Although the new PC spec cards are lacking a key feature the FAQ giving tailored advice but hopefully thatll be inbound soon.

inZOI is the most wishlisted game on Steam right now.

As Americans struggle under backbreaking rental prices, builders are turning to innovative ways to churn out more housing, from 3D printing to assembling homes in an indoor factory to using hemp yes, the marijuana cousin to make building blocks for walls.Its a response to the countrys shortfall of millions of homes that has led to skyrocketing prices, plunging millions into poverty.Theres not enough homes to purchase and theres not enough places to rent. Period, said Adrianne Todman, the acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under former President Joe Biden.One way to quickly build more is embrace these types of innovations, Todman said. I can only imagine what our housing situation would be like now if we could have made a decision to be more aggressive in adopting this type of housing.So what are these new ways of building homes? And can they help reduce the cost of new housing, leading to lower rents?Factory-built housing put together in a weekIn a cavernous, metal hall, Eric Schaefer stood in front of a long row of modular homes that moved through the plant, similar to a car on an assembly line.At a series of stations, workers lay flooring, erected framing, added roofs and screwed on drywall. Everything from electrical wiring to plumbing to kitchen countertops were in place before the homes were shrink-wrapped and ready to be shipped.The business in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Fading West, has pumped out more than 500 homes in its just over three years of operation, each taking just five to seven days to build, even in the coldest winter months, Schaefer said.Once assembled in the plant, the narrow townhouse-style homes with white trim, balconies and front porches, are about 90% done. At their final destination they are move-in ready within six weeks, Schaefer said.The company works with towns, counties and housing nonprofits to help address the shortage of affordable homes, mostly for workers whove been squeezed out by sky-high prices in ritzy mountain towns.That includes Eagle, Colorado, not far from the Vail ski resort, where Fading West worked with Habitat for Humanity to install modular homes at affordable rents for teachers and other school district employees. The homes tend to be on the smaller side, but can be multifamily or single family.You can build faster. The faster you build even at a high quality means the lower the price, Schaefer said. We see this as one of the pieces to the puzzle in helping solve the affordable housing crisis.Theres a hefty upfront cost to build the factory, and part of the challenge is a lack of state and federal investment, he said. A patchwork of building codes governing how a structure can be built also makes it difficult, requiring changes to the construction depending on the town or county it is being sent to.Manufactured housing is similar to modular housing, but the units are constructed on a chassis like a trailer and they arent subject to the same local building codes. Thats part of the reason they are used more broadly across the U.S.Roughly 100,000 manufactured homes were shipped to states in 2024, up from some 60,000 a decade earlier, according to Census Bureau data. Estimates of modular homes built annually often put them below 20,000.3D printing is innovative but still a long gameYes, theres technology to 3D print homes.A computer-controlled robotic arm equipped with a hose and nozzle moves back and forth, oozing lines of concrete, one on top of the other, as it builds up the wall of a home. It can go relatively quickly and form curved walls unlike concrete blocks.Grant Hamel, CEO and co-founder of VeroTouch, stood inside one of the homes his company built, the wall behind him made out of rolling layers of concrete, distinct to a 3D printer. The technology could eventually reduce labor costs and the time it takes to build an abode, but is farther off than manufactured or modular methods from making a dent in the housing crisis.Its a long game, to start chipping away at those prices at every step of the construction process, Hamel said.The 3D printers are expensive, and so are the engineers and other skilled employees needed to run them, said Ali Memari, director of the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center, whose work has partly focused on 3D printing. Its also not recognized by international building codes, which puts up more red tape.The technology is also generally restricted to single-story structures, unless traditional building methods are used as well, Memari saidIts a technology at its beginning, it has room to grow, especially when it is recognized in code, Memari said. The challenges that I mentioned exist, and they have to be addressed by the research community.A hemp-and-lime mixture called hempcrete has a bright futureHemp the plant related to marijuana is being used more and more in the construction of walls.The hemp is mixed with other materials, most importantly the mineral lime, forming hempcrete, a natural insulation thats mold- and fire-resistant and can act as outer wall, insulation and inner wall.Hempcrete still requires wood studs to frame the walls, but it replaces three wall-building components with just one, said Memari, also a professor at Penn State Universitys Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Memari is now helping oversee research into making hempcrete that doesnt need the wood studs.As much as a million hemp plants to be used for hempcrete can grow on one acre in a matter of months as opposed to trees, which can take years or decades to grow.The plant is part of the cannabis family but has far less of the psychoactive component, THC, found in marijuana. In 2018, Congress legalized the production of certain types of hemp. Last year, the International Code Council, which develops international building codes used by all 50 states, adopted hempcrete as an insulation.Confusion over the legality of growing hemp and the price tag of the machine required to process the plant, called a decorticator, are barriers to hempcrete becoming more widespread in housing construction, Memari said.Still, he said, hempcrete has a bright future.Associated Press video journalist Thomas Peipert contributed to this report from Buena Vista, Colorado.Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press/Report for America

After years of struggling with the complexities of a mergerthat saw the combination of two major discount retailers a decade ago, Dollar Tree has decided to cut ties with Family Dollar.The company hasannouncedan agreement to divest its Family Dollar business to private equity firms Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for $1 billion, a strategic move that aims to streamline operations and enhance focus on its core Dollar Tree segment.Following the announcement, Dollar Trees shares surged nearly7%in premarket trading on Wednesday.The deal is part of the companys ongoing efforts to improve performance, with CEORick Dreiling emphasizing that the divestiture enables us to better allocate capital and resources to support our long-term growth strategy. The transaction is expected to be completed later this year.Writing on the wallThe2015merger of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, initially viewed as a strategic move to expand market reach, ultimately highlighted the complexities of integrating large retail operations.The decision to divest Family Dollar reflects a reassessment of strategic priorities and a focus on core business operations.During Q4 of fiscal 2023, the companyannounced that it hadinitiated a comprehensive store portfolio optimization review. This review focused on, among other things, identifying underperforming stores for closure.Following Dollar Trees Q1 results for2024, there were hints that the company might spin off Family Dollar to focus on its core business after itannouncedit would close about 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of fiscal year 2024 and 370 more over a period of a few years as their lease terms expire. Dollar Tree said in its earnings report on Wednesday that it closed 695 stores in fiscal 2024 as part of its review. Dollar Tree has not yet responded toFast Companys inquiry regarding whether additional store closures are now anticipated.A new chapter With Brigade and Macellums backing, Family Dollar is poised for future success, according to Mike Creedon, CEO of Dollar Tree, as the discount retailer transitions into a new phase of growth.Under the experienced, dynamic leadership of Family Dollar President Jason Nordin, and with the financial support of Brigade and Macellum, Family Dollar will be well-positioned for growth as a private company, saidCreedon in a statement. With the support of a dedicated team, Family Dollar will be able to strengthen its commitment to providing affordable and essential goods to customers so they can do more with less.Fast Company also reached out to Brigade Capital Management to ask if it planned to make any additional reductions to Family Dollars physical footprint

In some sense this object is the opposite of good industrial design, where you're trying to do more with less. This Zero Mk2, seemingly created by engineers for the sake of engineering, is a pen that folds into a credit card form factor. Whatever world this creates convenience in, is not a world I want to live in. The object is admittedly nifty, though obscene from a manufacturing standpoint; it consists of no less than 54 precision-made parts. The startup behind it, Hancept, announces this number as if it's an accomplishment in its own right. I can't picture the situation where carrying a conventional pen is impossible and this thing saves the day. But we're living in a time where people are running out of things to spend money on, and this $170 object will apparently fill some void. At press time this had been successfully Kickstarted with over $80,000 in pledges and 39 days left in the campaign.

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When regular people need a new coffee table in their home, they probably go to furniture stores to look for one or if theyre feeling a bit more hands on, they can even create a simple one on their own. But if youre geeky video creators Martina and Hansi of the Nerdforge YouTube channel, you actually plan and create a handcrafted coffee table with an exquisite miniature library built inside. Just because they can.Designer: Martin and Hansi of NerdforgeMartina and Hansi shared the painstaking but very interesting and intricate process that they went through to create their dream coffee table. The table itself was made from scratch using beech hardwood but the more difficult part was creating the miniature library that they placed in the diorama space or the recessed compartment of the table. It took a lot of woodworking, miniaturization work, gluing, cutting, chiseling (with the worlds smallest chisel), staining, and other handcrafing processes but the result is indeed a masterpiece worth envying (but which they probably will not recreate anytime soon). Watching the video of their entire process is pretty interesting as you feel like you were with them every step of the way (although of course it took longer in real life, as they attested to). They started by making a tiny bookshelf to figure out the design and the techniques they need to use. Then they worked on the structure, including the legs and sidewalls. A CNC machine was used to create the book spines that were placed on the outside part of the table, showing a cool blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern tech. The intricate details they added included creating miniature potions to add to the shelves, using stirring sticks to make the floor, miniature books, and other tiny items to make it realistic and cool. They also added lights to the inside part so that viewers (and the creators themselves) will be able to fully appreciate all the hard work that they put into it. Its like seeing a secret world being unveiled right before our eyes. Transferring the finished product from the workshop to the house was a production as well but it seems that all the hours they put into it was totally worth it. What began as a simple need for a coffee table morphed into an epic journey of creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. Martina and Hansi didnt just build furniture; they conjured a tiny universe, a secret haven for the imagination nestled right in their living room. This isnt just a table; its a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets skill.The post Coffee table with a hidden miniature library is an enchanting centerpiece for your living room first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Modern Mediterranean interior design style is a perfect blend of rustic warmth and contemporary sophistication, bringing the breezy charm of coastal living into modern homes. Inspired by the sun-drenched villas of Spain, Greece, and Italy, this design aesthetic embraces natural materials, earthy tones, and airy, open spaces. What makes it truly captivating is the seamless mix of old-world textures like stone, wood, and rattan with modern minimalism and clean lines.This style isnt just about aestheticsits about creating a tranquil, welcoming space that feels both luxurious and relaxed. Think neutral walls bathed in soft sunlight, artisanal woven accents, and a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor living. Whether its a cozy bedroom with natural linen and wooden details or a spacious living area with handcrafted decor and oceanic blues, Modern Mediterranean interiors exude effortless elegance.In this blog, well explore breathtaking designs that embody the essence of Modern Mediterranean interior design, showing you how to infuse your home with the timeless beauty of coastal living.1. Sun-Kissed Mediterranean HavenVisualizer: Svitlana YakovlevaThis living room blends modern simplicity with Mediterranean warmth, creating a serene retreat bathed in natural light. Soft beige tones, light wood flooring, and a ceiling with exposed beams set a breezy, relaxed ambiance. Expansive French doors framed by flowing blue curtains open to lush outdoor greenery, reinforcing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection.An inviting L-shaped sofa, a sculptural wooden rocking chair, and a sleek travertine coffee table create a cozy yet sophisticated seating arrangement. Built-in wall niches showcase artisanal ceramics and coastal artwork, adding depth and authenticity. A statement olive tree infuses the space with Mediterranean charm, while woven pendant lights enhance the organic, earthy aesthetic. Coastal blue accents in throw pillows and textiles subtly nod to the sea, completing the look. This modern Mediterranean living room is a perfect fusion of nature, texture, and timeless elegance.2. Modern Mediterranean MinimalismVisualizer: Svitlana YakovlevaThis space perfectly captures the essence of Modern Mediterranean Interior Design, blending minimalism with warm, coastal elegance. The living area features a plush, modular sofa in a soft neutral tone, paired with a textured woven rug and a boucle accent chair, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. A sleek, built-in fireplace with a black metal finish adds a contemporary edge, while expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the lush outdoor landscape.In the adjoining kitchen, smooth plastered walls, handle-free beige cabinetry, and a minimalist island reflect Mediterranean simplicity. The built-in dining bench, adorned with plush cushions, enhances the relaxed, inviting feel, while sculptural chairs and a modern pendant light complete the look. Every elementfrom natural materials to soft, earthy huesevokes a sense of effortless sophistication, making this interior a true embodiment of modern Mediterranean minimalism.3. A Tranquil Mediterranean BedroomVisualizer: Hazrat AsgarliThis modern Mediterranean bedroom exudes warmth and natural sophistication through a rich palette of earthy neutrals and organic textures. The raw plaster walls, paired with a slatted wood ceiling, establish a rustic yet refined ambiance. A statement straw-framed mirror becomes the focal point above the bed, reinforcing the natural, artisanal aesthetic. The bed itself, dressed in textured, sandy-toned linens, harmonizes with the wooden bench and floating nightstands, creating a seamless, cohesive look.Pendant lights with a handcrafted, stone-like finish add a sculptural element, casting soft, ambient lighting. Floor-to-ceiling curtains frame a large window, inviting in natural light and enhancing the airy feel of the space. Every detail, from the woven textiles to the use of raw materials, speaks to a modern Mediterranean sensibilityeffortlessly blending contemporary minimalism with rustic charm.4. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Visualizer: Weronika DoboszThis luxurious living space epitomizes modern Mediterranean interior design by blending contemporary elegance with the breezy openness of coastal living. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve as the rooms focal point, offering an uninterrupted view of the ocean while flooding the space with natural light. The neutral color palette, featuring shades of soft gray, beige, and muted blue, mirrors the hues of the sea and sky, creating a calming and cohesive atmosphere.The low-profile modular sofa, upholstered in textured gray fabric, adds a relaxed yet refined touch, inviting both comfort and conversation. A floating black fireplace in the corner enhances the rooms warmth without obstructing the view. Minimalist, sculptural lighting fixtures contribute to the modern aesthetic, while decorative accents, such as spherical lamps and abstract ceramics, introduce an organic, Mediterranean-inspired feel.5. Warm Minimalist Mediterranean RetreatVisualizer: Hazrat AsgarliThis cozy living room and kitchen combination captures the essence of modern Mediterranean interior design through its soft, neutral color palette and natural materials. The light wood cabinetry, curved archways, and textured stone elements evoke a warm coastal charm, while the minimalist furniture keeps the space feeling fresh and contemporary. The plush, low-profile sofa with cylindrical armrests enhances the relaxed ambiance, complementing the organic wooden coffee tables.Layered lighting, including sculptural pendant lamps and recessed ceiling fixtures, adds depth and warmth to the room. Soft linen curtains frame the large windows, allowing natural light to filter through and brighten the space. The open kitchen design, with a marble-clad island and wooden bar stools, balances rustic Mediterranean aesthetics with sleek, functional modernity. This seamless blend of old-world Mediterranean influences and contemporary refinement makes the space feel effortlessly invitingideal for both relaxed evenings and stylish entertaining.6. Coastal Serenity in the KitchenVisualizer: Tatiana SapianaThis Modern Mediterranean kitchen embodies a serene coastal charm with its soft sage-green cabinetry, natural wood accents, and airy ambiance. The floor-to-ceiling cabinetry offers both ample storage and a sleek, uncluttered look, enhanced by the classic panel detailing and warm brass hardware. A butcher-block countertop seamlessly blends with the natural tones, while the white subway tile backsplash adds a crisp, refreshing contrast. The central wooden island, with its raw, rustic appeal, creates a warm focal point and invites casual dining. Black metal chairs introduce a modern contrast, while the trio of matte black pendant lights adds a touch of industrial refinement.Large glass windows flood the space with natural light, framing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean landscape and emphasizing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection that defines this design style. The patterned tile flooring, reminiscent of Mediterranean heritage, anchors the space with a touch of old-world charm while maintaining a fresh, modern aesthetic.7. Mediterranean Interior with Rustic EleganceVisualizer: Sinem BilkiThis stunning interior exemplifies Modern Mediterranean Interior Design, merging rustic warmth with contemporary sophistication. The living space features exposed wooden beams that add character against crisp white walls, while a plush white sectional with blue and neutral-toned pillows creates a relaxed coastal feel. The fireplace, framed by textured stone, anchors the room, with arched built-in shelving adding a touch of Mediterranean charm. A wrought-iron chandelier and natural wood elements bring balance between tradition and modernity.The open dining area continues this aesthetic, with a grand wooden table, elegant white chairs, and striking black iron chandeliers. The floating staircase, with wooden treads and integrated lighting, enhances the spaces airy ambiance. Large glass doors flood the room with natural light, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.8. Warm & Inviting Mediterranean EleganceVisualizer: Linda HarfoucheThis modern Mediterranean interior seamlessly blends coastal charm with contemporary minimalism. The living space features soft white walls, arched built-in shelving, and light wood flooring that exudes warmth. Natural rattan light fixtures, a surfboard-inspired wall accent, and greenery introduce a relaxed, earthy feel. The open-plan layout, combined with a wooden dining set and woven textures, enhances the breezy, sunlit atmosphere.In the bedroom, a bold tropical wallpaper creates a stunning focal point, evoking the lush Mediterranean outdoors. The light-toned bedding, layered with soft linens and textured pillows, enhances the airy ambiance. A woven pendant light and wooden bedside tables add rustic charm, while large windows draped in sheer curtains invite natural light. This modern Mediterranean retreat balances simplicity with nature-inspired elegance, offering a serene yet stylish escape.9. Modern Mediterranean-Style KitchenVisualizer: Angelica IgnativaThis kitchen is the perfect blend of Mediterranean warmth and modern sophistication. It feels effortlessly stylish yet cozy, with natural textures and earthy tones setting the mood. The sleek marble backsplash adds a touch of luxury, while the warm wooden cabinetry keeps it grounded and inviting.At the heart of the space is a minimalist island with a slim metal frame, offering the perfect spot for casual breakfasts or evening drinks. The stone tile flooring adds character, giving off that rustic, sun-soaked Mediterranean charm. Overhead, woven pendant lights cast a soft, warm glow, enhancing the cozy ambiance. And lets not forget the open fireplacebringing both warmth and an undeniable sense of luxury.Its a space thats both functional and beautiful, where cooking, gathering, and unwinding all feel equally at home.10. Tranquil Mediterranean Retreat Visualizer: Sarah AhmedThis Modern Mediterranean bedroom design is a harmonious blend of natural textures, soft earth tones, and contemporary sophistication. The warm wooden platform bed, complemented by a woven cane headboard, sets the stage for a cozy yet refined aesthetic. A striking stone-textured accent wall adds a rustic, organic feel, while woven pendant lights and a tiered rattan chandelier enhance the relaxed, coastal vibe. The carefully curated blue and white textiles, from the intricately patterned pillows to the soft area rug, inject a sense of serenity reminiscent of the Mediterranean coastline.On one side, a built-in wardrobe with glass-paneled, rattan-clad doors brings functionality without sacrificing style, allowing a glimpse of the neatly arranged space inside.Every detail in this Mediterranean-style bedroom contributes to an environment that feels both rejuvenating and timeless, capturing the essence of contemporary coastal living.11. Coastal Chic Living RoomVisualizer: Sarah AhmedThis modern Mediterranean living space blends natural textures and coastal-inspired colors, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The stone-clad accent wall behind the TV instantly draws the eye, grounding the room with a rustic Mediterranean touch. Crisp white sofas, adorned with blue and mustard-toned pillows, provide a cozy contrast against the neutral backdrop. Handwoven wall decor, rattan pendant lighting, and wooden furniture pieces infuse warmth, enhancing the natural Mediterranean aesthetic.The open layout seamlessly connects the living and dining areas, with a soft blue color scheme tying the spaces together. Dark navy curtains, geometric armchairs, and an earthy-toned area rug introduce depth and sophistication, making this a perfect retreat that balances comfort with elegance.Finishing NotesFor more inspiring interior ideas, be sure to explore Home Designing, where we bring you the latest trends, expert insights, and beautifully curated spaces to spark your creativity. Whether youre redesigning a single room or reimagining your entire home, let these Modern Mediterranean interiors be your guide to effortless coastal elegance.

New monitors, future tech and (of course) the spectre of AI.