Apple is finally giving some love to the often ignored AirPods Max. Well, the $549 AirPods Max with USB-C anywaysorry if you've got the older model with the Lightning connector. With the iOS 18.4 update that's coming in April, Apple is enabling lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio for the AirPods Max. In the words of Lifehacker Senior Tech Editor Jake Peterson, this upgrade finally makes the new AirPods Max worth buying.Oh, but you're probably going to need a new dongle too.Why another dongle in 2025?Lossless audio only works when connected to an Apple device using a USB-C cable. With the update, AirPods Max users will be able to enjoy more than 100 million songs on Apple Music that are processed in 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audioprovided the device they are listening on has a USB-C port.Here's where that dongle comes in: Apple is now selling a $39.99 USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable that goes both ways (bidirectional). This itself isn't new; Apple also sold an equally expensive Lighting to 3.5 mm audio cable that's no longer available. But that cable did not enable lossless or low latency mode in the older AirPods Max, and the new one does.The new dongle is designed to work with Beats Studio Pro too, and it enables ultra low-latency audio for any device that's connected. This means that finally, the AirPods Max can work with any media player that has a traditional audio-out, like a hip cassette player, turntable, or even in-flight entertainment systems. Other uses for the dongleThe bidirectional part is also interesting: Using this cable, you can also use any old speaker as an iPhone or iPad speaker. Let's say you wanted to use your home theater's system as an iPhone output, like the good old days, well, that is now possible. If you've never been a fan of Bluetooth, or you just don't like the latency of wireless audio, Apple has just given you an official way to turn back time, and for just $40.Speaking of latency, the AirPods Max with the USB-C cable, or the 3.5mm dongle, enable the ultra-low latency audio by default. Apple is positioning this as a win for creators, live streamers, and gamers, as low latency audio can help professionals working in Logic Pro and other professional apps. And AirPods Max can also be helpful in creating and mixing audio in Personalized Spacial Audio with head tracking.

Companies like Apple have their own ecosystems, where it's easier to interact with other devices from the same company. For example, it's trivially easy to transfer photos from one iPhone to another, or to share a Wi-Fi password between iPhones with one tap. The same goes for a hotspot as well. You can start using your iPhone's internet connection on your iPad or Mac, without even lifting your iPhone. Android, unfortunately, mostly lacks this level of cross device integration.Samsung and Pixel devices do offer some exceptions, but usually only with other Samsung or Google devices, respectively. Now, though, a formerly Pixel-exclusive tethering feature named Instant Hotspot is coming to Samsung devices, starting with the Galaxy S25 series.How Instant Hotspot worksInstant Hotspot works with any compatible Android and Chromebook device, and they don't have to be from the same manufacturer. For example, you can use this feature to enable internet connection on a Chromebook or a Pixel tablet, or a secondary Android phone without a SIM connection. And all that can happen in a single tap.When the feature is enabled, you'll see a notification on the offline device, asking if you want to connect to the your online gadget and create a hotspot. The catch is that this only works for devices that are registered to your Google account, but it should make sharing data much simpler.How to enable and use Instant Hotspot on the Samsung Galaxy S25Instant Hotspot is built on top of Android's Cross-Device Services feature that was released last year. It was available on Pixel phones first, but finally other manufacturers are starting to integrate. Samsung's Galaxy S25 series devices are confirmed to be some of the first to get access to this feature, with the One UI 7.0 update. According to user reports seen by Android Authority, older devices with the One UI 7 update are starting to see this feature, too.To enable the Cross-Device Services feature, go to Settings > Google > Cross-Device Services. Tap Next to set up the feature. Then, tap OK to join a group of your devices that are all connected to the same Google account. Credit: Mishaal Rahman Now, you'll see settings for two new features, Call Casting and Internet Sharing. Make sure that both are enabled.Once that's done, you're off to the races. When your Galaxy S25 is near another Android phone, tablet, or Chromebook that's offline and in your Google account group, your device will get a gentle notification asking if you'd like to use your Galaxy S25's internet connection with it. Just tap the Connect button to create a temporary hotspot from your phone.If you don't see the notification, you can also manually browse the available Wi-Fi networks. You'll find the Galaxy S25 listed right up top.

Whether youre already an avid runner or hope to be one as you start a new training regimen, youll get more out of your exercise routine if you have some good music to accompany you. Getting into the zone during a long run with your preferred music, be it rap, classic rock or todays pop hits, can totally change your experience for the better. To do that, you have to start with a good pair of running headphones.But not all wireless workout headphones are created equally, and runners need to consider specific factors before investing in a pair like how long your runs are, what type of music or other audio you prefer listening to and how much you want to block out the world during a session. Ive tested out more than a dozen pairs to find which are the best headphones for running for all budgets and all kinds of runners. Table of contents Best headphones for running in 2025 What to look for in running headphones How we test headphones for running Others headphones for running we tested Best headphones for running in 2025 What to look for in running headphones Design Before diving in, its worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear Bluetooth headphones during a run, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and thats more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world. Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs dont stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who dont like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds. Water resistance and dust protection Water resistance and dust protection are crucial for the best running headphones to have since youll likely be sweating while wearing them. Also, if you have the unfortunate luck of getting caught in the rain during a run, at least your gear will survive. Heres a quick rundown of ingress protection (IP) ratings, which youll see attached to many earbuds on the market today. The first digit after the abbreviation rates dust protection on a scale from one to six the higher, the better. The second digit refers to water- resistance, or waterproofing in some cases, ranked on a scale from one to nine. A letter X in either position means the device isnt rated for the corresponding material. Check out this guide for an even more detailed breakdown. All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating (most have even more protection), which means they can withstand sweat and splashes but do not have dust protection. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode Active noise cancellation (ANC) is becoming a standard feature on wireless earbuds, at least in those above a certain price. If youre looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and continue to serve you when youre off the trail, ANC is good to have. It adds versatility by allowing you to block out the hum of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute on public transit. But an earbuds ability to block out the world goes hand in hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many earbuds with ANC support some sort of transparency mode or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because you dont want to be totally oblivious to whats going on around you when youre exercising outside along busy streets. Lowering noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that. Battery life All of the earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, thats what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most runners, but itll be handy to keep the buds charging case on you if you think youll get close to using up all their juice during a single session. Speaking of, youll get an average of 20-28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up. How we test headphones for running When testing to determine the best running headphones, I wear each contender during as many runs as possible. I typically run three to five days each week, completing at least a 5K (3.01 miles) each time. Im looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when youre on the tread or trail (as a note, I primarily run outside). Im also paying attention to fit over time, particularly if the earbuds get slippery or loose while I sweat, or if they tend to pop out or feel less stable in my ears as I pick up speed or make quick movements. I also use the earbuds when not running to take calls and listen to music, podcasts and the like throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities. While I am also listening for audio quality, Im admittedly not an expert in this space. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and youll find much more detailed information about sound quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. Here, however, I will make note of audio-quality characteristics if they stood out to me (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably strong bass out of the box, weak highs, etc). Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so youre able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases. A note about Jabra headphones Jabra announced that it will exit the consumer earbuds business, which is disappointing considering the company has made excellent headphones for running (and all other types of exercise). Our top picks include two Jabra models and we feel comfortable recommending them still because Jabra plans to support its current earbuds for "several years." However, we're constantly testing new buds and reassessing our top picks, so we'll update this list accordingly in the future. Others headphones for running we tested Apple AirPods Pro The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 rating, which protects them from brief encounters with dust and splashes. While thats more dust protection than many other earbuds we tested, its the same level of water-resistance that most exercise-specific competitors have. We generally like the AirPods Pro, but the Beats Fit Pro offer many of the same features and conveniences (namely good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design thats more appropriate for working out. Beats Powerbeats Pro The Powerbeats Pro are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if youre a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Fit Pro (although theyre often hovering around $180) and dont offer any significant upgrades or additional features aside from their design. Theyre also quite old at this point (having launched in 2019) and it appears Beats is putting more effort into updating its newer models instead. Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Ankers version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found the fit to be less secure and not as comfortable. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit and that caused them to shift and move much more during exercise. They never fell off of my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them. JBL Endurance Peak 3 The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68 rating as the Jabra Elite 8 Active, except they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, youll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didnt blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (its hook is more rigid than those on my favorite similarly designed buds) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-headphones-for-running-120044637.html?src=rss

It's no secret that Dyson devices are pricey, but you can find good sales on them if you're patient and know where to look. Case in point, the Amazon Spring Sale: not only are a few Dyson cordless vacuums included amongst the discounts, but this Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus heater and fan is as well. You can snag it for $300, or $170 off its usual price. As its name suggests, the Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus can heat your room in the winter and cool it off in the summer. Its fan mode includes Air Multiplier tech, which creates a smooth and uninterrupted airstream thanks to its lack of traditional fan blades. When you need some warmth, its ceramic plates heat up quickly. The appliance has two modes: focused and diffused. Focused mode warms or cools one person, while diffused mode heats your entire room or provides a gentle breeze during the summer. It oscillates at a 70-degree angle. Dyson's fan has a sleep timer with a shutoff range between 15 minutes and nine hours, and you can store its curved and magnetized remote control inside the appliance to help prevent it from being lost. The lowest we've ever seen this product's price drop is $280, so being able to snag it for $300 in the middle of March, when we're nowhere near Black Friday or Prime Day, is about as good a deal as you can hope for. If you're on the market for other Dyson gear, a few more devices are included in the Amazon Spring Sale, including the Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum on discount for $330.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-deals-this-dyson-hotcool-jet-focus-fan-is-36-percent-off-173031489.html?src=rss

Verdansk looks amazing in the latest Call of Duty: Warzone trailer, but some fans aren't convinced...

Keenetic was assured the stolen data was deleted.

Were excited to announce the judges of the 2025 Innovation by Design Awards. Innovation by Designhonors the best projects and ideas across the design spectrum, as represented by our stellar group of jurors, who come from some of the worlds most exciting design-led companies. You can read more about their expertise and backgrounds below. And remember toapply for the Innovation by Design Awardsby April 11.Carly Ayres, Program Lead, AirborneCarly Ayres is a writer using language to engage people in new and interesting ways. Currently, she does that as a writer and editor on Figmas Story Studio. Before that, she did it on Googles Material Design team (material.io) and UX Community & Culture team where she told stories about the people, product, and practice of UX (design.google).She previously co-founded HAWRAF (hawraf.com), a design and development studio, which had a hell of a run from 2016 to 2019. In 2016, she started 100s Under 100, a vibrant community of hundreds of creative people under a hundred years of age. Its now led and maintained by a wonderful group of community-nominated admins.As a freelancer, she worked humanizing artificial intelligence and evolving the Google logo. Shes given voices to Fortune 500 companies and chatbots alike, and has written for Communication Arts, Wallpaper*, and Core77. FastCompany named her one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business. She speaks at conferences on how to build a value-driven practice and making design like a conversation.Yves Bhar, Principal Designer, FusedesignBorn in Lausanne, Switzerland, Yves Bhar is the principal designer of Fuseproject, which he founded after being the design leader at the Silicon Valley offices of frog design and Lunar Design, where he worked on product identities for clients such as Apple and Hewlett-Packard. He was awarded the National Design Award for industrial design by the CooperHewitt, National Design Museum.Fuseproject is known for its work in the fashion, furniture, technology, robotics, and beauty industries. He is a declared sustainability advocate, designing products focused on being commercially viable but that contribute to social good, working organizations like the One Laptop Per Child initiative, Herman Miller, Puma, General Electric, and Samsung.Some of his notable projects include the Jawbone UP wristband, the OLPC XO laptop, the AI-powered industrial robot Maximo, or the SPRING Accelerator program, which supports businesses impacting adolescent girls in poverty.Cheryl Durst, CEO of IIDAAn exceptional communicator, innovator, and visionary leader, Cheryl S. Durst has spurred progress, driven change, and encouraged the expansion of the interior design industry. As the Executive Vice President and CEO of the International Interior Design Association, Cheryl is committed to achieving broad recognition for the value of design and its significant role in society.With 15,000 members across 58 countries, Cheryl oversees the strategic direction of IIDA, setting an agenda that leads the industry in creating community, advancing advocacy and continuing decades of work toward equity. Cheryl is a member of the International WELL Building Institute Governance Council; as well as a Trustee for Chicagos Museum of Contemporary Art and the NYSID. She has been referred to by Interior Design magazine as an ambassador for innovation and expansion, and a visionary strategist. Cheryl was inducted into the prestigious Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2016 as the recipient of its first-ever Leadership Award. She is the first African American woman to be inducted into the industrys Hall of Fame.A lifelong knowledge enthusiast and voracious reader who has considered librarian, astronaut and journalist as potential careers, Cheryl never walks away from meeting someone without gleaning a bit of their story a talent she currently employs on her monthly podcast, The Skill Set, which focuses on the intangible skills that make us good at what we do.Sagi Haviv, Partner at Chermayeff & Geismar & HavivSagi Haviv is a partner and designer at Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, the firm responsible for many of the most famous logos of all time, including National Geographic, Chase Bank, NBC, Conservation International, State Farm, Mobil Oil, Showtime Networks, NYU, Animal Planet, the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, and most recently the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Warner Bros. The firm designed the identities for both the U.S. Bicentennial (1976) and the just-released 250th anniversary of the United States (2026).Sagi joined the firm in 2003 after graduating from The Cooper Union School of Art. A go-to expert on the process of effective logo design, Sagi has contributed to the New York Times, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Creative Review, Its Nice That, Design Week, designboom, PBS, NBCs Meet The Press, and SkillShare. He speaks about logo design around the world, including for TEDx, AIGA, HOW Design Conference, Brand New Conference, Princeton University, Onassis Foundation, American Advertising Federation, and Columbia Business School, amongst many others. He teaches Visual Identity Design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.Sagi is coauthor of Identify: Basic Principles of Identity Design in the Iconic Trademarks of Chermayeff & Geismar (Print Publishers, 2011) and Identity: Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv (Standards Manual, May, 2018).Benjamin Hubert, Founder and creative director, LayerBenjamin Hubert is an award-winning British design entrepreneur, and founder of creative agency, LAYER. LAYER is focused on experience-driven design for both the physical and digital worlds. Led by Benjamin and a growing creative team, the studio partners with forward-thinking brands including Nike, Google, Bang & Olufsen, Samsung, and Braun to create products that will help define the way we live, work and communicate in the future, from AI to smart wearables and furniture systems, to the next generation of media devices and mobile communication tools.Mark Kawano, Chief Design Officer at ZoomMark leads a global team of designers, writers, and researchers responsible for designing the AI-first work platform for human connection. Mark is a Silicon Valley veteran with 25 years of experience designing software and leading design teams at Apple, Adobe, Square, Slack, and Zendesk. He holds over a dozen design patents from his work on novel user interface patterns and modern communication tools. Mark is passionate about crafting experiences that not only delight people but also empower them to be more creative.Ryan McClelland, Research Engineer, NASA Goddard Space CenterObsessed with futurism and technology since childhood, Ryan McClelland always aspired to play some part in making the future brighter. This is what led him from being a windsurf instructor to getting an engineering degree and working in companies like Black & Decker and Dewalt until he landed at NASA, where he now spearheads generative AI crafting evolved structures with the aid of programs like Autodesks Fusion 360 software.His alien-looking 3D printed spaceship parts save weight and offer enhanced strengthtwo critical factors for NASA missions. They have already made their way into upcoming projects like the Excite balloon-borne telescope, Mars Sample Return, and the Dragonfly mission to Saturns moon Titan.Ermi van OersErmi van Oers, born in 1991, is a pioneering Dutch bio-tech designer and founder of Nova Innova. Graduating cum laude in Product Design from Willem de Kooning Academy in 2016, she discovered her passion for Biodesign, blending nature, science and design to create sustainable innovations. Her visionary work has already earned her 14 awards, cementing her reputation as a leader in sustainable design.One of her most recent projects is POND: an installation powered by Microbial Fuel Cell technology that visualizes water health. Another notable innovation, Living Light Park, introduced the worlds first park lights powered by plant photosynthesis. Ermis mission is to restore the symbiosis between humans and nature, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the intelligence of Mother Nature.Marti Romances Creative Director and co-founder of Territory StudioMarti was born and educated in Barcelona. After spending eight years in London honing his craft and exploring diverse creative disciplines, he brought his expertise to California, where he continues to push the boundaries of motion design and storytelling.A motion graphic designer and multimedia artist by trade, Marti articulates stories in the most captivating ways, blending creativity with technology to realize innovative future-facing experiences. His technical virtuosity is on display in fantasy, futuristic, and commercial projects, visual and experiential narratives that define the future of film, gaming, and real world brands.Exemplary work on Ex Machina, Blade Runner 2049, The Martian, Avengers franchise, alongside gaming projects for EA Sports, 2K Games, Activision, and Microsoft, has drawn the attention of global brands such as Nike, GM, Porsche, Mercedes, Meta, Warner Bros., Netflix, LIV Golf, and Microsofteager to leverage his design expertise in pioneering real-world technologies.Thanks to the diversity of industries we collaborate withwhether films, games, brands, or real-world productsour studio maintains a broader perspective, he says. Each project allows us to draw from a deep well of cross-industry experience, enriching our ability to craft innovative solutions that seamlessly merge storytelling, design, and technology.Lisa Smith, Executive Creative Director, Global at Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR)Lisa has a career spanning over two decades, where she has become renowned for hertransformative work with some of the worlds most cherished brands. As Executive Creative Director, Global at JKR, her strategic vision has played a pivotal role in the global rebrand efforts for clients such as Burger King, Impossible Foods, Nordstrom Rack, Mozilla, and Manischewitz. Prior to JKR, Lisa was ECD of Chobani where she was responsible for putting creativity at the heart of the company, overseeing a rebrand that transformed the business, expanding its product offering and increasing customer loyalty, directly translating to top-line growth. Lisa was also Head of Design at Wolff Olins NY, focused on creating ground-breaking and commercially successful work for USA Today, The Met and Zocdoc.Lisas creative excellence was recognized in 2021 when Fast Company named her as one of the Most Creative People, saluting her contributions behind the biggest redesigns of the decade. Lisa has also picked up notable accolades throughout her career including Fast Companys Rebrand of the Year and a Gold Cannes Lion for Burger King, a Brand Impact Award in Culture for The Met, a Cannes Lions Silver and a Fast Company Innovation by Design Award for the rebrand of USA Today.Tracey Arcabasso Smith, US Head of Design, Creative Fellow, Deloitte DigitalAs US Head of Design of Deloitte Digital, Traceys multi-disciplined expertise focuses on the intersection of intentional design and impactful storytelling as a catalyst for organizational growth. Tracey is recognized as AdWeeks Future-is-Female award-winner for being an outstanding leader demonstrating organizational change and commitment to impact.For decades, Tracey has launched global brand campaigns, digital products, activations, experiences, content, and films for some of the biggest brands in the world through a human-centered lens. Throughout her career, Tracey has worked with clients such as American Express, Verizon, Netflix, SodaStream, Mastercard, Nikon, Nestle Waters and many more, across all industries and sectors. Her creative work has been honored around the globe by The One Show, Cannes Lions, Clios, Emmy Awards, Webbys, Effies and more.Tracey is also director and producer of RELATIVE, an award-winning feature documentary that breaks the silence on multigenerational abuse in her Italian-American family. Winning Best Feature Documentary at Nashville Film Festival, RELATIVE is Paste Magazines Top 20 Documentary of the Year and is currently streaming on multiple platforms across the US.Jeff Staple, Founder at StapleJeff Staple (born Jeffrey Ng) is a creative visionary whose design work encompasses graphic, fashion, footwear, and lifestyle. He is the founder of pioneering NY-based streetwear brand STAPLE, and the founder and president of creative and marketing agency Reed Art Department. In 2022, Jeff celebrated the 25th anniversary of STAPLE with the publication of his eponymous Rizzoli book titled Jeff Staple: Not Just Sneakers.From a humble start bootlegging custom t-shirts, Jeff has built an entrepreneurial empire that spans fashion, media, entertainment, and technology. He is a testament to the winning ethos of vision, hustle, and humility.Amy Williams, CEO at Citizens of HumanityAmy Williams is the Chief Executive Officer at Citizens of Humanity Group headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Williams joined Citizens of Humanity as the companys President in 2009 and ultimately assumed the Chief Executive Officer position in 2015. In her role, Williams oversees all aspects of the business for the companys family of brands including Citizens of Humanity, AGOLDE and GOLDSIGN. With the retail climate changing and preferences shifting, Williams continues to stay on top of how to remain relevant across the board from product to sustainability to retail. Shes always believed in offering a transparent look into the brand identity, including the companys most recent regenerative agriculture efforts which play a huge role into what Citizens stands for as a company. Williams previous experience includes Executive Vice President at Lucky Brand Jeans and Senior Vice President of Product Development and Design for Gap Inc. Williams serves on the board at Girls Inc of Greater Los Angeles, empowerHER and is an advisor to BAWSI (Bay Area Womens Sports Initiative).Lisa Williams, CEO at Eileen FisherWilliams has been leading the New York-based womens apparel brand since September 2022. Before this role, she served as head of product and operations at Patagonia, overseeing product innovation, creation, development, production, distribution and impact. During her 20-year career at Patagonia, Williams progressively expanded her responsibilities, beginning with line management and business unit oversight, and later incorporating design and innovation into her portfolio.Prior to joining Patagonia, Williams spent over seven years at the Walt Disney Company in various product and merchandising roles, developed retail concepts and product for Caesars, Inc. in the gaming and hospitality industry, and worked as a buyer for May Department Stores.Williams earned a bachelors degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and grew up in a small town in the Eastern Sierra mountains, where she cultivated a deep love and respect for the natural world.

A little past 4 a.m. on June 21, 2019, workers at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery in Philadelphia noticed a leak from a corroded pipe, and were immediately on high alert. The leak had originated in Unit 433, known among workers as the bogeyman because it contained the highly explosive chemical hydrofluoric acid, or HF. When released in large quantities, the chemical can form a dense, toxic vapor cloud that hugs the ground and can travel many miles. Contact with this cloud can be deadly; if it ignites, it could cause a massive explosion.Sure enough, a vapor cloud materialized and ignited, causing three large explosions and a massive fire that sent smoke pouring into the sky. Pieces of equipment the size of cars flew through the air, miraculously landing in the Schuylkill River without hitting any homes. The force of the explosions threw workers back, injuring five, but ultimately did not cause any fatalities. Workers remembering the incident years later agreed that it could have been much worse.You figure you aint going home, one former worker told Grist of the moment he saw the fire in Unit 433. You figure this is it.Shortly after the incident, the company filed for bankruptcy and shut down, leaving around 1,000 workers jobless and without severance pay.Refineries that use HF are regulated under the Environmental Protection Agencys Risk Management Program, or RMP, a regulation designed to improve chemical accident prevention at large petrochemical facilities. But for reasons that have little to do with knowhow and capacity, RMP regulations have been glaringly ineffective. Indeed, few regulations have been subject to the yo-yo of successive presidential administrations, and their political whims, like the RMP.The RMP program was established in 1990 following a series of infamous chemical disasters in the 1980s, most notably the chemical leak at Union Carbides plant in Bhopal, India, which poisoned roughly 500,000 people, around 20,000 of whom died in the hours and years afterward due to health complications from the exposure. Another leak at a Union Carbide facility in West Virginia the following year caused eye, throat, and lung irritation for at least 135 residents.The first iteration of the rule came into effect in 1994, during the Clinton administration, but lacked several important protections such as independent auditing for regulated facilities, public information provisions, and the requirement that companies complete a safer technology and alternatives analysis to determine whether there are any safer ways to conduct their operation. A series of chemical disasters in 2013including a massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in west Texas that killed 15 people and damaged 350 homesbrought these deficiencies to the attention of regulators. In January 2017, the EPA under President Barack Obama finalized amendments to the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements of the RMP, which included measures to enhance emergency preparedness requirements and ensure that local emergency response officials and residents had access to information to better prepare for potential chemical disasters. But the provisions never went into full effect: In May 2018, during Donald Trumps first term in office, the EPA proposed amendments to remove third-party audits and incident investigations, among other protections. The Trump rule was finalized in December of 2019six months before the explosion at the Pennsylvania refinery.When Joe Biden took office in 2021, the EPA began working on a new set of amendments for the RMP rule. Unions like U.S. Steelworkers and advocates at organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists pushed for better public disclosure provisions, the inclusion of more types of facilities in the safer technologies alternatives assessment requirements, and the freedom for workers to stop work that they deem unsafe.Many communities that are vulnerable to chemical accidents are in overburdened and underserved areas of the country, said former EPA Administrator Michael Regan in a statement announcing the final rule last March. It was slated to go into effect in 2027.In the past few years, several chemical disasters have disrupted life in the countrys industrial corridors. In August 2023, a large fire at Marathon Petroleums refinery in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, in August 2023 burned for seven hours, causing residents to flee for safety. But in the days following the incident, neither the company nor state and federal environmental regulators responded to locals questions about what chemicals the air was being tested for. And in 2024, a hydrogen sulfide leak at Pemexs refinery in Deer Park, Texas, killed two contract workers and injured 35 others.In January, a group of industry trade associations sent Lee Zeldin a letter congratulating him on his appointment to the position of EPA administrator and asking him to take swift action against the misguided and illegal new requirements of Bidens RMP rule. In their letter, the trade groups argued that the new rule represents an overextension of the EPAs authority and fails to provide a durable solution to facility safety, though they did not explain how the rule falls short in this regard. They singled out an interactive map that the agency published last year separate from the rulemaking process showing where RMP facilities are located around the country, along with other basic public information such as compliance history and the types of chemicals stored onsite.In a statement announcing the EPAs decision to revisit the RMP rule earlier this month, Zeldin seemed to buy industrys argument.The Biden EPAs costly Risk Management Plan rule ignored recommendations from national security experts on how their rule makes chemical and other sensitive facilities in America more vulnerable to attack, Zeldin said. The press release also notes that Bidens RMP rule makes domestic oil refineries and chemical facilities less competitive.It took years to come to the rule that was finalized last year, said Darya Minovi, a senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. To see that rolled back simply because of a letter sent by industry trade associations is really frustrating and shows what little regard this administration has for communities they say they care about.Minovi told Grist that the rhetoric about national security is overblown. The public data tool does not contain sensitive information, she said, and when the Department of Homeland Security reviewed the rule last year, they flagged no concerns with the public information disclosure requirements.Were not happy about it, the U.S. Steelworkers representative told Grist about the Trump administrations reconsideration of the RMP rule. As for Zeldins concerns about making domestic oil and gas companies competitive, I think that putting workers and communities at greater risk of catastrophic injuries is not good for the economy.This article originally appeared in Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. 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With how cheap some laptops have become, finding an affordable, low-power computer just for writing your award-winning novel is no longer the problem that it was a decade or so ago. Thats not even considering how tablets can become portable writing devices as well with the right accessories, notably, a good keyboard and a comfortable stand.But while these modern devices bring flexibility and power, they also carry with them unnecessary distractions, temptations, and complications. Its no surprise that there is a growing number of devices these days that are limited to just typing words and nothing else. If youre the type to make your own tools, this distraction-free typewriter might be your cup of tea, especially if you tend to go for retro designs from decades past.Designer: Un Kyu LeeThere seem to be two kinds of E Ink typewriters today. One is the commercial or crowdfunded designs that have more polished aesthetics, portable sizes, and high price tags. And then there are the DIY solutions that definitely look like experimental projects and require more effort than money to make. The Micro Journal Rev. 7 is part of the latter, but youd definitely not think of it that way considering how stylish it looks, at least for a retro design.Inspired by typewriters from the 60s and 70s, this latest iteration of the Micro Journal E Ink typewriter embraces a softer and more curved aesthetic. Its basically a pill-shaped object extruded forward, with its front chopped off at an angle to provide an inclined plane for the keyboard. A cutout in the middle serves as a nook for the 4.7-inch E Ink display that can be flipped down when not in use.The biggest difference in this seventh revision is that it uses a more conventional staggered keyboard layout rather than a compact yet unfamiliar ortholinear design. Not only does this make the device easier to learn to use but also gives it that old-school typewriter vibe, especially with the chunky keycaps and mechanical switches. To complete the image of a retro typewriter, there are two dials on each end, though they dont seem to have a functional purpose.Of course, the key feature of this device is its E-Paper Display, or EPD, which provides a power-efficient screen that will make batteries last for months. This is perfectly paired with very basic software that does one thing and one thing only: letting you type text and save it to a microSD card or sync to a cloud service. It offers a distraction-free typing environment where you focus only on the words that spring from your mind and appear on the monochrome screen.That said, the E Ink display doesnt have its own lighting, so youll have to either clip a book light or only use it under well-lit environments. The Micro Journal Rev. 7 doesnt look that portable either because of its size and shape, so you might need to forget about bringing this outside to coffee shops to flaunt your wordsmithing prowess.The post Micro Journal Rev. 7 is a DIY E Ink Typewriter That Lets You Focus on Your Craft first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember the transparent tech craze of the 90s? Those clear gadgets that revealed the fascinating circuitry beneath their plastic shells captivated our imagination, offering a glimpse into the complex electronic wizardry that powered our favorite devices. While this aesthetic largely disappeared as sleek, minimalist designs took over, theres something undeniably appealing about seeing the inner workings of the technology we use daily, creating a visual connection to the engineering that makes our digital lives possible.Sonys new WF-C710N truly wireless earbuds have revived this nostalgic transparency with their striking Glass Blue variant that boldly reveals what other manufacturers keep hidden. Unlike Nothings earbuds that merely tease with partial transparency, Sonys crystal-clear approach fully embraces the see-through aesthetic, transforming these audio devices into miniature showcases of precision engineering. The transparent housing creates a fascinating juxtaposition cutting-edge technology displayed with an almost vintage-inspired openness that feels both futuristic and wonderfully retro.Designer: SonyThe visual appeal extends beyond mere novelty, with Sony offering four timeless color options to complement various personal styles. Each variant features the same naturally elegant, compact form factor that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. The Glass Blue option stands out as particularly bold, challenging the industrys tendency toward either clinical white or anonymous black earbuds with a design choice that celebrates rather than conceals its technological sophistication.Sound quality remains Sonys primary focus despite the attention-grabbing aesthetics. The unique 5mm drivers deliver powerful bass and crystal-clear vocals across all music genres, while Digital Sound Enhancement Engine processing restores the high-frequency elements often lost in compressed digital audio files. This technical prowess ensures that the WF-C710N earbuds sound as impressive as they look, delivering an audio experience that satisfies even discerning listeners who prioritize performance over style.Noise cancellation technology benefits from Sonys dual-microphone system that actively detects environmental sounds and adjusts accordingly. This adaptive approach addresses one of the most common issues with noise-canceling earbuds: the performance variations due to individual fit differences. By continuously monitoring and adjusting, the WF-C710N provides consistent noise reduction regardless of ear shape, creating a more immersive listening experience without requiring perfect positioning or constant readjustment.The ergonomic design reflects Sonys decades of ear shape research since introducing the worlds first in-ear headphones. This extensive database of anatomical information has informed a shape that conforms naturally to the human ear, creating a secure fit without the discomfort that often accompanies extended earbud use. The surface contours distribute pressure evenly, allowing for hours of comfortable listening without the fatigue or soreness associated with less thoughtfully designed alternatives.Battery life remains impressive despite the compact form factor, with up to 8.5 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds themselves and an additional 21.5 hours stored in the charging case. This 30-hour total capacity ensures that even the most dedicated listeners can enjoy multiple days of use between charges, eliminating the anxiety of unexpected battery depletion during commutes or workouts. Quick charging functionality provides an hour of playback from just a few minutes of charging time.The transparent Glass Blue WF-C710N earbuds ultimately represent something more meaningful than a mere aesthetic choice, embodying a refreshing philosophy of technological honesty. While most devices conceal their inner workings behind opaque shells, Sonys decision to reveal the intricate circuitry and precision components celebrates the engineering artistry that makes these tiny audio marvels possible. As you catch glimpses of copper coils and circuit boards through the crystal-clear housing, theres a renewed appreciation for the invisible complexity that delivers your favorite music, serving as a visual reminder that sometimes the most beautiful designs are those that have nothing to hide.The post Sony WF-C710N Noise Canceling TWS Earbuds Arrive with Transparent Glass Blue Design first appeared on Yanko Design.