events will no longer work after December 31. Instead, the company is “bringing together” audio events with its live-streaming feature, LinkedIn Live. LinkedIn Live, however, requires creators to use third-party tools to set up streams. So while audio-only streams will still be able to exist on LinkedIn, they will take a few extra steps.

LinkedIn isn’t the only company to change course on live audio. Reddit, Facebook, Spotify and Amazon have all shuttered their pandemic-era live audio products.Even Clubhouse (which, yes, still exists) pivoted away from the format last year. The feature is, however going strong on X despite a few high-profile technical issues.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/linkedin-is-killing-the-standalone-live-audio-feature-you-probably-forgot-about-232705727.html?src=rss

Anthropic will use AWS AI chips after $4 billion Amazon investment

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Amazon is doubling its investment in Anthropic. The e-commerce giant will provide Anthropic with an additional $4 billion in funding on top of the $4 billion it committed last year. Although Amazon remains a minority investor, Anthropic has agreed to make Amazon Web Services (AWS) its “primary cloud and training partner.”

Before today’s announcement, The Information had reported that Amazon wanted to make any additional funding contingent on a commitment from Anthropic to use the company’s in-house AI chips instead of silicon from NVIDIA. It appears Amazon got its way, with both companies noting in separate press releases that Anthropic will use AWS Trainium and Inferentia chips to train future foundation models.

Additionally, Anthropic says it will collaborate with Amazon’s Annapurna Labs to develop future Trainium accelerators. “Through deep technical collaboration, we’re writing low-level kernels that allow us to directly interface with the Trainium silicon, and contributing to the AWS Neuron software stack to strengthen Trainium,” the company said. “Our engineers work closely with Annapurna’s chip design team to extract maximum computational efficiency from the hardware, which we plan to leverage to train our most advanced foundation models.”

According to another recent report, Anthropic expects to burn through more than $2.7 billion before the end. Before today, the company had raised $9.7 billion. Either way, it’s bought itself some much-needed runway as it looks to compete against OpenAI and other companies in the AI space.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-will-use-aws-ai-chips-after-4-billion-amazon-investment-222053145.html?src=rss

DJI Glide Hybrid Drone Concept adds Glider-Wings for Better Range and Energy-Efficient Flying

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You’ve seen quadcopters, and you’ve seen drones used for crop dusting or aerial surveillance – the DJI Glide is a fusion of both those drones. Designed by Baptiste Grenon, the DJI Glide proposes a battery-efficient design courtesy the presence of wings that help the drone stay stable and achieve flight at high altitudes without being an energy-guzzler. The drone still has the familiar quadcopter format, but also includes wings, giving it a hybrid design that might just translate to a longer battery and better range.

Designer: Baptiste Grenon

The DJI Glide’s unique design includes two standard propellers, and two propellers built right into the drone’s wings, which double as propeller guards during flight. It doesn’t look like the wings themselves move, although Grenon has included what looks like rudders at the wing-tips for better maneuverability. The drone still has vertical take-off and landing, but the airfoil cross-section of the wings gives it much more aerodynamics while the drone hurtles forward at top speed.

The implication therefore is that the DJI Glide is more suited for FPV flying as opposed to cinematic flight. A gimbal-mounted Hasselblad camera on the front records your PoV, while cameras on the front, back, and bottom give the drone spatial awareness, allowing it to maneuver on its own without colliding into objects – perfect for having the drone return back to base after its battery runs out.

The battery sits on top, plugging right into the drone’s back to power it in flight. Given the conceptual nature of the drone, battery specs are purely conjecture, but I suppose having wings helps conserve the drone’s battery by giving the aerial vehicle the lift it needs while flying. The wings also present a trade-off in terms of maneuverability, hindering complex movements like moving in reverse or tight turns.

The propellers at the rear justifiably come without any bumper guards, given that they’re effectively shielded by the wings ahead of them. There is, however, a small technical challenge, and it has to do with the drone’s overall size. Having a drone with a wingspan means the DJI Glide isn’t a very compact little device. It therefore comes with detachable wings, which may prove to be a challenge during fast flight. Losing a wing to a loose clamp effectively cripples your drone, since it means losing a propeller too. Collisions may protect the propeller from damage, but the part where the wing and drone join together will take all the impact – something that highly affects your drone’s overall lifespan.

That said, the foldable format does make the DJI Glide fairly portable, allowing it to be flat-packed for shipping. The durability trade-off for efficient flight feels fairly valid – if the obstacle-avoidance algorithms are strong, there really shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, the drone doesn’t need a runway to take off or land, which definitely helps it in the long run for people flying recreationally.

The post DJI Glide Hybrid Drone Concept adds Glider-Wings for Better Range and Energy-Efficient Flying first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Little Dwelling For Two Packs A Clever Space-Saving Punch In 248 Sq Ft

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The Urban Park Studio is designed by TruForm Tiny, and it features a modest length of 18 feet. The home isn’t too large, but it does have a genius space-saving layout that can comfortably accommodate one or two people, without too many compromises. It is based on a triple-axle trailer, and it is equipped with two entrances: one made of double glass doors, and another single glass door. Both entrances have been given their awning and direct access to the kitchen. It may not be big enough for socializing, but it is comfy enough for a bachelor or a couple.

Designer: TruForm Tiny

The kitchen in the tiny house is quite small and compact, but functional and well-equipped. It contains a fridge, a convection microwave, a two-burner electric cooktop, a sink, shelving, and some cabinetry. There is a living room adjacent to the kitchen, and it is centered around a big L-shaped sofa bed. The room also includes an electric fireplace, a small table, and some space for a TV. A mini-split air-conditioning unit has been installed to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the house.

A mini hallway has been placed behind the living room, and it includes some more storage space. The hallway is linked to the bathroom, which contains a shower, a vanity sink, and a flushing toilet. The tiny home only accommodates one bedroom, which can be accessed through a wooden ladder. This bedroom has a loft-style interior and is like most bedrooms found in tiny homes with a double bed, closet, and small bedside table.

The Urban Park Studio has a bunch of options available – ranging from a choice of exterior materials and flexible interior layout choices. You can exchange the secondary entrance for a large pantry and pull-out table in the kitchen. Currently, the home is priced at US$108,300. However, the price will shoot up if buyers select any of the additional options. The Urban Park Studio is a comfy housing option for couples looking to purchase their first home.

The post This Little Dwelling For Two Packs A Clever Space-Saving Punch In 248 Sq Ft first appeared on Yanko Design.

UK watchdog says Apple’s rules restrict iOS browser competition

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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has “provisionally concluded” that Apple’s restrictive mobile browser policies limit innovation. After an independent inquiry group shared its findings on browser competition on iOS and Android, the governing body’s board plans to conduct an in-depth assessment of how Apple and Google constrict third-party browsers on their platforms. However, Apple — with its more closed ecosystem — appears to have borne the brunt of the CMA’s concern.

The CMA’s investigation is based on the premise that Apple and Google have an effective duopoly on mobile platforms, allowing them to set the rules of how mobile browsers work. The board says third-party browser developers have complained that they’re constricted by rules like Apple’s requirement to use the company’s WebKit browser engine.

“The group has provisionally found that Apple’s rules restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers,” the CMA wrote. “Other browser providers have highlighted concerns that they have been unable to offer a full range of browser features, such as faster webpage loading on iPhone.”

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), which passed earlier this year, will give the UK body extra ammunition to carry out its next steps. The UK’s equivalent of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) can designate big tech companies as having “Strategic Market Status” with “substantial and entrenched market power” and “a position of strategic significance.”

Much like the EU’s version, the law gives the UK some teeth to negotiate and force concessions from Big Tech behemoths that, at least in the US, often seem untouchable: The DMCC will empower the UK board to fine infringing companies up to 10 percent of their global revenue.

The CMA’s summary of Apple’s hearing reveals the iPhone maker argued that it restricts browser engines to “ensure users get the best security, privacy, and performance on iOS devices” — a familiar argument to those who’ve followed Apple’s previous competition trials. Apple claimed healthy competition exists, due to the presence of third-party browsers with features like ad-blocking, VPNs and AI. The company also said it routinely considers developer feedback and hadn’t heard any fuss over its current browser rules.

Contradicting that, the CMA said other browser providers have highlighted features they can’t implement on iOS, like faster webpage loading. “Many smaller UK app developers also told us that they would like to use progressive web apps — an alternative way for businesses to provide apps to mobile users without downloading apps through an app store — but this technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices,” the board wrote.

The CMA also said that how browser choices are presented to users lets Apple and Google “manipulate these choices to make their own browsers the clearest or easiest option.” In addition, it pointed out a revenue-sharing agreement between the two companies that “significantly reduces their financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on iOS.”

The board’s next step is a period of open comments on its findings, which will end on December 13. After its investigation, the CMA expects to make its final ruling in March 2025.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uk-watchdog-says-apples-rules-restrict-ios-browser-competition-201106359.html?src=rss

Fan-Made LEGO Botanical Garden Blends History, Nature, and Creativity with over 3000 Bricks

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As a plant-lover myself, this set gives me nothing but sheer joy. Botanical gardens had their moment in the 19th and 20th centuries, with their massive overarching cast iron structures, coupled with glass facades that made the building essentially look like a bubble-shaped oasis of nature in a concrete jungle. The art-deco stylings, the habitat-esque design, the chlorophyll, it all makes me truly happy, so seeing something as wonderful as that shrunken down to a tiny set big enough to keep on my bookshelf? It feels like a thing of true beauty!

Meet the Botanical Garden LEGO Ideas set. Envisioned by LEGO user Goannas89, this 3000-brick set is perhaps one of the most intricate I’ve ever seen, with an interior that’s even more detailed than the exterior. The set comes with a white outer structure, revealing the greenery peaking out from within. Pop the top open and you get to adore the Botanical Garden even more, with plants in every nook and corner, and minifigures enjoying them – just like I do when I visit the botanical garden in my own city!

Designer: Goannas89

Inspired by the grand cast-iron greenhouses of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the set brings a historical charm to its modern modular design. The neoclassical entrance is the first hint of the detail inside, its stately architecture standing as a gateway to a lush interior. Step through the doors, and you’re greeted by an open and accessible space filled with botanical delights. A banana tree and a palm anchor the central atrium, surrounded by exotic plants like Anthurium, Bamboo, and the whimsical Begonia Maculata. Each species is thoughtfully placed to create a layered effect of foliage, color, and texture.

Step inside the build, and the experience gets even better. The central atrium greets you with towering green life—a banana tree, a palm, and a Beaucarnea recurvata. Around them, succulents and exotic flowers like Anthurium and Strelitzia add bursts of color. The left and right apses house their own botanical surprises, while a spiral staircase leads to a balcony where you can get up close to the treetops. Every element feels purposeful, whether it’s the clever placement of windows to maximize light or the removable skylight roof for added playability.

With over 3,000 pieces, this build is as rewarding as it is detailed. The structure’s layout—spanning 32×48 studs—makes it versatile enough to integrate into a cityscape or stand alone as a park centerpiece. Measuring 11.3 inches tall, it commands attention without overshadowing nearby builds. The use of transparent elements for the greenhouse’s glazing adds a layer of realism, catching light and creating dynamic reflections that elevate the overall presentation.

What sets the Botanical Garden apart is its careful attention to detail. The plants aren’t just generic greenery; each one is meticulously crafted to reflect real-world species. The banana tree’s textured leaves, the palm’s graceful fronds, and the patterned foliage of the Caladium bicolor all showcase the thoughtful artistry that went into the set’s design. It’s a build that rewards careful observation, with little surprises like succulents tucked into corners and a balance of vibrant and earthy tones that mimic nature itself.

Beyond its visual charm, the set feels like a love letter to urban green spaces. It captures the magic of stepping into a real-life botanical garden—those rare places where city life slows down and nature takes center stage. Whether it’s a child marveling at the flowers or a LEGO botanist tending to rare plants, the set brings that same sense of wonder and tranquility to the world of bricks. It’s a reminder of the importance of such spaces in our lives, even if they’re scaled down to fit on a tabletop.

There’s something undeniably captivating about seeing a greenhouse—traditionally a place for nurturing growth—brought to life in LEGO form. It’s a set that not only celebrates the art of building but also the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s the intricate spiral staircase, the removable balcony, or the interplay of light through the glazed panels, every piece works together to create a space that feels alive and inspiring.

The post Fan-Made LEGO Botanical Garden Blends History, Nature, and Creativity with over 3000 Bricks first appeared on Yanko Design.

GTA III and Vice City are leaving Netflix’s mobile games catalog next month

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Two Grand Theft Auto titles that helped Netflix's games division pick up steam are leaving the service next month. Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City won't be available through Netflix's library of mobile games after December 13.

The Netflix app lists that as the "last day to play" both games. There's no such deadline on the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas listing, indicating that subscribers can still enjoy CJ's story at no extra cost.

"Just like with series and film, games will be removed from Netflix as licenses expire," a Netflix spokesperson said, according to GameSpot. "Players will notice a 'Leaving Soon' badge and be notified by the app itself well in advance of removal." Netflix is removing those two games exactly a year after adding them and San Andreas to its library, indicating that it had an initial 12-month agreement with publisher Rockstar.

Earlier this year, Netflix said that the GTA trio had boosted game engagement at the end of 2023. Some people even signed up just to play them, the company claimed. However, Netflix recently scaled back its gaming ambitions to a degree by closing a studio that had some notable developers who were working on a AAA title.

You can still play the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (what a mouthful!) versions of GTA III and Vice City on iOS and Android after December 13, but you'll need to buy them from the respective app stores. If you're looking for other games to play with your Netflix subscription, don't worry, we've got you covered with our picks. Or just Poinpy and thank me later.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/gta-iii-and-vice-city-are-leaving-netflixs-mobile-games-catalog-next-month-193106378.html?src=rss

Hackers breach Andrew Tate’s online ‘university,’ capturing data on 800,000 users

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Hackers breached an online course founded by far-right influencer, and accused human trafficker, Andrew Tate, according to reporting by Daily Dot. The hackers captured data on more than 800,000 users and revealed the email addresses of around 325,000 of them.

Tate’s self-proclaimed “online university” hosts courses on fitness, finance and content creation, all for the low price of $50 per month. The site currently claims it has over 113,000 active users, which translates to an estimated $5 million per month injected into Tate’s bank account. A source familiar with the breach told Daily Dot that Tate’s website is “hilariously insecure,” so the hack wasn’t difficult.

The unnamed hackers cite “hacktivism” as their motive, suggesting an issue with Tate’s particular brand of toxic discourse and his alleged propensity toward sex trafficking underage girls. To that end, they broke into the website in the middle of a livestream led by Tate, accessing the primary chatroom.

The hackers punctured the safe space of Tate's chatroom and uploaded emojis sure to upset the hyper-masculine influencer and his fans, like a transgender flag and a feminist fist. They also posted an AI-generated image of Tate draped in a rainbow flag. They even got a hold of admin controls and temporarily banned some users. The hackers also downloaded public and private chats made on the platform.

Daily Dot took a look at some of the acquired chat logs. They were filled with conversations about the “LGBTQ agenda” and, of course, “the matrix.” The publication shared the leaked email addresses with HaveIBeenPwned, a site that alerts users when they have been, well, pwned. Incidentally, this isn’t the first time Tate’s site was hacked this year. Back in July, over a million users and 22 million messages were exposed. 

Tate is currently facing five legal investigations in Romania and the UK. He is alleged to have sex trafficked and raped minors, as well as forming an organized crime group with the intent of sexually exploiting women. He denies all of the charges.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/hackers-breach-andrew-tates-online-university-capturing-data-on-800000-users-184800703.html?src=rss