GMKTec's latest mini PC prototype features powerful performance without a dedicated GPU

World Liberty Financial said it completed its second token sale, bringing in $550 million.

What a time to be alive. Looking at the sci-fi movie canon and the years in which these films take place, were 10 years past Robocop (set in 2015) and 7 years away from Demolition Man (set in 2032).As often as sci-fi serves as inspiration for the tech world, from the AI girlfriend of Her (2013) to an Iron Man-inspired tactical battle suit, so rarely does the tech world regard the thematic warnings underpinning their favorite depictions of the future.I believe in the power and opportunity of tech, and Ive made a career of building applicationswith integrity. Many emerging advancementsAI-assisted breast cancer screenings, for examplewill change our world for the better.But a few new technologies give me that Danger, Will Robinson! feeling. Here are three of them.1. Humanoid housekeeping robotsCompanies like Norways 1X, the U.S.s Figure, and Canadas Sanctuary AI are creating humanoid housekeeping robots, combining robotic hardware with AI-powered software. These robots can receive vocal instruction and translate that instruction to physical action. Astounding!I get the use of these robots in warehouse and manufacturing settings, which are designed to accommodate the human form. Humanoid robots could take on the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks that are too risky for humans.In the home is a different matter. Aside from a general uncanny valley creepiness, I cant see how these robots would be safe. Current large language models (LLMs) used by AI platforms like ChatGPT arent too difficult to jailbreaki.e., bypassing built-in security guardrails. A jailbroken LLM can be tricked into revealing sensitive credentials and secrets or giving harmful instructions like, say, how to build a bomb or 3D print a gun.Now imagine a jailbroken robot in your home. No thanks.2. AI social media personasA few weeks ago while scrolling Instagram, I was prompted to try chatting with Instagrams new AI characters. Metas been rolling them out in a stop-and-start fashion since last year, and while theyve been repealed (for the moment) from Facebook, there are still a few on Instagram you can chat with.I think often how technologys principle of eliminating friction has gone too far. Friction and discomfort are necessary in the human experience. To be a person in community is to be vulnerable, to risk showing yourself to others. I worry technology has lulled us into such comfort that the most normal, natural aspects of being social animals have come to feel like a chore, if not a danger.We shouldnt equivocate simulated interactions with human ones, especially for kids, even in the most benign contexts. The less benign contexts are even more grim. Anyone can create an AI agent and say you should use it as your therapist or your girlfriend or financial advisor. Even with whimsical accountslike a Spongebob Squarepants chat agentyou (or your child) is still essentially talking to a stranger.A troubling formula: The humanness of the AI agent makes it feel trustworthy, and the machine-ness of the AI makes it feel unbiased and without agenda. On a broader scale, I worry about these accounts potential for spreading misinformation, not by shouting from the streets of X with a bullhorn, but by whispering directly into our ears.3. Microsofts Majorana 1 chipQuantum computinganother deeply sci-fi topic is coming into reality. The science behind quantum mechanics is quite dense, but heres a primer.In computing, a classical bit is either a 1 or 0. A quantum bit (or qubit) can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously. The capability of a quantum computer is dependent on how many qubits are powering it.Quantum computers can make many attempts at a problem at once, compared to traditional computers that make one attempt at a time, albeit very quickly.For many, the standard of a quantum relevant computer is its ability to break RSA encryption (aka, the algorithmic formula commonly used to encrypt data) reliably at scale.Many nations are racing to develop quantum capabilities across several verticals and use casesChina, Germany, Canada, the U.S., India, and Japan are leading the way. Theres no way of knowing when quantum will reach a point of commercial or personal viability.That said, Microsofts new Majorana 1 chip represents a significant step toward that reality. The architecture used to develop the Majorana 1 appears capable of supporting a million qubits. For reference, when IBM released the first quantum processor in 2023, it had over 1,000 qubits, and that was a big deal. In 2021, the University of Science and Technology of China debuted a 66-qubit processor that solved a calculation in just 1.2 hours that would have taken a traditional super computer 8 years to solve.My concern isnt for the chip itself. The Majorana 1 is marvelous. My concern is that the world will not be ready for the quantum paradigm shift that Majorana 1 portends. Stepping into a quantum world will require organizations and infrastructure providers of all types to adopt quantum-resistant algorithms to protect our data and themselves against disruption. However, such cryptographic shifts have been historically painful. Many verticals still struggle with migrating to decade-old standards like AES or SHA-2.Our modern world and way of life relies deeply on encryption, and almost certainly nation-state enemies would use quantum capabilities against us if they beat us to the punch.Well see what sticksIts fun to look back in time to failed inventions from the early 20th century. Today, they seem so kooky and cumbersome. So many unique ideas that once appeared to be the next game changer fell flat, then fell into obscurity.I get the same sense about our current era. AI, quantum, and other breakthroughs are forging so many new possibilities, especially as they collide and combine with one another. The technologist in me feels like a kid in a candy store. I only hope the technology that survives serves our interests and individuals and as a species.Lindsey Witmer Collins is the founder of WLCM App Studio.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Embarking on a personal transformation, often termed a glow up, encompasses more than just external changes; its about building confidence and holistic wellbeing. While the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry offers numerous products to aid in this journey, an accessible and potent tool is often overlooked: music.Scientific research underscores the profound impact of music on essential aspects of well-being, including sleep quality, stress management, and exercise performance. By integrating music into these areas, one can enhance overall health and, consequently, personal appearance.Music and sleep: Your secret weapon for restorative restGood sleep hygiene means creating a consistent routine and an environment that promotes deep, uninterrupted sleepand music can be a game-changer when it comes to catching enough zs. Heres what music can do for sleep:Facilitate faster sleep onset: A study involving women with insomnia found that participants who listened to self-selected music at bedtime for 10 nights reduced their time to fall asleep from 27 to 69 minutes to just 6 to 13 minutes.Lower cortisol levels: Cortisol, the bodys stress hormone, can keep you wired when you need to wind down. Music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep.Trigger dopamine release: Listening to music before bed can stimulate dopamine, the same feel-good hormone released during pleasurable activities like eating, exercising, and intimacy. That means music doesnt just help you sleepit helps you feel happier, too.How does sleep impact wellbeing and confidence? It promotes skin repair and regeneration, reduces inflammation, and it improves cognitive function and memory, along with emotional and mental health.Music and exercise: Amplifies performanceMusic isnt just about setting the vibe for your workoutit has measurable physiological and psychological benefits that can push you to perform at your best.Increases endurance and reduces perceived effort: A study by Professor Costas Karageorghis and colleagues found that syncing music with a runners pace increased muscle endurance by 15% while reducing perceived effort by 12%. In other words, you can work harder while feeling like youre doing less.Boosts performance across different workout types: Research shows that music provides ergogenic (performance-enhancing) benefits in endurance, sprint, and resistance-based activities. It improves physiological responses like heart rate and muscle activation, leading to better results.Elevates mood and motivation: The right playlist can shift your mindset, making workouts feel less like a chore and more like an energizing experience.How does exercise impact wellbeing and confidence? It boosts your mood and reduces anxiety, enhances brain function, while building self-esteem and body image.Music and stress management: A scientifically-proven relaxation toolWe all know stress wreaks havoc on our health, skin, and overall wellbeing. The good news? Music is a powerful tool for relaxation, and science is backing it up in the emerging field of biomusicologyan area that fuses auditory neuroscience, psychology, and music cognition. Biomusicology shows that music:Reduces anxiety: A 2021 meta-analysis concluded that music therapy significantly improves anxiety during treatment, providing tangible mental health benefits.Promotes deep relaxation: The most effective relaxation music is slow in tempo, low in frequency, and free from sudden changes or jarring sounds. It helps slow the heart rate and create a calming effect.Supports individual needs: Whether you prefer instrumental melodies or soft vocals, music can be tailored to your specific relaxation goalswhether youre meditating, journaling, or simply unwinding after a long day.How does stress management impact wellbeing and confidence? It reduces premature aging, prevents breakouts, improves sleep, and it reduces anxiety and depression.The takeaway: Music is your free, science-backed glow up toolA glow up isnt just about what you put on your skin or how you style your hairits about how you feel, inside and out. Music is an accessible, research-backed way to improve sleep, maximize workouts, and manage stress, all of which contribute to a healthier, more radiant you.So next time youre curating your self-care routine, dont underestimate the power of a great playlist. By harnessing the therapeutic benefits of music, individuals can support their holistic well-being, contributing to a more radiant and confident self.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Two thousand dollars for wireless earbuds? Insanityuntil you hear them. The Breggz Zohn-1 shatters every preconception about personal audio with a shocking premise: what if your earbuds were actually made for your ears alone? Not approximately. Not close enough. But sculpted precisely to your unique anatomy down to the millimeter.For generations, mass production has forced our ears to adapt to generic shapes. Every wireless earbud on the marketregardless of pricefollows this flawed paradigm. The Zohn-1 breaks this pattern entirely. By digitally mapping your exact ear canal structure and creating a custom-fitted device, Breggz has solved the fundamental problem that has plagued personal audio since its inception. Your physiology becomes the starting point of the design, not an inconvenient variable to accommodate.Designer: BreggzClick Here to Buy Now: $2200. Hurry, only 92/100 left! Raised over $72,000.Design Excellence: From Ear to CaseYour ears tell a unique storyintricate structures as distinctive as fingerprints. The Zohn-1 acknowledges this biological reality with a revolutionary approach: audio devices should be as individual as the ears they serve.Standard earbuds impose generic shapes on diverse anatomies, creating inevitable compromises. Breggz eliminates these limitations through an ingeniously simple solution. Using just your smartphone camera and the Breggz Scan app, you capture a precise 3D model of your ear canals. No audiologist appointments. No messy impressions. This digital blueprint becomes the foundation for hearables made exclusively for you.The Zohn-1 earbuds have a clean, minimalist style that catches the eye. Their true beauty lies in their purpose: delivering sound with a precision that off-the-shelf products simply cant match. The custom shells feature a smooth, durable finish that feels luxurious against the skin. They utilize 3D-printed materials with a special bio coating for sensitive skin, ensuring comfort during extended wear.Among the Zohn-1s most innovative aspects is the pebblean interchangeable module containing the core electronics. This modular approach embodies a design philosophy that values longevity over obsolescence. As technology advances, you can upgrade the module while keeping your custom shells, reducing electronic waste and extending your investment. This consideration for the entire product lifecycle demonstrates a design maturity that looks beyond immediate gratification to long-term satisfaction.The Breggz Zohn-1 charging case immediately sets itself apart with a design that leans into a futuristic, almost cybernetic aesthetic. The case unfolds with a dramatic, mechanical motion, revealing the earbuds inside as if unveiling a hidden artifact. The textured surfaces contrast with the sleek, glossy earbuds, emphasizing the precision engineering behind its form.The exterior panels feature a structured, grid-like texture, providing a tactile surface that complements the industrial feel of the matte black casing. The geometric design, with angular panels that swing open symmetrically, evokes a sense of controlled complexity. The hinge mechanisms are deliberately exposed, adding to the cases mechanical charm and reinforcing the idea that this isnt just storageits an experience.A hexagonal hub houses the earbuds at the center of the case. They are adorned with a minimalist crescent logo and small LED indicators that add a futuristic glow. The lights subtly reinforce the branding while serving a functional purpose: indicating charge status and pairing mode.The material selection appears robust, possibly a high-density polymer or reinforced composite, ensuring durability without excessive weight. The opening mechanism suggests a thoughtful balance between security and accessibility, allowing the earbuds to be stored safely while remaining easy to retrieve.The case actively enhances the products identity. The unfolding motion, the contrasting textures, and the illuminated branding create a moment of interaction that feels deliberate and immersive. This design makes a statement, turning the everyday act of accessing earbuds into a small but satisfying ritual.Inside the box, youll find everything needed to start your Zohn-1 experience: the custom-fitted earbuds themselves, the innovative charging case, a comprehensive cleaning set to maintain optimal performance, tips in six different sizes, and a detailed user manual. Every element of the package reflects the same attention to detail and quality as the earbuds themselves.At its core, the Zohn-1 embodies a philosophy that prioritizes individual excellence over universal adequacy. It challenges the prevailing approach of creating single products for diverse users, instead embracing the complexity of human variation. This personalization philosophy transforms the relationship between a person and technology. When devices adapt to human uniqueness rather than forcing standardization, the result is a more natural, intuitive connection with our tools.Acoustic Engineering Meets PersonalizationInside each custom shell, premium balanced armature drivers are meticulously positioned to create an acoustic environment tailored to your unique ear geometry. This precise placement achieves something remarkablesound reproduction that honors the original recording with exceptional accuracy.The Zohn-1 delivers tight, controlled bass with natural weight. Mids are remarkable in clarity, and highs extend with delicate precision. The spatial audio capabilities construct three-dimensional soundscapes that place you at the center of the performance, while low latency ensures perfect synchronization with visual media.This is possible because of the combination of premium Knowles balanced armature drivers and Mimi Hearing Technologies software, which personalizes audio based on your unique hearing profile. The app includes a hearing test that identifies missing frequencies in your hearing, particularly in the high and low ends and compensates for these with tailored sound adjustments. When the earphones are precisely tailored to your ears contours, acoustic leaks are eliminated, enhancing bass response and delivering crystal-clear sound.Thoughtful Integration of TechnologyBehind the exceptional sound experience lies thoughtful engineering:Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support maintains rock-solid connectionsSix beamforming microphones ensure crystal-clear voice captureActive noise cancellation preserves audio fidelity while blocking distractionsIPX4 water resistance provides practical durability8 hours of playback per charge eliminates battery anxietyYet the Zohn-1s technical sophistication never calls attention to itself. These technologies serve the core experience without intrusionthe hallmark of truly mature design thinking.Groundbreaking Partnerships Behind the InnovationBreggz Hearables B.V., a luxury technology company, has forged strategic partnerships to create something truly revolutionary. The Zohn-1 emerges from a collaboration between Breggz, B2B hearables development company EAR Micro LLC, and hearable operating systems pioneer Bragi.Breggz Zohn-1 could not have been developed without our incredible partners at EAR Micro and Bragi, explains Breggz founder Xander de Buisonj. Our vision for the Breggz Zohn-1 is to create the most advanced custom-fit, made-to-order wireless in-ear hearable in the world and to pack it with top-spec audio tech and a host of novel features never before seen in a custom-fit IEM.This collaboration has resulted in the worlds first audiophile-grade, fully wireless, custom-fit, and exclusively made-to-order luxury in-ear monitor. The Zohn-1 combines cutting-edge technology, expert craftsmanship, and unparalleled design to deliver exceptional fit, acoustic fidelity, and refined aesthetics, redefining the future of audio excellence.Be Among the First: Your Invitation to Audio RevolutionThe moment has arrived. The Breggz Zohn-1 Kickstarter campaign reached its funding goal within just 48 hours of launch, showing the worlds eagerness for truly personalized audio. Two exclusive options await discerning audio enthusiasts:The Early Bird Edition offers 100 units at 2,015 (approximately $2,194). Your custom-crafted Zohn-1 will be delivered this September. Each pair is customized exclusively for your ears with Mimi Hearing technology.For the ultimate experience, the Special Kickstarter Edition presents an extraordinary opportunity at 4,534 (approximately $4,935). Limited to just 10 sets worldwide, this exclusive package includes a personalized studio session to customize your Breggz sound settings to perfection. This rare collaboration with audio engineers ensures sound tailored not just to your ear anatomy but to your precise listening preferences.Backing the Zohn-1 means commissioning a bespoke audio instrument crafted exclusively for you, with premium drivers and personalization technology that adapts to your unique hearing profile. While many will wait years for such individually tailored audio solutions, the Zohn-1 delivers audiophile quality with personalized technology today, transforming how you experience music, calls, and media through devices that recognize your individuality.Click Here to Buy Now: $2200. Hurry, only 92/100 left! Raised over $72,000.The post Custom Sound Revolution: The Breggz Zohn-1 Redefines Personal Audio first appeared on Yanko Design.

Surfaces speak. They communicate through texture, pattern, and color. Wolf-Gordons BLUE collection transforms walls from passive boundaries into expressive canvases that shape atmosphere and narrative within spaces.Designer: Wolf-GordonThe collections name carries historical weight. Blue pigments remained rare in nature for centuries, making them precious in art and design. This cultural significance provides BLUE with a conceptual foundation beyond mere decoration. Fashion photographys editorial perspective inspired this collection. These patterns tell visual stories through walls.The Editorial Eye: Surfaces as ProtagonistsWolf-Gordon translates fashions visual language into spatial design with remarkable clarity. One striking photograph shows a person seated against a deep blue wallcovering with intricate flowing lines creating rhythmic movement. The patternlikely Awakenactively participates in the composition, establishing a dialogue with the figure.This approach mirrors editorial fashion photographys treatment of environments. The wallcovering becomes a character in the scene.A geometric grey patternpossibly Rock Ledgecreates dimensional interest, against which a silver luggage piece and bright blue shoes serve as punctuation points. The careful styling reflects the fashion editorials meticulous attention to every element.The collections range becomes apparent across multiple images. From the rich, dimensional blue of Awaken to the subtle vertical striations of what appears to be Highline in a sophisticated black colorway behind a classical bust on a vibrant blue pedestal, each pattern generates its own spatial energy.Pattern PersonalitiesEvery pattern in the BLUE collection possesses a distinct character. The deep blue curvilinear designAwakenevokes fluid movement and organic energy. Its hand-inked lines draw inspiration from fingerprints and tree rings, bringing a human touch to walls.The geometric grey pattern represents Rock Ledge, with its sculpted tile appearance creating visual dimension without actual relief. This trompe loeil effect plays with perception, engaging viewers beyond the mere visual.A warm wood grain patternpresumably Forestbrings natural warmth to interiors. Its vertical orientation draws the eye upward, enhancing spatial perception.Several images showcase the collections more subtle offeringsCloth with its fine linen-like texture, Dune with its grasscloth inspiration, and Ritz with its vertical striae emboss. These quieter patterns demonstrate versatility without sacrificing sophistication.Chromatic StorytellingThe collection name BLUE manifests throughout the imagery. Deep blue appears in the dramatic wallcovering, accessories like gloves and bracelets, furniture accents, and a striking lamp base.This strategic use of blue creates visual continuity across diverse patterns and settings. It functions as a narrative thread connecting different spaces, similar to how fashion editorials might use recurring color elements to unify a multi-page spread.Neutral colorwayswarm woods, sophisticated greys, subtle beiges, and rich brownsprovide versatile backgrounds for creative expression through furnishings. This approach grants designers flexibility while maintaining the collections cohesive identity.A mauve-tinted wallcovering serves as a backdrop for an arm adorned with vibrant blue beaded bracelets, creating dramatic visual punctuation. This moment captures the collections stated aim of balancing the refined and subtle with hints of surprise.Fashion-Forward StylingThe presentation styling merits close examination. Wolf-Gordon embraces fashion photographys editorial perspective in both the patterns themselves and their presentation context.Carefully chosen accessories appear throughout: bright blue shoes, a woven blue bag, gloves, and bracelets. These elements establish a visual dialogue with the wallcoverings. A blue ceramic vase with a white pattern references the collections name while introducing contrast. A blue lamp base functions as a sculptural element against a rich brown wallcovering.The styling creates narrative moments. A hand placing a scarf on a wooden chair against a textured beige background suggests human presence and everyday luxury. A figure pulling a silver suitcase against a geometric grey pattern evokes travel and transition.Material SophisticationThe images reveal subtle material qualities that photography captures perfectly. Light plays across surfaces differently, catching metallic accents in some patterns and highlighting textural depth in others.Texture variations appear throughout the collection. Some patterns feature pronounced tactile qualities, while others offer visual texture through color and pattern. This range provides designers with tools for creating multi-sensory environments.Each pattern responds differently to light. The deep blue Awaken pattern absorbs and reflects light in ways that enhance its dimensional quality. The subtle vertical striations of other patterns create gentle shadow play.Spatial NarrativesThe collection transforms spaces into narratives. A brown wallcovering creates a cocoon-like environment for relaxation, enhanced by the blue lamp. The geometric grey pattern establishes a sophisticated transit zone. The dramatic blue pattern generates an immersive environment that commands attention.This narrative quality aligns with contemporary hospitality design, where spaces must tell stories and create memorable experiences. BLUE offers designers tools for crafting these spatial narratives with sophistication.Wolf-Gordons understanding of how surfaces affect spatial perception shines throughout. Vertical patterns enhance ceiling height. Textural patterns add depth to walls. Subtle patterns create breathing room. Bold patterns establish focal points.Beyond Aesthetics: A New Design LanguageWhile the images highlight aesthetic qualities, Wolf-Gordons reputation for dependable performance suggests these wallcoverings meet rigorous standards for commercial applications. The companys history since 1967 includes expansion into wall protection, upholstery textiles, paints, and specialty coatingsall united by excellent design and performance.This matters tremendously in hospitality environments. Beautiful wallcoverings must be performed in high-traffic settings. The BLUE collection positions itself for sophisticated hospitality interiors where durability equals aesthetics in importance.BLUE introduces a design language that bridges fashion and interior design. It recognizes walls as active participants in spatial experience rather than passive backgrounds. This perspective shift opens new possibilities for how designers approach surface design.The collection acknowledges the growing importance of surfaces in creating distinctive environments. By drawing inspiration from fashion photographys editorial perspective, BLUE positions wallcoverings as active participants in spatial storytelling.This approach changes how we think about walls. And that represents genuine innovation in surface design.The post Wolf-Gordon BLUE: Surface Design Through a Fashion Editorial Lens first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unlike the previous fundraiser, this event did not appear on President Donald Trumps official schedule.

Eliminate cord clutter with the Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 Desktop Charger, a pint-sized desktop charger that packs a punch.Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 desktop chargerIf you're like me, you probably hate cord clutter. One of the biggest reasons I like my iMac is because it has a single cord.Of course, that doesn't stop me from finding myself plugging in a bunch of stuff to the Hyperdrive iMac Hub when it comes time to charge just about anything. And I'd argue a bunch of cords coming out of the front of my computer looks worse. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The iOS 18.3.2 update appears to have introduced a bug related to Apple's Mail application, as multiple users now claim that emails only appear in their inbox after a manual refresh.The iOS 18.3.2 update appears to have caused issues with the Mail app for some users.Apple released iOS 18.3.2, a relatively minor update, on March 11, 2025. Though the software contains a significant security fix, it appears the update has also introduced a problem that affects the built-in Mail app and its push functionality, which is meant to display new emails as soon as they arrive.As was noted by MacRumors, multiple Reddit users have said that new emails are no longer being pushed to their phones. Instead, users are only shown new emails if they manually open the Mail app and refresh their inbox. Some users are experiencing issues receiving emails altogether, indicating that this could be the result of a small-scale outage. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The potential next home for the NFLs Chicago Bears could be realized on the South Side following a proposal for a lakefront renewal of the Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville. The new, $3.2 billion alternative from a pair of local developers would replace the now-stalled Soldier Field redevelopment and new stadium plan fromManica that has been criticized since last year with a design whose renderings are credited to Lamar Johnson Collaborative.Image rendering courtesy Farpoint Development and Lamar Johnson CollaborativeImage rendering courtesy Farpoint Development and Lamar Johnson CollaborativeIt offers the city a mixed-use district with another open-air stadium, a 20-acre 'park bridge', and 4,500 units of housing linking the site with McCormick Place to its north. The City Council hadpreviously approved a SOM-led redevelopment of the Michael Reese site in 2021.Image rendering courtesy Farpoint Development and Lamar Johnson CollaborativeThe Bears, whose current lease e...