Finally, You Can 3D-Print Real Silicone Molds and Gaskets on Your Prusa 3D Printer

Anyone who’s worked with flexible 3D printing filaments knows their limitations; TPU and TPE only go so far, and nothing on the desktop market has matched the heat resistance and elasticity of real silicone. We’ve been stuck making parts that feel rubbery but fail the moment they get too warm or need to seal properly. That’s all changed with the arrival of Prusa’s new XL printhead, developed in collaboration with Filament2. This toolhead uses a pioneering dual-filament system to produce actual, industrial-grade silicone prints, a feat that moves desktop printing into a whole new category of material science.

Instead of extruding a simple thermoplastic, this system feeds two liquid-core filaments into the nozzle, where their outer sheaths are stripped away. The liquid silicone components are then mixed and cured in real time as they are deposited. This is not some rubber-like substitute; it is genuine silicone with all its useful properties, created right on the print bed of a standard Prusa XL. The elegance of containing the entire two-part mixing process within a clean, self-contained filament and toolhead system is a massive engineering win, solving the mess and complexity that has kept liquid printing out of reach for most people until now.

Designer: Prusa

This method completely sidesteps the need for the clumsy pumps and reservoirs seen in previous experimental liquid printers. The genius is in the filament itself. By encasing the two liquid parts in a stable sheath, Filament2 has created something that handles just like a standard spool of PLA. The printhead does the heavy lifting, performing a micro-scale version of what you would do with a two-part epoxy, but with incredible precision. You get the benefits of a reactive polymer without the hazardous mess, which opens up a world of possibilities for creating functional, end-use parts, not just look-alike prototypes.

Think about the immediate applications for this technology. In the automotive world, the ability to print custom, one-off silicone gaskets, seals, and vibration dampeners is a game changer for restoration and prototyping. No more waiting weeks for a custom mold or settling for a close-enough part. For product designers, this means creating truly functional prototypes with soft-touch grips, flexible waterproof seals, and even custom ergonomic components for wearables. Because silicone is skin-safe and can be sterilized, it also opens up possibilities for custom medical models and assistive devices. We are talking about end-use parts, not just look-alike models.

The choice to launch this on the Prusa XL platform is also incredibly clever. The XL’s main selling point is its automatic tool-changing capability, which suddenly makes it the perfect machine for true multi-material fabrication. You could print a rigid nylon housing with one toolhead, then have the printer automatically swap to the silicone head to print integrated waterproof seals and vibration-dampening feet onto the same part in a single, uninterrupted job. This elevates the machine from a multi-color printer to a genuine multi-property manufacturing station. It’s a level of automation and material integration that was previously reserved for machines costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Now, it’s important to keep expectations grounded. This will not be as simple or cheap as printing with standard PLA. The specialized filament from Filament2 will undoubtedly carry a premium price, and I anticipate a learning curve. The process requires incredible precision; any imbalance in the mixing ratio or inconsistency in the liquid cores could lead to failed prints where the silicone doesn’t cure properly. We still need to see long-term reliability data and learn about the maintenance requirements for a printhead that handles what are essentially reactive adhesives. Still, even as a niche application, it pushes the entire industry forward by showing what’s possible when you rethink the entire printing process, from the filament spool to the nozzle tip.

The post Finally, You Can 3D-Print Real Silicone Molds and Gaskets on Your Prusa 3D Printer first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bioware says next Mass Effect is still in development despite turmoil at EA

Development on the next Mass Effect is still underway, Mass Effect executive producer Mike Gamble confirmed in a blog post celebrating the series' "N7 Day" fan holiday. Bioware shared that it had started work on the new game in 2020, but Electronic Arts' decision to go private have naturally called the future of the series into question.

Gamble's blog post doesn't share many details about the new game beyond the fact that Bioware "is heads-down and focused exclusively on Mass Effect." What does seem more clear is that the game could have some kind of connection to the Mass Effect TV show currently in development at Amazon. "The writers room is going strong, and we’ve got a lot figured out about how it fits within the Mass Effect canon, and where it sits in respect to the new game," Gamble says. Notably, the series is set after the events of the original trilogy of games, and follows a new story in the universe's timeline. "It won’t be a retread of Commander Shepard’s story." 

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Bioware's last game, was not the smash hit EA apparently wanted it to be, and Bioware has appeared to go through a period of contraction in response. High-profile senior staff were let go in January 2025, and even before the game was released, EA began moving Bioware developers to other studios. EA itself may also be adjusting its larger game development strategy. Following its proposed acquisition, the publisher announced a partnership with Stability AI in October to create new AI-powered tools to better streamline its development process.

The Mass Effect series is beloved, and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, the 2021 remaster that packaged all the trilogy's DLC and games into a single package, was a great reminder. With a new entry and a TV show in the works, Bioware seems poised for a comeback. It just needs to survive EA until then.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/bioware-says-next-mass-effect-is-still-in-development-despite-turmoil-at-ea-200000050.html?src=rss

Meta says it will invest $600 billion in the US, with AI data centers front and center

Meta said on Friday that it's investing $600 billion in US infrastructure and jobs by 2028. Although the announcement is light on specifics (and heavy on standard Big Tech self-congratulation), it sounds like much of it will go toward AI data centers.

"At Meta, we're focused on creating the next generation of AI products and building personal superintelligence for everyone," the company wrote. "Data centers are crucial to reaching these goals and helping America maintain its technological edge."

If you feel like this isn't the first you've heard of Meta and $600 billion in US spending, you're right. That's the figure Mark Zuckerberg gave during a September White House dinner with Big Tech CEOs. But more memorable was the hot-mic moment later captured between Zuckerberg and President Trump. "Sorry, I wasn't ready," the Meta CEO said to the president, referring to his $600 billion pledge. "I wasn't sure what number you wanted to go with."

Meta's announcement today includes figures intended to bolster its claim to be a champion of US infrastructure. The company says that, since 2010, its data centers have "supported over 30,000 skilled trade jobs and 5,000 operational jobs." Meta adds that it's currently bringing over $20 billion to US subcontractors.

As for the "superintelligence" mention, it also surfaced when Zuckerberg announced data center investments in July. That term typically refers to a hypothetical point at which AI surpasses human cognitive abilities. (Steve Wozniak, Geoffrey Hinton and others want it banned until it’s proven safe and controllable.) The company views its AI glasses as a central part of that future. Zuckerberg said in July that anyone without them may eventually suffer from a "pretty significant cognitive disadvantage."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-says-it-will-invest-600-billion-in-the-us-with-ai-data-centers-front-and-center-195000377.html?src=rss

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Headphone extravagance

There’s a fine line between luxurious and ludicrous. When you’re talking about a pair of $799 headphones, that line begins to blur. Bowers & Wilkins has been on an excellent run of form over the past few years, consistently offering some of the best sound quality you’ll find on any headphones. It doesn’t load its models down with features — sometimes it could use a few more — but there’s always a great blend of design, audio performance and capable active noise cancellation (ANC) that make for well-rounded products. 

And then there’s the Px8 S2. At $799, it’s $100 more expensive than its predecessor (the Px8) was at launch, which puts them even further out of reach for most. Bowers & Wilkins did change up its familiar design slightly, and there’s a big improvement to audio performance, the addition of high-res music over USB-C and improved call quality. There’s no doubt the Px8 S2 is beyond premium, but did the company go too far?

What’s new on the Px8 S2?

After several generations of the Px7 and Px8 that had pretty much the same design, Bowers & Wilkins changed things up a bit with the Px8 S2. There isn't a comprehensive redesign here, but the slimmer ear cup silhouette and the exposed cabling on the headband yokes are notable improvements to the overall look. Once again, the company opted for a mix of soft leather and die-cast aluminum, both of which give the Px8 S2 a decidedly high-end aesthetic. 

Inside, new 40mm carbon cone dynamic drivers were updated with a new chassis and motor. Those components are powered by 24-bit DSP (digital signal processing) with a dedicated amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). There’s also a more robust five-band EQ with True Sound bypass, which allows you to disable any equalizer tweaks to quickly return to Bowers & Wilkins’ stock tuning. The company added aptX Lossless support on top of the existing aptX Adaptive availability, and you can get “true” lossless — 24-bit/96kHz — sound quality over USB-C. 

Compared to the previous model, the Px8 S2 has two more microphones, bringing the total to eight. Six of those are used for external monitoring for ANC while two keep tabs on noise inside the headphones. All eight are used during calls, in addition to an upgraded “pure voice” algorithm to improve performance there. You can also hear yourself better in transparency mode, which is the biggest boost to calls. 

What’s still good on the Px8 S2?

The Px8 S2 has some subtle, but welcome design changes.
The Px8 S2 has some subtle, but welcome design changes.
Billy Steele for Engadget

Bowers & Wilkins has excelled at crafting a warm, inviting and immersive sound profile across its headphones for a while now. That’s still the case on the Px8 S2 as the audio quality is rich and detailed, with a wide soundstage that envelops you — almost to the point of bombarding your ears. While I don’t think the bass tuning is well-suited for mellow genres, there’s plenty to like here. On albums like Jason Isbell’s Foxes in the Snow, for example, the amount of texture and subtle nuance where the only instruments are the singer’s voice and a single acoustic guitar is incredible. 

Reliable battery life has been a strong point for the company in the past, and that remains true on the Px8 S2. The 30-hour battery figure (ANC on) is the same as the previous model, and I was able to easily achieve that longevity during my testing. With a mix of active noise cancellation, high-res tunes and transparency mode for work calls, the headphones easily kept up with Bowers & Wilkins’ promised numbers. 

What’s not so good about the Px8 S2?

The Px8 S2's controls are tiny buttons in awkward locations.
The Px8 S2's controls are tiny buttons in awkward locations.
Billy Steele for Engadget

The biggest knock against the Px8 S2 is the price. These headphones are way more expensive than what most companies charge for their top-of-the-line models, which is around $500 these days. Sure, $799 is only $50 more than the tariff-adjusted rate for the Px8 (which was originally $699), and there are several upgrades here, but that price will be prohibitively expensive for many, thus making the S2 harder to recommend despite their strengths. 

Even with the upgraded sound, I feel like Bowers & Wilkins may have gone too far with the bass tuning. There is some absolutely booming low-end tone on display here, especially for bass-heavy genres like rock, metal, EDM and hip-hop. On Spiritbox’s “Perfect Soul,” as one example, the kick drum edges dangerously close to drowning out the lead and bass guitars. A bit more restraint here would’ve provided ample thump and depth that isn’t almost exhausting to listen to. At times, the enhanced bass is great, but at others, like on Ruston Kelly’s Pale, Through the Window, it can really be too much for the style of music. 

On its recent headphones, Bowers & Wilkins relocated the physical controls from sitting on the edge of their ear cups to a ridge on the outside. In the process, the company also made the buttons much smaller. As I said when I reviewed the Px7 S3, this makes the controls harder to find with your thumbs, and you also have to be more accurate with your presses. That’s especially true for the three-button array on the right side that handles volume changes and playback controls. 

Like it did with its previous headphone models, Bowers & Wilkins hasn’t packed the Px8 S2’s spec sheet with advanced features. You do get a couple of basic items — multipoint Bluetooth and wear detection/automatic pausing — but things like speech recognition, hands-free assistants or automatic sound profiles aren’t here. This is an area where the likes of Sony, Bose and Sennheiser surpass Bowers & Wilkins, even though products like the Px8 S2 typically offer superior sound quality. 

Wrap-up

The Px8 S2 offers a few notable upgrades over the Px8.
The Px8 S2 offers a few notable upgrades over the Px8.
Billy Steele for Engadget

So how well does Bowers & Wilkins straddle that line between luxury and ludicrousness? I’d say the Px8 S2 is a luxurious set of headphones with a ludicrous price. I fully understand that Bowers & Wilkins is a high-end audio brand and that its products typically demand a premium over most of the competition. But like I already said, the price puts these excellent headphones out of reach. When you consider the price tag alongside the lack of advanced features, the Px8 S2 becomes hard to recommend. But for those who can afford them, a tantalizing symphony of sound awaits.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bowers--wilkins-px8-s2-review-headphone-extravagance-193000794.html?src=rss

Hongqi HS6 PHEV: Where Art Meets Engineering in China’s Record-Breaking Luxury SUV

FAW’s Hongqi brand just proved that plug-in hybrid SUVs can go the distance. The Hongqi HS6 PHEV set a Guinness World Record by traveling 2,327.343 kilometers on a single full charge and fuel tank without refueling, departing from Shangri-La on October 30 and arriving in Guangzhou on November 3. The achievement surpassed previous record holders including Chery’s Fulwin T10, establishing new benchmarks for plug-in hybrid range capability. But beyond the impressive range figures, this 5-seater SUV makes its strongest statement through two areas where Chinese automakers are increasingly competing with global luxury brands: exterior design presence and interior craftsmanship.

Designer: Hongqi

A Grille Designed by Rolls-Royce Royalty

The Hongqi HS6 PHEV’s front fascia bears the unmistakable signature of Giles Taylor, the former Rolls-Royce chief designer who now leads Hongqi’s design direction. The closed grille reinterprets traditional Chinese design language through the lens of British ultraluxury aesthetics, featuring a waterfall design with 12 vertical chrome strips that create a sculptured, three-dimensional effect rather than the flat appearance common in many electric and hybrid vehicles. Each strip catches light differently as you move around the vehicle, creating visual depth that changes with viewing angle and ambient lighting conditions.

The vertical chrome elements flow from top to bottom in a cascading pattern, clearly echoing the iconic Rolls-Royce grille treatment, with Hongqi’s signature red brand logo anchoring the composition. This approach solves a design challenge facing many plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles: how to maintain brand identity and visual presence when traditional grilles are no longer needed for cooling. Rather than simply blanking off the grille area or adding fake vents, Taylor and the Hongqi design team have created a distinctive design element that serves as both brand signature and sculptural statement.

The HS6 PHEV measures 4,995mm in length, 1,960mm in width, and 1,760mm in height, with a 2,920mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it firmly in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus RX Hybrid in terms of physical presence and market positioning.

Interior: Where Functionality Meets Premium Comfort

Step inside the HS6 PHEV and you encounter a layered dashboard design that prioritizes both technology integration and visual sophistication. The design team created distinct horizontal layers that separate different functional zones while maintaining cohesive aesthetics. An integrated dual-screen setup spans the upper dashboard section, consisting of a central control screen and a dedicated co-pilot entertainment screen. This is complemented by a digital instrument cluster behind the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

Physical buttons have been nearly eliminated in favor of digital controls, a hallmark of modern Chinese luxury design that maximizes clean surfaces and reduces visual clutter. The transmission selector is mounted on the steering column, freeing up valuable center console real estate for practical features like 50W wireless charging for mobile phones, dual cupholders, and access to an onboard refrigerator. A 12-speaker audio system is distributed throughout the cabin for balanced sound delivery across all seating positions.

The Zero-Gravity Front Passenger Experience

The standout interior feature is the zero-gravity co-pilot seat, which goes beyond the typical power adjustment and heating functions found in this segment. While all seats in the HS6 PHEV support electric adjustment, ventilation, and heating functions, the front passenger seat adds an integrated legrest and a 10-point massage system. This level of front passenger pampering is more commonly found in luxury sedans than SUVs, positioning the HS6 PHEV as a vehicle designed for both drivers and passengers who value comfort on longer journeys.

The rear seats also feature electric adjustment, ventilation, and heating capabilities, ensuring premium comfort extends throughout the cabin. The standard trunk offers 503 liters of capacity, with an additional 49 liters of hidden storage space. Folding the rear seats expands total cargo volume to 1,977 liters.

Performance and Range: The Record-Breaking Formula

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 110 kW (148 hp) and 225 Nm of peak torque, with a thermal efficiency of 45.21%. Consumers can choose between two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, both with a top speed of 205 km/h. Combined system power outputs are 168 kW (225 hp) for the two-wheel drive version and 369 kW (495 hp) for the four-wheel drive variant.

Battery options include 23.9 kWh and 39.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate packs, offering CLTC pure electric ranges of 152 km, 250 km, and 235 km depending on configuration. The hybrid design combines electric efficiency for daily commuting with fuel flexibility for longer journeys, particularly valuable in markets like China where charging infrastructure varies significantly by region. Comprehensive ranges reach 1,580 km, 1,650 km, and 1,460 km according to Chinese news outlet Sohu. Curb weight varies from 2,040 kg to 2,285 kg depending on battery and drivetrain configuration.

Global Ambitions

Pre-sale is scheduled to begin November 15 in China, but Hongqi’s ambitions extend well beyond the domestic market. The brand is planning international expansion into Europe and the Middle East, positioning the HS6 PHEV as evidence that Chinese automakers can compete in premium segments where design execution, luxury features, and engineering credibility matter as much as specifications.

The HS6 PHEV represents Hongqi’s strategy of combining record-breaking engineering capability with design leadership from one of the luxury automotive world’s most respected figures. Giles Taylor’s influence is evident throughout the vehicle, from the Rolls-Royce-inspired grille to the sophisticated interior execution. The sculptured grille and premium interior features position the vehicle as a credible alternative to established luxury SUVs, with the added benefit of plug-in hybrid efficiency and impressive total range.

For buyers seeking a luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on either electric driving capability or long-distance flexibility, the HS6 PHEV’s Guinness World Record provides tangible proof of its engineering credentials, while the design details demonstrate that Chinese automakers are increasingly competitive in the premium segments where aesthetic execution matters as much as performance numbers.

The post Hongqi HS6 PHEV: Where Art Meets Engineering in China’s Record-Breaking Luxury SUV first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sen. Warren: Big Tech’s tax breaks could have covered benefits for millions of Americans

Data can paint a much starker contrast than words alone, and US Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) appears to get that. On Friday, her office published numbers on Big Tech's tax breaks in Republicans' "Big Beautiful Bill." When compared with the benefits those sums could have provided for working families, it helps to fortify what some might otherwise dismiss as run-of-the-mill rhetoric.

According to Sen. Warren, the bill's tax breaks for Microsoft alone will total $12.5 billion in 2026. When compared with the average cost of SNAP benefits, that sum could have provided food assistance to 5.2 million people. Or, it could have covered Medicaid for 1.6 million adults (or 3.8 million children), or lowered Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums for 1.9 million Americans.

Meanwhile, Warren says Amazon is set to score a $16 billion tax break this year. That's the equivalent of Medicaid for 2 million adults (or 5.4 million children), lower ACA payments for 2.4 million Americans or SNAP benefits for 6.6 million people.

What about the tax breaks Alphabet gets? Warren says Google's parent company is looking at a $17.9 billion tax cut this year. That could pay for Medicaid for 2.3 million adults (or 5.4 million kids), lower ACA premiums for 2.8 million people or food assistance for 7.5 million people.

If you’re confused about why Big Tech is helping to pay for a lavish White House ballroom, look no further. Regardless, Warren’s analysis goes on to break down the $137 billion in tax breaks for all corporations in 2026, the $132 billion routed to the wealthiest one percent in 2027 and more. You can read the senator's full report for more details.

"Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are knocking millions of Americans off their health insurance and ripping away food assistance from families — all so they can fund giant tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations," Warren said in a statement. "This is a matter of priorities: Trump and Republicans are fighting for their billionaire buddies, while Democrats are fighting for American families."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/sen-warren-big-techs-tax-breaks-could-have-covered-benefits-for-millions-of-americans-174831791.html?src=rss

Fitbit appears to be experiencing a partial outage

Fitbit is mostly associated with tracking your steps, workouts and sleep, but also among its arsenal of overall health features is the ability to track your food intake. You can use it to see how many calories you’ve consumed versus how many you’ve burned, and even scan the barcode of pre-made food items to add them to your daily log. But the food log feature in the Fitbit app currently appears to be broken, or at least not working as it’s supposed to.

As spotted by 9to5Google, various problems have been reported during the last 24 hours, and while the page still loads as it should, adding items is proving difficult. Attempting to search for a meal or food pulls up a blank page, while the barcode scanner seems to be completely broken, returning a maintenance error message when you try to use it.

A number of Fitbit users are reporting similar issues, with only the custom food creation function working properly. Some have also said that they tried updating the app to fix it, but with no success. One user who deleted and re-installed the Fitbit app said that didn’t work either, while another said they “really rely on the calorie count feature,” which obviously won’t be accurate if you can’t log every meal you eat.

Google, Fitbit's parent company, has not officially commented on the matter at the time of writing, and we’ll update this article if it responds to our request for one.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/fitbit-appears-to-be-experiencing-a-partial-outage-174249152.html?src=rss

The Invisible Kitchen Revolution: IGT Phantom Stove

You know that moment when technology becomes so intuitive it practically disappears? That’s exactly what Shenzhen Juyouhang Technology Co. just pulled off with their IGT Phantom Stove, a MUSE Design Award winner that’s making waves in the outdoor cooking scene for all the right reasons.

At first glance, the name “Phantom” might sound a bit dramatic for a camping stove. But spend a minute looking at this design, and you’ll get it. This isn’t your clunky, utilitarian camping gear that screams “I’m roughing it in the wilderness.” Instead, it’s a sleek piece of equipment that bridges the gap between serious outdoor functionality and the kind of minimalist aesthetic we’ve come to expect from our favorite tech gadgets.

Designer: Shenzhen Juyouhang Technology

The IGT system, for those not already deep into the camping world, stands for Iron Grill Table, a modular camping kitchen concept that originated in Japan. Think of it like LEGO blocks for your outdoor cooking setup. Different components slot into a unified system, letting you customize your camp kitchen however you want. The Phantom Stove takes this concept and refines it with a sophistication that feels more Apple Store than sporting goods aisle.

What makes this stove particularly clever is how it manages to be simultaneously present and absent. When you need it, it’s there, ready to boil water or cook a gourmet camp meal. When you don’t, its foldable design and clean lines mean it practically melts into your setup. There’s no visual clutter, no awkward bulk taking up precious space in your gear collection or on your camp table.

The design philosophy here speaks to a broader shift happening in outdoor equipment. We’re moving past the era when camping gear had to look rugged and intimidating to be taken seriously. Today’s outdoor enthusiasts want products that perform brilliantly but also respect their aesthetic sensibilities. They’re taking Instagram-worthy photos of their campsites, hosting friends for glamping weekends, and expecting their gear to look as good as it functions.

Shenzhen Juyouhang Technology clearly understands this market evolution. The Phantom Stove’s stainless steel construction suggests durability without sacrificing elegance. Its compatibility with the IGT system means it plays well with others, fitting seamlessly into existing setups rather than demanding you rebuild your entire camp kitchen around it. This kind of thoughtful integration is what separates good design from great design.

The portability factor can’t be overstated either. Modern campers are increasingly mobile, whether they’re van-lifers constantly on the move, backpackers counting every ounce, or weekend warriors who want setup and breakdown to be as painless as possible. A stove that folds down without complicated mechanisms or fragile parts is worth its weight in gold. Or in this case, stainless steel.

There’s also something refreshing about seeing Chinese design firms like Shenzhen Juyouhang Technology getting recognition on the international stage. The MUSE Design Awards spotlight excellence from around the globe, and this win reflects how innovation in outdoor equipment is truly becoming a worldwide conversation. Great ideas can come from anywhere, and the camping community benefits when designers from different cultures and perspectives bring their unique approaches to solving common challenges.

What’s particularly exciting about products like the Phantom Stove is how they lower the barrier to entry for people curious about outdoor cooking. When gear looks approachable and fits naturally into your life rather than requiring a complete lifestyle overhaul, more people are willing to give it a try. You don’t need to be a hardcore backpacker to appreciate clean design and smart functionality.

The recognition from MUSE Design Awards validates what many outdoor enthusiasts already know: the gear we use matters, not just for performance but for the entire experience. When your equipment is well-designed, intuitive, and beautiful, it enhances every moment of your adventure. You’re not fighting with finicky mechanisms or tolerating eyesores. You’re just cooking, enjoying nature, and living well.

The IGT Phantom Stove represents where outdoor design is heading: smarter, sleeker, and more integrated into our lives. It’s proof that we don’t have to choose between function and form, between serious performance and sophisticated aesthetics. We can have both, and honestly, we should demand both.

The post The Invisible Kitchen Revolution: IGT Phantom Stove first appeared on Yanko Design.

Denmark set to ban social media for users under 15 years of age

The government of Denmark said on Friday that lawmakers from its political right, left and center have reached an agreement to ban social media for anyone under 15, as reported by The Associated Press. If enacted, the move would be one of the most ambitious attempts globally to keep children off social media. Momentum has been building in recent years around concerns that social media is harming its younger users.

The country’s Digitalization Ministry would set the minimum age at 15 for certain social media platforms but has not clarified which ones would be affected. The government also did not share specifics on how enforcement would work.

A statement from the Digitalization Ministry reads, in part, “Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present,” as reported by The Associated Press. Digitalization Minister Caroline Stage said Danish authorities are “finally drawing a line in the sand and setting a clear direction.”

In December, the world’s first country-wide social media ban for children will go into effect in Australia, banning children under 16 from major social media platforms. Platforms that want to operate in the country must employ age-verification technology and would face fines if they fail to enforce the nation’s age limits.

Some age-verification methods, particularly facial recognition and showing of ID, have faced heavy skepticism as they have been implemented around the world. In the UK and Italy anyone wanting to watch porn online must now upload a selfie or provide ID to verify they are above age limits. If the same methods are employed to verify teenagers' ages, questions will undoubtedly arise about data safety and privacy involving minors' data.

Texas recently came close to enacting a similar ban, though it ultimately didn't pass. Utah passed laws in 2023 that require parental consent before teens can create social media accounts. Florida passed a social media ban for children that is currently held up in court.

This move will undoubtedly spark more conversation around the potential harms of social media on adolescents, as well as whether social media access will be perceived as personal parenting decisions that should remain free from government intervention.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/denmark-set-to-ban-social-media-for-users-under-15-years-of-age-171602408.html?src=rss

Limited Edition iXOOST Esavox Speaker features a real Lamborghini exhaust to power your sound

If you’ve ever admired the sculpted lines of a Lamborghini supercar and thought, “I wish I could bring that into my living room”, then the new collaboration from iXOOST offers exactly that in audio form. Known for their bold pieces that bridge high-end hi-fi and automotive design, iXOOST ESAVOX Bluetooth speaker system, crafted from real Lamborghini exhaust components and carbon-fibre supercar materials, is designed to blur the line between listening room and showroom.

The ESAVOX isn’t just a styled speaker; it is built around the actual exhaust cover of a Lamborghini Aventador, nestled in a monocoque chassis made from autoclave-cured 3K twill carbon fiber, with hexagonal motifs and sharp edges that echo Lamborghini’s design language.

Designer: iXOOST

Inside this sculptural cabinet lies serious audio hardware: two 1-inch tweeters, two 6.5-inch mid-bass drivers, and a 10-inch down-firing subwoofer, powered by a total output of 640 W amplification. The frequency response extends down to 20 Hz, delivering bass you feel as much as hear. Weighing in at approximately 117 lb and measuring 49 inches x 20 inches x 26 inches, the ESAVOX is clearly not for casual portability but for a dedicated listening space or display garage.

Its styling comes in the iconic Lamborghini palette: Green Gea, Grey Keres Matte, Orange Anthaeus, Red Epona, Blue Uranus and White Siderale. The speaker is produced in a strictly limited run of just 63 units worldwide, which makes it highly desirable.  On the connectivity front, you get Bluetooth 5.0 and traditional RCA inputs, allowing both wireless streaming and classic wired sources. The power supply supports 110–240 V, making it globally deployable.

So what makes this more than just a flashy statement piece? For one, the use of genuine Lamborghini parts and automotive-grade materials lends it a storytelling edge: a carbon fibre monocoque, passive vibration damping (akin to a race-car chassis), and an aesthetic lifted directly from the supercar world. On the other hand, from an audio-engineering perspective, the configuration of large mid/bass drivers plus a substantial subwoofer and dedicated amplification points to real performance ambitions rather than just looks.

That said, its size, weight, price, and niche appeal mean the ESAVOX is designed for a particular buyer: a Lamborghini owner or ultra-luxury audio aficionado who wants a unique ‘hero piece’ for home audio, not someone seeking a practical bookshelf speaker. The iXOOST ESAVOX for Automobili Lamborghini fuses automotive heritage, high-end craftsmanship, and serious audio hardware into a distinctive luxury item. If you have the space, budget and passion for both supercars and high-end sound, this is a conversation piece that delivers both visually and sonically. As ever, buyers should consider installation logistics, room-tuning, and source equipment to make the most of its capabilities.

Automobili Lamborghini ESAVOX is going to be up for grabs in the U.K. via Harrods of London, and also on display at the renowned Knightsbridge store in the pristine Green Gea color. The speaker is priced at £34,999 (approximately $46,000) for which you can buy a Ford Mustang, if you want to go for the real thing.

The post Limited Edition iXOOST Esavox Speaker features a real Lamborghini exhaust to power your sound first appeared on Yanko Design.