Earlier this year, with a TikTok ban looming, Perplexity AI threw its hat into the increasingly crowded ring to take over the embattled social media company. Now, the maker of the AI search engine is outlining its vision for TikTok if its bid were to win out.In a blog post, the company made a lengthy pitch for "rebuilding TikTok in America," an effort that would see the AI company rebuild the apps signature algorithm, add Community Notes, and integrate the shortform videos into its search engine.Of the many potential buyers, its not clear how seriously Perplexitys bid is being considered. On Friday, the Financial Times reported that ByteDances existing US investors are "exploring a deal alongside software giant Oracle" in an effort to "appease" President Donald Trump. The story also notes that ByteDance "strongly prefers" this arrangement.Still, Perplexity is making the case that it is best suited to own the platform.Perplexity is singularly positioned to rebuild the TikTok algorithm without creating a monopoly, combining world-class technical capabilities with Little Tech independence. Any acquisition by a consortium of investors could in effect keep ByteDance in control of the algorithm, while any acquisition by a competitor would likely create a monopoly in the short form video and information space. All of society benefits when content feeds are liberated from the manipulations of foreign governments and globalist monopolists.The AI company also says it would rebuild TikToks "black box" recommendation algorithm from scratch and would make the "For You" feed open source. Perplexity also suggests it would add "Community Notes features" as well as the citations used by its own search engine in an effort "to turn TikTok into the most neutral and trusted platform in the world." That would be a significant departure from TikToks current fact-checking program, which relies on international media organizations.This is the first time Perplexity has publicly discussed its vision for TikTok in detail. Its also notable that some of its plans like open-sourcing the "For You" feed and adding Community Notes feel ripped straight from Elon Musks playbook for X. In any case, the White House will likely need to make a decision about TikToks future soon. Trumps executive order that temporarily saved the app from a ban is set to expire April 5, although the president has indicated he would "probably" extend it if necessary.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/perplexity-ai-says-it-would-rebuild-tiktoks-algorithm-and-add-community-notes-features-200449390.html?src=rss

Now that we know the Amazon Spring Sale is on the horizon, we're on the lookout for the best tech deals to grab from it. In typical Amazon fashion, Blink security cameras are some of the first to be discounted for the shopping event. The Blink Mini 2 is available for $20, which is half off its regular price and the best discount we've seen. You can pick up two of the wired security cameras for $38, which represents a 46 percent discount. We reckon the Blink Mini 2 is the best budget security camera around. You can adjust the webcam-style camera to a variety of angles. It's weather-resistant, so you can place it outside if you have a special power adapter. The camera picks up decent (but not great) images, particularly those captured in the infrared nighttime view. It also has a built-in LED spotlight. Since Blink is an Amazon company, of course the Mini 2 ties into the Alexa ecosystem. You'll just need to have a Blink account before you can actually use it. As you might expect, you'll be able to view images captured by the Mini 2 via the Alexa app on an Echo Show, Fire Tablet or Fire TV but, curiously, not iOS or Android. To see the captures on your phone or tablet, you'll instead need to use the Blink app. You'll get some extra features such as cloud storage and people and pet detection if you sign up for the Blink Subscription ($3 per month for one camera, $10 per month for any number). Elsewhere in the sale, a five-pack of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras is half off at $200. This is our recommendation for the best security camera for Alexa users. Having five of them should be enough for many folks to keep an eye on everything that's going on around their property. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-blink-mini-2-security-camera-drops-to-only-20-for-amazons-spring-sale-171417945.html?src=rss

Nvidia integrates co-packaged optics into switches to cut power use and costs in AI data centers.

Uperfect Delta Megas vertical design offers stacked monitors for programming, trading, or editing without taking up extra desk space.

With David Sacks as his boss and Trumps full backing, Bo Hines has a central role in U.S. crypto policy.

AI is fundamentally re-engineering how work is done, who does it, and why. From AI-assisted nursing tools enabling healthcare providers to serve more patients to robotics improving retail fulfillment efficiency, the change is monumental. Organizations must establish a common language around work to navigate this transformation effectively. This raises a critical question:Who bears the responsibility for preparing the workforce for the AI age?Industry expert Josh Bersin notes that thriving in this era requires redesigning work, jobs, and organizational modelsdeconstructing tasks, evaluating AI solutions, and defining the human role alongside automation. This imperative underscores the moral mandate of leaders to empower people, not displace thema theme explored further in his piece.It is clear that readiness cannot fall solely on employees. Leaders must rise to the challenge, driving the reinvention of work ethically and inclusively.The moral mandate of leadersAI is poised to reinvent nearly every job, with research showing that 92% of tech roles will evolve in response to automation. Yet, most employees lack the tools to navigate these shifts independently, and many HR leaders remain uncertain about future workforce needs. Expecting employees to pivot seamlessly without guidance ignores their struggles to balance work and life, let alone reimagine their career trajectories.Leaders must rise to this challenge by creating a unified understanding of work that drives intelligent workforce transformation. The imperative isnt just about adopting AIits about re-engineering work in a way that ensures no one is left behind. Leadership must understand their workforces day-to-day activities: Which tasks are primed for AI enhancement? How can we create more opportunities? How do we ensure work flows efficiently to those best suited to perform it?Bersins research shows that to succeed with AI, companies must rethink work, jobs, and structures. This means focusing on customer outcomes, breaking work into tasks, using AI where it fits, and defining where humans add value. Leaders who do this will make AI work for their peoplenot replace them.Accountability is the new currencyTodays stakeholdersemployees, customers, communities, and shareholdersscrutinize companies like never before. Business success is no longer measured by profits alone; its judged by how well organizations unlock and amplify the full potential of their people.Leaders must rethink traditional job design. Jobs consist of tasks, not skills, and people possess the skills to perform those tasks. Reskilling efforts must be task-focused, dynamic, and deeply personalized.Consider financial services. Junior analysts, whose roles are heavily impacted by AI, could become data scientists within months through upskilling in Python and AI fundamentals. This isnt just workforce optimizationits workforce empowerment.The alternative is bleak: mass unemployment, economic instability, and widening social inequalities. Failing to act doesnt just hurt employees; it undermines economic resilience.Design for meaningful workAI will eliminate some roles but create countless new opportunities. The key is ensuring that those opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point. Organizations need comprehensive frameworks that map jobs, tasks, processes, and career paths. Through this understanding, leaders can create clear development pathways for every employee.This isnt just about workforce optimization; its about creating an environment where every individual can grow alongside technological advancement.For example, our Workforce Reinvention Blueprint pinpoints high-value areas where AI complements human capabilities. Leaders can build reskilling strategies tailored to individual aspirations and organizational goals, ensuring every employee finds meaning and purpose in their work.From incremental to transformationalThe journey to workforce reinvention doesnt happen overnight. Leaders must adopt a phased approach, starting with understanding their current workforce dynamics, aligning job tasks with future skills needs.Heres how companies can embrace transformation:Workforce analysis: Identify tasks for automation and map the skills needed for higher-value roles.Reskilling as a priority: Pinpoint skills gaps and offer tailored learning opportunities.Transparency in communication: Build trust by sharing the vision for AI integration and its impact.Inclusive leadership: Ensure reskilling opportunities are accessible to all employees, especially marginalized groups.Leadership that goes beyond numbersAs we continue through 2025, the organizations that thrive will be those that approach workforce transformation with both boldness and responsibility. Success lies in ensuring that as work evolves, people evolve with it. This isnt just about AI adoptionits about creating a future where technology amplifies human potential rather than diminishing it. The opportunity to reinvent work has never been greater; the responsibility to do so has never been clearer.Siobhan Savageis CEO and founder of Reejig.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.

Is technology a hero or a villain?That question keeps coming back to me. Especially now, as the world watches the ripple effects of the USAID funding freeze and the relentless wave of climate disasters. Tech companies sit right at the heart of these crisesnot as bystanders, but as some of the most powerful players in how they unfold. And yet, techs public image has never been more conflicted.On one hand, technology has enabled incredible breakthroughs in humanitarian response. AI can predict floods before they hit. Blockchain helps track aid deliveries in fragile contexts. Real-time data platforms put lifesaving information directly into the hands of frontline responders. Thats the tech I believe in.But lets be honestBig Techs reputation is hanging by a thread. From privacy scandals to polarization to performative corporate social responsibility (CSR), the gap between what tech could be and how people perceive it feels wider than ever.This moment is a wake-up call. Not just for CSR, but for the entire way tech companies define their role in solving global problems.What weve seen at Tech To The Rescue over the past five years is simple: Social impact work isnt charity. Its how companies sharpen their edge. When tech teams partner with nonprofits tackling crises, theyre not just donating skillstheyre learning in ways that no corporate client can teach them. Theyre designing for chaos, building for the underserved, and stretching their creativity to the limit.What internal sprints will never teach youFor small and mid-sized companies, this work is a goldmine of tactical insight. Designing systems for low-bandwidth environments, creating tools for users with limited digital literacy, or adapting platforms for multilingual emergency contextsthese are not side projects. They are previews of the challenges companies will face as they scale into new markets.And for larger companies? Its just as valuableespecially when these partnerships happen inside innovation teams, not just CSR departments. Unlike traditional philanthropy, with its slow approvals and risk aversion, these collaborations are fast, hands-on, and embedded with frontline teams. The result? Products that dont just live in PowerPoints but in the hands of people who need them most.Real-world proof that this worksThis isnt a theory. Its happening now. Through AI for Changemakersa global accelerator we launched with sponsorship from AWS and Google.orgtech companies are building tools like SOPHIA, which processes multilingual crisis data in real time, and AIMM, which helps field teams at Mercy Corps that use AI for program design without needing a data science degree.I saw this dynamic firsthand at AWS re:Invent, standing alongside leaders from Mercy Corps and ACAPS to showcase these projectsnot as feel-good stories, but as proof that serious tech-for-good collaborations deliver serious impact.But the moment that stuck with me most came earlier, at VivaTech in Paris. Thats where Werner Vogelsone of the worlds most influential CTOsannounced the Now Go Build CTO Fellowship, created in partnership with our AI for Changemakers program. And this wasnt some hands-off endorsement. Vogels, Amazons CTO, stepped in to mentor nonprofit CTOs directly, giving them access to the same leadership and technical playbook that powers AWS. When a tech leader of his stature decides to personally invest in social impact organizations tech leadership, it sends a message: If we want stronger humanity, we need stronger and out-of-the-box collaborations.Why this matters for every tech companyThis is no longer about reputational polish. Social impact partnerships are becoming a core source of innovation, talent development, and resilience.According to Deloittes 2024 Global Gen Z & Millennial Survey, 86% Gen Zs 89% of millennials shared that a sense of purpose is important to overall job satisfaction and well-being for them. Also, 75% of both groups responded that an organizations community engagement and societal impact are considered and important factors when looking into potential employers. On the flip side, less than half believe that businesses do have a positive societal impact, highlighting a growing gap between expectations and reality.The same is true for consumers, especially since the pandemic. Ipsos Global Trends 2021 found that 70% of consumers across 25 markets prefer to buy from brands that reflect their personal values. This trend has been particularly strong in key markets like the U.K., France, and the U.S., where the emphasis on brand values has grown by over 16% since 2013.Lets also rethink what pro bono in the tech industry even means. Its become shorthand for quick volunteer gigs, but in reality, the projects that matter most are professionally scoped, technically complex, and demand the same creativity, rigor, and accountability as any top-tier client engagement. Its time to see these collaborations for what they are: R&D with purpose.So back to that question: Hero or villain?The answer wont come from PR. It will come from what we build, who we build it for, and whether were willing to apply our best thinking to humanitys hardest problems. The companies that embed social impact into their innovation playbook will come out stronger, sharper, and far better prepared for a future where impact isnt an accessoryits a core business strategy.Jacek Siadkowski is the CEO and cofounder of Tech To The Rescue.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.

Cake Architecture, a London-based studio, has finished a communal wellness center in Canary Wharf, featuring a sauna that accommodates 65 people and a lounge with an amphitheater design, intended to capture the vibrant energy of a nightclub. Called Arc, this wellness center focuses on contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot and cold environments to stimulate the bodys natural stress and relaxation mechanisms.Cake Architecture created this space for White Rabbit Projects, a hospitality specialist seeking to position Arc as a unique alternative to traditional nightlife culture. The clients brief specified certain functional needs, including various room types, equipment, and capacity requirements. The interior was also designed to offer a sense of rhythm as guests move through the different areas.Designer: Cake ArchitectureCake Architecture crafted the space for hospitality expert White Rabbit Projects, aiming for a design that embodies Arcs identity as a distinct alternative to traditional nightlife. The clients brief specified particular functional needs, including room types, equipment, and capacity. The interior was also designed to offer a seamless flow, creating a rhythmic experience as guests move through the various areas.We aimed to create a space that facilitates communal transcendence an environment that offers a step away from daily life, said the creative director Hugh Scott Moncrieff. The challenge was finding a design language that bridged the clean, health-focussed world of wellness and fitness while echoing the hedonistic energy found in dance floors and nightclubs.The project drew inspiration from both ancient and modern history, referencing the Roman Baths of Caracalla and the creations of architects and designers like Andrea Branzi, Archizoom, and Shiro Kuramata. The design seeks to explore contrasts such as hot versus cold, open versus closed, and natural versus artificial. Each area boasts its distinct character, while a cohesive material palette unifies the overall scheme.The materials contribute to a grounded, tactile experience, connecting guests to nature in a subconscious way, said Scott Moncrieff. Metal, wood, and clay work together to evoke a sense of ritual and timelessness, helping to define each spaces mood through their inherent properties texture, finish, and color.The guest experience centers around four primary areas a communal changing space, a circular lounge, a plunge room with eight semi-sunken two-person ice baths, and the largest sauna in the UK, accommodating 65 people. Across these spaces, materials such as red terracotta and deep-blue dreadnought quarry tiles are used on vanity units, tiered seating, sauna hearths, and ice baths to reinforce a sense of consistency throughout.Wood was incorporated to provide a warm contrast to the tiles, utilizing various types of timber for fixtures like custom lighting, changing room vanities, sauna interiors, and a circular plunge bench. The lounge area was conceived as a communal space for guests to connect and rehydrate with water or herbal teas. It features circular tiered seating arranged around a monolithic table crafted from a cedar slab by sculptor Simon Gaiger.The post Meet The UKs Largest Sauna & Nightlife-Inspired Wellness Center In Canary Wharf first appeared on Yanko Design.

The evolution of foldable devices has primarily followed predictable paths either compact clamshells or book-style tablets. Huaweis Pura X introduces a refreshingly different design philosophy that questions fundamental assumptions about how we interact with our devices. This wide-format foldable explores new territory through thoughtful proportions, tactile materials, and visual harmony.Designer: HuaweiAt first glance, the Pura Xs physical presence communicates intentional design decisions. The unfolded dimensions of 143.2 x 91.7 x 7.15mm create a canvas thats deliberately wider than tall, breaking from the elongated rectangular forms dominating todays market. This 16:10 aspect ratio isnt arbitrary it reflects careful consideration of how humans consume content, from reading to video viewing to productivity tasks.Folded, the device transforms into a nearly square 91.7 x 74.3 x 15.1mm form that sits naturally in hand. This geometric transition showcases Huaweis industrial design expertise. The Xuanwu teardrop hinge mechanism utilizes space-grade materials rated at 1900 MPa, allowing for fluid movement while maintaining structural integrity. The hinges engineering permits a nearly gapless closure while accommodating the flexible display technology within.The weight distribution deserves particular attention. At 193.7 grams for the eco-leather version (195.9 grams for glass), the Pura X achieves remarkable lightness without sacrificing durability. This weight places it firmly in the ultralight category for foldable an impressive achievement considering the complex internal components and battery capacity.Material NarrativeThe Pura Xs material choices tell a sophisticated design story through five distinct finishes. Pattern Red and Pattern Green showcase textured eco-leather with extraordinarily precise 0.05mm embossing. This micro-texture creates a subtle tactile experience that rewards touch while providing practical grip benefits. The leather variants speak to users who value organic warmth and patina development over time.For those drawn to contemporary minimalism, Moon Shadow Gray, Zero White, and Fantasy Night Black employ transparent glass with different reflective qualities. Each color interacts uniquely with light, creating visual depth that changes throughout the day. The glass variants feature nano-etched textures that reduce fingerprints while maintaining the materials inherent luster.These material choices reflect Huaweis understanding that smartphones exist as both technological tools and personal accessories. The color palette avoids trendy shades in favor of timeless options that integrate seamlessly into various lifestyles and environments.Display ArchitectureThe Pura Xs display design represents perhaps its most significant contribution to foldable evolution. The 6.3-inch inner flexible OLED screen with 2120 x 1320 pixel resolution (~396 ppi) and approximately 87.5% screen-to-body ratio creates an expansive visual canvas with balanced proportions.This LTPO2 OLED panel supports 1 billion colors with P3 wide color gamut coverage, ensuring color accuracy for creative professionals. The 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate technology intelligently adjusts based on content requirements, preserving battery life during static content viewing while delivering fluid animations when needed.The 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming represents a thoughtful inclusion for user wellbeing, reducing eye strain during extended use sessions. The 2,500 nits peak brightness ensures visibility in challenging lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to dimly lit environments.The external 3.5-inch square OLED display (980 x 980 pixels) deserves equal recognition for its considered design. The perfect 1:1 aspect ratio creates visual harmony in the folded state. This display shares many technical specifications with the main screen adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness, and HDR Vivid support ensuring a consistent visual experience regardless of which screen is in use.Functional AestheticsThe Pura Xs camera array demonstrates how technical requirements can inform distinctive visual design. The horizontal arrangement of four lenses creates a recognizable profile while maintaining clean geometric alignment with the devices edges. This quad-camera system includes:50MP main camera with f/1.6 aperture, RYYB sensor, and optical stabilization40MP ultra-wide with f/2.2 aperture, RYYB sensor, and macro capabilities8MP telephoto with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3.5x optical zoomA dedicated 1.5MP multi-spectral color sensorThe camera housing rises from the rear surface with gentle contouring rather than abrupt edges, creating natural light transitions across the back panel. This treatment reduces the visual weight of the necessary protrusion while maintaining the devices overall design language.The side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrates seamlessly into the frame, positioned for natural thumb placement. This location allows for consistent access whether the device is folded or unfolded a thoughtful ergonomic detail that demonstrates consideration for real-world usage patterns.Interior EngineeringThe Pura Xs internal architecture reveals equally meticulous design thinking. The 4,720mAh dual-cell battery configuration distributes power sources to maintain balanced weight distribution and optimal thermal management. This arrangement supports 66W wired fast charging, 40W wireless fast charging, and bidirectional charging capabilities (7.5W wireless, 5W wired) without compromising the devices slim profile.Thermal engineering showcases sophisticated three-dimensional thinking. A graphite plate with 2,000 W/mK thermal conductivity efficiently dissipates heat across the devices internal volume. This system maintains comfortable external temperatures even during processor-intensive tasks while protecting battery longevity through consistent thermal regulation.The internal component layout accommodates comprehensive connectivity options without compromising structural integrity. Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1 with DisplayPort capabilities, and an infrared port all find homes within the compact chassis. The Collectors Edition models even incorporate satellite communication hardware a significant engineering achievement given the space constraints.Accessories as Design ExtensionsHuawei extends the Pura Xs design language through three purpose-built accessories. The three-dimensional hand-held protective case adds practical functionality while maintaining the devices visual identity. The geometric plain leather protective case introduces additional textural elements that complement the phones materials. The ultra-thin plain leather protective case prioritizes minimal bulk while providing essential protection.Each accessory has been developed as a thoughtful extension of the core product rather than an afterthought, sharing material qualities and design language with the Pura X itself.Design in Service of ExperiencePura Xs design philosophy ultimately enhances the user experience in meaningful ways. The wide-format display creates natural reading environments with comfortable text columns. Video content benefits from cinematic framing that reduces letterboxing. Productivity applications gain usable screen real estate for complex tasks.The external display transforms quick interactions through its square proportions, providing sufficient space for meaningful engagement without requiring the device to be opened. This thoughtful approach to dual-screen design reduces unnecessary wear on the folding mechanism while streamlining common tasks.HarmonyOS 5.0.1s visual design complements the hardware through consistent geometric principles and spatial relationships. The Xiaoyi voice assistants breathing visual effects demonstrate attention to animation as a design element. The systems AI capabilities, including eye movement page turning and intelligent content caching, show how software and hardware design can work in harmony to create cohesive experiences.The Pura X represents a significant design achievement in the foldable category through its willingness to question established norms. By exploring alternative proportions, materials, and interaction models, Huawei has created a device that offers genuinely new possibilities for how we might engage with mobile technology. Whether this design direction resonates broadly with consumers remains to be seen, but the thoughtful execution and clear vision deserve recognition from the design community.The post HUAWEI Pura X: Wide-Format Design Breaks Foldable Boundaries first appeared on Yanko Design.

Speaking during the Future Games Show Spring Showcase, Atomfall lead programmer Richard May spoke about the ability that players have to kill every NPC in the game without having to worry about blocking themselves off from the games story. As caught by GamesRadar, May described the feature as a challenge to develop.I think weve found a good balance that allows you to have that freedom and still experience an interesting story, so we hope that thatll give people a sense of freedom that they wouldnt normally experience, said May.The ability to kill just about any NPC in a game has been lost in more recent titles, with the last major release that allowed players to do so being The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind. Atomfall, however, has a different structure to how its story is slowly uncovered by players, and thus allows them to kill NPCs without having to worry.We leave you to your own devices, so youre not told to go in a particular direction, May said. We give you a set of leads that you might want to follow, but ultimately its down to you as to what you do, who you interact with in the zone, who you become friends with, and ultimately who you kill. You can kill anyone in the zone if you want to not saying you should, but you can if you want to.Atomfall is slowly creeping up to its March 27 release date on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The title will also be available on Game Pass from day one. Leading up to its release, developer Rebellion has released a video that provides players with tips and tricks that they can use to make their time in the games strange setting simpler.The video instructs players about how they can deal with the various NPCs in the game, who often tend to belong to different factions while also having their own agendas that might run counter to the players. There are also tips for how to deal with combat scenarios, which can be particularly stressful since ammo will be scarce and players will have to do their best to build up a stockpile through scavenging and trading.Art director Ryan Greene had revealed earlier this month that it would take players around 25 hours to beat the game. He also spoke about how the studio expected Atomfall to be compared to Fallout, since they both take place in post-apocalyptic settings. Greene also spoke about the fact that players will have the agency to kill off any NPC.You can kill anyone or everyone if you choose, said Greene. Thats fine. We have multiple finishes to the game, so some of those would shut down if you were supposed to work with them throughout, but youll find multiple other routes to finish the game and achieve a result.For more details on Atomfall, check out our thoughts on its open world, and how it works to feed a sense of investigation and urgency.