Starting the new month with a little inspiration boost thats the idea behind our monthly wallpapers series which has been going on for more than fourteen years already. Each month, the wallpapers are created by the community for the community, and everyone who has an idea for a design is welcome to join in experienced designers just like aspiring artists. Of course, it wasnt any different this time around.For this edition, creative folks from all across the globe once again got their ideas flowing to bring some good vibes to your screens. Youll find their wallpapers compiled below, along with a selection of timeless April favorites from our archives that are just too good to be forgotten. A huge thank-you to everyone who shared their designs with us this month youre smashing!If you too would like to get featured in one of our upcoming wallpapers posts, please dont hesitate to submit your design. We cant wait to see what youll come up with! Happy April!You can click on every image to see a larger preview.We respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artists work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers werent anyhow influenced by us but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.April Blooms And Easter JoyApril bursts with color, joy, and the magic of new beginnings. As spring awakens, Easter fills the air with wonder bunnies paint playful masterpieces on eggs, and laughter weaves through cherished traditions. Its a season to embrace warmth, kindness, and the simple beauty of blooming days. Designed by LibraFire from Serbia.previewwith calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Walking Among ChimpanzeesIts April, and were heading to Tanzania with Jane Goodall, her chimpanzees, and her reflection that we are all important: Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440EggcitedDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x21602001Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Swing Into SpringOur April calendar needs not mark any special occasion April itself is a reason to celebrate. It was a breeze creating this minimal, pastel-colored calendar design with a custom lettering font and plant pattern for the ultimate spring feel. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.preview320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Spring AwakensWe all look forward to the awakening of a life that spreads its wings after a dormant winter and opens its petals to greet us. Long live spring, long live life. Designed by LibraFire from Serbia.preview320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Inspiring BlossomSweet spring is your time is my time is our time for springtime is lovetime and viva sweet love, wrote E. E. Cummings. And we have a question for you: Is there anything more refreshing, reviving, and recharging than nature in blossom? Let it inspire us all to rise up, hold our heads high, and show the world what we are made of. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440DreamingThe moment when you just walk and your imagination fills up your mind with thoughts. Designed by Gal Shir from Israel.preview 340x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Clover FieldDesigned by Nathalie Ouederni from France.preview 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Rainy DayDesigned by Xenia Latii from Berlin, Germany.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440A Time For ReflectionWere all equal before a wave. (Laird Hamilton) Designed by Shawna Armstrong from the United States.preview 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Purple RainThis month is International Guitar Month! Time to get out your guitar and play. As a graphic designer/illustrator seeing all the variations of guitar shapes begs to be used for a fun design. Search the guitar shapes represented and see if you see one similar to yours, or see if you can identify some of the different styles that some famous guitarists have played (BTW, Princes guitar is in there and purple is just a cool color). Designed by Karen Frolo from the United States.preview 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Wildest DreamsWe love the art direction, story, and overall cinematography of the Wildest Dreams music video by Taylor Swift. It inspired us to create this illustration. Hope it will look good on your desktops. Designed by Kasra Design from Malaysia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440SakuraSpring is finally here with its sweet Sakura flowers, which remind me of my trip to Japan. Designed by Laurence Vagner from France.preview 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440April FoxDesigned by MasterBundles from the United States.preview 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440FairytaleA tribute to Hans Christian Andersen. Happy Birthday! Designed by Roxi Nastase from Romania.preview 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Coffee MorningDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.preview 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160The Loneliest House In The WorldMarch 26 was Solitude Day. To celebrate it, here is the picture about the loneliest house in the world. It is a real house, I found it on Youtube. Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.preview 800x480, 800x600, 1024x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1440x960, 1600x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2560x1600, 2880x1800, 3072x1920, 3840x2160, 5120x2880The Perpetual CircleInspired by the Black Forest, which is beginning right behind our office windows, so we can watch the perpetual circle of nature when we take a look outside. Designed by Nils Kunath from Germany.preview 320x480, 640x480, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Ready For AprilIt is very common that it rains in April. This year, I am not sure But whatever we are just prepared! Designed by Vernica Valenzuela from Spain.preview 800x480, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 2560x1440Happy EasterDesigned by Tazi Design from Australia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x960, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440In The RiverSpring is here! Crocodiles search the hot and stay in the river. Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.preview 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Springtime SageSpring and fresh herbs always feel like they compliment each other. Keeping it light and fresh with this wallpaper welcomes a new season! Designed by Susan Chiang from the United States.preview 320x480, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1400x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 1920x1440Citrus PassionDesigned by Nathalie Ouederni from France.preview 320x480, 1024x768, 1200x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Walking To The WizardWe walked to Oz with our friends. The road is long, but we follow the yellow bricks. Are you coming with us? Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.preview 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Hello!Designed by Rachel from the United States.preview 640x1136, 1080x1920, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2048x2048, 2560x1440Oceanic WondersCelebrate National Dolphin Day on April 14th by acknowledging the captivating beauty and importance of dolphins in our oceans! Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Playful AlienEverything would be more fun if a little alien had the controllers. Designed by Maria Keller from Mexico.preview 320x480, 640x480, 640x1136, 750x1334, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1242x2208, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2880x1800Good DaySome pretty flowers and spring time always make for a good day. Designed by Amalia Van Bloom from the United States.preview 640x1136, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1920x1200, 2560x1440April ShowersDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440FusionDesigned by Rio Creativo from Poland.preview 1280x800, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Do DoodlingDesigned by Design Studio from India.preview 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Ipoh Hor FunMissing my hometowns delicious Kai See Hor Fun (in Cantonese) that literally translates to Shredded Chicken Flat Rice Noodles. It is served in a clear chicken and prawn soup with chicken shreds, prawns, spring onions, and noodles. Designed by Lew Su Ann from Brunei.preview 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440

With AI upon us, companies have recently been turning their attention to synthetic user testing AI-driven research that replaces UX research. There, questions are answered by AI-generated customers, human tasks performed by AI agents.However, its not just for desk research or discovery that AI is used for; its an actual usability testing with AI personas that mimic human behavior of actual customers within the actual product. Its like UX research, just well, without the users.If this sounds worrying, confusing, and outlandish, it is but this doesnt stop companies from adopting AI research to drive business decisions. Although, unsurprisingly, the undertaking can be dangerous, risky, and expensive and usually diminishes user value.This article is part of our ongoing series on UX. You can find more details on design patterns and UX strategy in Smart Interface Design Patterns with live UX training coming up soon. Free preview.Fast, Cheap, Easy And ImaginaryErika Hall famously noted that design is only as human-centered as the business model allows. If a company is heavily driven by hunches, assumptions, and strong opinions, there will be little to no interest in properly-done UX research in the first place.But unlike UX research, AI research (conveniently called synthetic testing) is fast, cheap, and easy to re-run. It doesnt raise uncomfortable questions, and it doesnt flag wrong assumptions. It doesnt require user recruitment, much time, or long-winded debates.And: it can manage thousands of AI personas at once. By studying AI-generated output, we can discover common journeys, navigation patterns, and common expectations. We can anticipate how people behave and what they would do.Well, thats the big promise. And thats where we start running into big problems.LLMs Are People PleasersGood UX research has roots in what actually happened, not what might have happened or what might happen in the future.By nature, LLMs are trained to provide the most plausible or most likely output based on patterns captured in its training data. These patterns, however, emerge from expected behaviors by statistically average profiles extracted from content on the web. But these people dont exist, they never have.By default, user segments are not scoped and not curated. They dont represent the customer base of any product. So to be useful, we must eloquently prompt AI by explaining who users are, what they do, and how they behave. Otherwise, the output wont match user needs and wont apply to our users.When producing user insights, LLMs cant generate unexpected things beyond what were already asking about.In comparison, researchers are only able to define whats relevant as the process unfolds. In actual user testing, insights can help shift priorities or radically reimagine the problem were trying to solve, as well as potential business outcomes.Real insights come from unexpected behavior, from reading behavioral clues and emotions, from observing a person doing the opposite of what they said. We cant replicate it with LLMs.AI User Research Isnt Better Than NothingPavel Samsonov articulates that things that sound like customers might say them are worthless. But things that customers actually have said, done, or experienced carry inherent value (although they could be exaggerated). We just need to interpret them correctly.AI user research isnt better than nothing or more effective. It creates an illusion of customer experiences that never happened and are at best good guesses but at worst misleading and non-applicable. Relying on AI-generated insights alone isnt much different than reading tea leaves.The Cost Of Mechanical DecisionsWe often hear about the breakthrough of automation and knowledge generation with AI. Yet we often forget that automation often comes at a cost: the cost of mechanical decisions that are typically indiscriminate, favor uniformity, and erode quality.As Maria Rosala and Kate Moran write, the problem with AI research is that it most certainly will be misrepresentative, and without real research, you won't catch and correct those inaccuracies. Making decisions without talking to real customers is dangerous, harmful, and expensive.Beyond that, synthetic testing assumes that people fit in well-defined boxes, which is rarely true. Human behavior is shaped by our experiences, situations, habits that cant be replicated by text generation alone. AI strengthens biases, supports hunches, and amplifies stereotypes.Triangulate Insights Instead Of Verifying ThemOf course AI can provide useful starting points to explore early in the process. But inherently it also invites false impressions and unverified conclusions presented with an incredible level of confidence and certainty.Starting with human research conducted with real customers using a real product is just much more reliable. After doing so, we can still apply AI to see if we perhaps missed something critical in user interviews. AI can enhance but not replace UX research.Also, when we do use AI for desk research, it can be tempting to try to validate AI insights with actual user testing. However, once we plant a seed of insight in our head, its easy to recognize its signs everywhere even if it really isnt there.Instead, we study actual customers, then triangulate data: track clusters or most heavily trafficked parts of the product. It might be that analytics and AI desk research confirm your hypothesis. That would give you a much stronger standing to move forward in the process. Wrapping UpI might sound like a broken record, but I keep wondering why we feel the urgency to replace UX work with automated AI tools. Good design requires a good amount of critical thinking, observation, and planning.To me personally, cleaning up after AI-generated output takes way more time than doing the actual work. There is an incredible value in talking to people who actually use your product.I would always choose one day with a real customer instead of one hour with 1,000 synthetic users pretending to be humans.Useful ResourcesSynthetic Users, by Maria Rosala, Kate MoranSynthetic Users: The Next Revolution in UX Research?, by Carolina GuimaresAI Users Are Neither AI Nor Users, by Debbie LevittPlanning Research with Generative AI, by Maria RosalaSynthetic Testing, by Stphanie Walter, Nikki Anderson, MAThe Dark Side of Synthetic AI Research, by Greg NudelmanNew: How To Measure UX And Design ImpactMeet Measure UX & Design Impact (8h), a new practical guide for designers and UX leads to measure and show your UX impact on business. Use the code IMPACT to save 20% off today. Jump to the details. Video + UX TrainingVideo onlyVideo + UX Training$495.00 $799.00Get Video + UX Training25 video lessons (8h) + Live UX Training.100 days money-back-guarantee.Video only$250.00$395.00Get the video course25 video lessons (8h). Updated yearly.Also available as a UX Bundle with 2 video courses.

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan Beach, California, Zen House by Minarc fuses modern design with a tranquil, nature-inspired ambiance. Created for software developers and their family, this residence accommodates both daily living and visiting loved ones, all while emphasizing an active and outdoor lifestyle. The property consists of a sleek two-story main residence and a well-integrated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guest suite.Zen House draws heavily from the familys travels, particularly their fondness for Bali, Indonesia. Guests are welcomed by an inviting outdoor courtyard featuring a koi fish pond and a calming water feature, which serves as a natural buffer to minimize street noise. The soothing sounds of flowing water and the visual serenity of the pond create a meditative environment. Complementing this serene entry, olive trees evoke cherished memories from family vacations in Greece and Italy, reinforcing the homes connection to nature and travel.A key element of the design is the fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large sliding doors and expansive windows maximize natural light and facilitate cross-ventilation, ensuring that the home remains airy and bright throughout the day. An open roof deck, strategically placed above part of the first floor, provides a versatile outdoor area with sweeping views of the pool and surrounding landscape. Additionally, a basketball court adjacent to the pool links the ADU to the main home, establishing a dynamic recreational space for the family and their visitors.The interior of Zen House reflects a carefully curated blend of natural materials and a restrained color palette. Wood, concrete, and fire elements come together to create a warm, peaceful atmosphere that encourages relaxation. The subdued hues allow the raw beauty of these materials to take center stage. The homeowners played an active role in the design process, with the husband handcrafting all the cabinets throughout the home. Using sustainable Valchromat MDF, finished with natural wood veneers or high-pressure laminates, the custom cabinetry adds a personal and environmentally conscious touch to the living spaces.The residence balances openness and privacy by incorporating modest yet functional private spaces. Bedrooms and five accompanying bathrooms provide ample room for both family members and guests, ensuring comfort without compromising the homes minimalist aesthetic. Thoughtful space planning allows for easy transitions between communal and private areas, enhancing the overall livability of the home.Minarcs dedication to sustainability is evident throughout the project. The home utilizes Kebony modified lumber for cladding, decking, and fencing, chosen for its durability and minimal environmental impact. Prefabricated mnmMOD panels were employed during construction, offering superior insulation and reducing waste through precise assembly. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, minimizing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. The integration of radiant floor heating powered by heat pumps and high-efficiency appliances further reduces the homes carbon footprint, contributing to a sustainable and comfortable living environment.To learn more about Minarc, visit minarc.com.Photography by Art Gray, courtesy of Minarc.

When it comes to turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, Alessi has long led the way. With its 2025 collection, the Italian design brand continues its legacy of transforming everyday objects into design icons poised for a place in design history. The new pieces feature bold silhouettes, fresh colorways, and expansions of existing lines all functional objects that could just as easily live on a gallery pedestal as they could on a kitchen counter.Starting your morning tea or coffee has never been easier or chicer thanks to the new Pliss Electric Kettle. An expansion of the Pliss series by Michele De Lucchi, the new kettle offers precise temperature control and now comes in a soft, subdued blue, in addition to the original white, black, and green. The same new hue is also available for the Pliss Toaster, creating a matching set that brings subtle elegance to any countertop.Its hard to believe that Enzo Mari designed the Arran Tray in 1961 (reissued in 1997), and Giulio Confalonieri envisioned the Maya Basket back 1977, as they feel as though they were designed today. With their geometric forms and knife-sharp lines, these utilitarian objects have long felt worthy of museum display. Now, they get a fresh new look in iridescent green and purple finishes, alongside the original polished stainless steel. Depending on the light and surrounding reflections, the finish shifts in tone turning static pieces into dynamic, expressive works of art.Exuding warmth and nodding to ancient architecture, the Yucatan and Oaxaca salt and pepper grinders, also by Michele De Lucchi, celebrate artisanal craftsmanship and creative freedom. I reduced my project to the essentials of a column with a rotating head and then preferred to have fun at the lathe, De Lucchi shares. Small patterns formed that made me think of Aztec poles. This is how Yucatan and Oaxaca were born two small wooden totems that find their place in the kitchen.The Anna Stick and Alessandro Stick (launching soon) revive a whimsical design from the archives of Alessandro Mendini, adding charm and character to a set of chopsticks and a coordinating stand. The chopsticks are topped with the faces of two of Mendinis iconic characters, while the fish-shaped stand is a nod to his Mendinigraph. As Mendini once described it, the intention was to create families of objects that are poetic and sympathetic, refined and allegorical, but also simple, solid and user-friendly.And finally, an object that needs no introduction: the La Cupola espresso coffee maker by Aldo Rossi now gets an update for modern use its compatible with induction hobs. The handle and knob are available in black or the originals iconic blue. La Cupola has always stood out for its architectural form, directly inspired by Rossis own interpretation: For me, the coffee maker is a type of construction: it is a dome supported by a cylinder with certain mouldings, more or less functional and decorative but it is a precise architecture.To learn more about Alessis 2025 collection, visit alessi.com.Photography by Beppe Radogna.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is $299.99 on Amazon right now, reduced from its usual $399.99. Acer Chromebook Plus 514 $299.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $100.00 According to price trackers, this is the lowest its been, and if youre looking for a backup laptop or something for really light tasks, it might be worth a look. But lets set expectations upfrontthis isnt a high-performance machine. Its running on an AMD Ryzen 3 7320C processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, which puts it squarely in the basic use only category. Youll get by fine with web browsing, emails, video calls, or streaming, but anything heavier than thatediting video, gaming, or multitasking with lots of tabsis probably going to be a stretch.What it does have going for it is a 14-inch WUXGA display that has a 1920 x 1200 resolution and supports touch, so navigation feels a little smoother, especially when youre scrolling through articles or zooming in on images. Additionally, its got Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, which makes it more future-proof on the connectivity front. And even though its plastic, its rated MIL-STD-810H for durability (according to this PCMag review) and has a spill-resistant keyboardhandy if youre clumsy with coffee. It also runs on ChromeOS, which means faster boot times and built-in security, plus support for Android apps through the Google Play Store.The battery life isnt record-breaking, but itll give you a decent chunk of the workdayaround 10 hours, depending on what youre doing. Its also got two USB-C ports, one USB-A, and a headphone jack, which covers most needs. That said, this is still a budget machine. The Ryzen 3 chip is entry-level, and the eMMC storage is slower than SSDs. You cant upgrade the storage later either, so youre stuck with what you getunless you lean heavily on cloud storage.

The real 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a saying that asserts 80% of outcomes come from 20% of all causes. You can use it to organize your to-do list, among other things. But to many young men, 80/20 means something very different. Young men are not alright. Masculinity is growing more toxic by the day. Online incel communities are growing, and the most receptive audience to poisonous ideas about gender seems to be children. This week's column isn't going to be fun: I'm explaining one of the guiding principles of the incel movement, and discussing a TikToker devoted to changing her red pill son's mind. And I can't talk about toxic masculinity without mentioning Elon Musk! Spray some deodorizer and let's jump into the dank, upsetting world of incel beliefs.What is the 80/20 rule?The Netflix series Adolescence, is currently the buzziest show on streaming, a harrowing exploration of the inner world of an angry young boy accused of murdering one of his classmates, a girl who spurned him. One of the teenage characters mentions the 80/20 rule as a way of explaining the incel/red pill culture that's central to the murder plot. Put simply, the 80/20 rule is an axiom that states 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men, and understanding the pervasiveness of this belief is essential to understanding online misogyny. Different communities of toxic dudes believe different weird thingsmany "looksmaxxers" think breaking your own facial bones can make you more attractive; red pill dudes believe men have to psychologically manipulate women into liking thembut the 80/20 rule is nearly universally accepted.The idea seems to have originated in a post on Medium that was written 10 years ago. Taken on its own terms, the article is a fairly interesting, though methodologically flawed, look at the distribution of likes on dating site Tinder. Incel types ignored the problems with the research, ignored the context (its only about Tinder likes), and accepted the 80/20 Rule as a hard-to-swallow truth that explains how women relate to men. Even though the Medium post concludes that most men who want to meet women would be better off just going to a bar or joining some coed recreational sports team than using Tinder, incels decided the 80/20 rule meant something like "all women are shallow," and/or "it's not my fault that no woman wants to spend time with me." For 10 years, incels and the incel-adjacent have expanded on the theory and repeated it to each other so many times that its rarely questioned in those spaces. If anyone you're talking to mentions the 80/20 rule in an affirmative context, you know youre talking to someone who has a specific set of (wrong) beliefs, and who doesnt have a large enough social circle to compare what they read on the internet to the way people act in real life. But is there anything you can do about it? Maybe.Viral video of the week: De-pilling a red pill son The creator of in this week's viral video, IAmRchlPrkr, is a mother trying to deprogram her teenage son. He has accepted some beliefs of the "red pill" community, a branch of incels, and she is not into it.She first saw the problem when her child told her "all women are gold-diggers." There's a lot going on with that phrase. Despite bristling and yelling "not all men!" when anyone generalizes their own gender, the toxic male community is dominated by the idea that women are all the same: a Borg-like collective looking for the most attractive 20% of men, or the men with the most gold to dig. This isn't new. In her 1998 book Intercourse, Andrea Dworkin could have been describing the incels of 2025 when she wrote, "the first tenet of male supremacist ideology is that men have a self and that women must, by definition, lack it." The difference is how sexist ideas that were once relegated to obscure corners of society have infiltrated the mainstream to the extent that literal children are repeating them to their mothers. (As with most of societal ills, we can thank the internet for that.)Maybe this TikToker mom has the right approach to returning some sanity: When her son tells her, "all women are gold-diggers," she responds with "Which women?" and "name one woman who is a gold-digger." Of course he can't. Because the incel philosophy falls apart in the face of actual relationships with real humans. What is "serious hat Soyjack?"A fitting response to me quoting Andrew Dworkin in an earnest post about online masculinity is serious hat Soyjak: Credit: SoyGemVault - Deviant Art Created by DevianArt user SoyGemArt, Serious Hat is a Wojak posted to comment on people who are, well, too serious online. (If you're asking "what's a wojak?" I have previously covered the subject.)Elon musk gamer drama continuesSpeaking of toxic men: Elon Musk! If youre an adult, you probably know Musk best as the CEO of an electric car company or as a dedicated public servant with creative ideas about how forks work. But kids know a different Elon Musk: Gamer Elon. Gamer Elon is seen as the ultimate sweat, and Gamer Elon recently mixed it up on X with the official account of video game Assassins Creed and got roasted like a Costco chicken. The online dust-up started when ex-game developer @grummz made a post about streamer Hasan Piker, who he labeled a terrorist (because thats what you do on X when you disagree with someone about public policy): This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This led Musk, who is a grown adult, to post: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. And then: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. At this point, the official account of the video game at the center of the fight Assassins Creed: Shadows brought gasoline to the flame war. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The Assassins Creed post was viewed over 52 million times. It references the all-but-confirmed rumor that Elon Musk, a grown adult with a major position of power within the United States government, pays someone so gamers will think hes really good at Path of Exile 2, a video game where you pretend to be an elf.What does "come eat lobster with a monster" mean?I don't want to leave you with all these toxic men, so let's end with a funny meme.Back in 2020, then-Twitter user @blanketm9 changed the world forever when they tweeted: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Their post lay dormant until 2023, when a user (whose original post and name has been lost to history) added the context of a text conversation, complete with a "straight man." Credit: iFunny Things were quiet for a couple years, then, for reasons unknown, the meme started truly taking off this month. I guess the time is right for posts like these: This Tweet is currently unavailable. 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If youre looking for a budget-friendly robot vacuum that can handle both vacuuming and mopping, iRobots Roomba Combo Essential just hit its lowest price ever. Thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale, its down to $149 from $275, matching the lowest price weve seen. It previously dipped to $149 during the holiday season and earlier this year, but its unclear how long this deal will stick around this time. As you can see in our roundup of the best budget robot vacuums, weve consistently rated iRobots machines highly for their reliability and ease of use. The Roomba Combo Essential is a simple, no-frills option that both vacuums and mops, making it a solid pick for small apartments, dorm rooms or anyone who wants a cleaner floor without spending a fortune. The vacuum uses special multi-surface brushes to pick up dirt, dust and pet hair from hard floors and carpets. Unlike some budget models that struggle with transitions, this one automatically adjusts to different surfaces, so you wont have to worry about it getting stuck. When its time to mop, the built-in mopping pad wipes down hard floors, tackling light spills and everyday messes. Its not as advanced as iRobots higher-end models with precision scrubbing, but its a convenient way to keep your floors looking fresh with minimal effort. One of iRobot Roomba Combo Essential's most convenient features is its auto-adjusting cleaning power the robot increases suction when it detects extra debris, so its more effective on high-traffic areas like entryways or around pet bowls. It also has cliff sensors to prevent it from tumbling down stairs and a low-profile design that helps it slip under some couches and other furniture for a more thorough clean. Despite it being an entry-level robot vacuum, the iRobot Roomba Combo Essential comes with app control and voice assistant support, so you can set cleaning schedules and initiate cleaning whether youre at home lounging on the couch or away on vacation. For $150, this is a solid deal for an iRobot machine that can vacuum and mop, especially considering its usual $275 price tag. If youve been thinking about automating some of your floor cleaning, this is one of the most affordable ways to do it.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-vacuum-deals-this-irobot-2-in-1-vacuum-and-mop-is-still-on-sale-for-149-123058025.html?src=rss

The Amazon Big Spring Sale has reached it's last day, but a number of the deals we've been tracking for the past week are still going strong but we don't imagine that'll be the case tomorrow. Like last year, the discounts appear to be more focused on kitchen, fashion and cleaning supplies than all-out tech categories, but as cooking gear gets more tech-reliant we've tested out more than a few cooking gadgets. Weve reviewed Instant Pots, air fryers, coffee gear, sous vide machines and more. Some of what we recommend is now on sale for Amazons latest shopping event. Here are the best deals on kitchen tech we could find. The best Amazon Spring Sale deals on air fryers, Instant Pots and more Breville Juice Fountain Plus for $140 ($40 off): The powerful Juice Fountain impressed us with its extraction abilities. Plus its relatively easy to clean (as long as you do it right after you juice). It takes up a good amount of space, but can extract an impressive amount of juice from even the driest-seeming carrot. This price isnt as low as the $110 Amazon sold it for back in January, but this is the lowest price weve tracked since then. Cosori 9-in-1 air frier for $90 ($30 off): Cosoris fryer earned a spot as the runner up for best overall air fryer in our guide. It has nine preset cooking modes and a six-quart capacity. We like that it doesnt take up too much space, but can still cook up a decent amount of food Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $320 ($80 off): If you want a more traditional toaster oven design with a huge capacity, go for our premium air fryer pick. The fryer-and-oven combo can accommodate a five-quart dutch oven, so its almost an auxiliary oven, which could come in handy when youre cooking for a crowd. This isn't an all-time low it went for $300 at the end of last year. Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer for $260 ($90 off): This is the non-Pro version of the Breville air fryer we recommend. It has a slightly smaller capacity (0.8 cubic feet instead of one cubic foot) and is missing two cooking functions (dehydrate and proof). But if youre not making your own jerky or baking a ton of bread, this one can toast, broil, air fry and slow cook. You can even get it in cool colors like Red Velvet Cake for the same price. Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10-quart air fryer for $190 ($40 off): If you need to air fry two different foods at once, go for our recommendation for a dual-zone air fryer. Its a beast, so we think its best for larger kitchens and people who make big meals. It went as low as $130 for Black Friday last year, but this is the cheapest price weve seen since then. Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer for $120 (25 percent off): This went as low as $100 for the holidays last year, but this matches the lowest price weve seen since then. The fryer gets an honorable mention in our air fryer guide because it makes good use of limited counter space with its taller design. The round cooking basket doesnt feel as roomy as square ones but it does have a dehydrate option that other cookers dont come with. KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender for $100 ($30 off): The big selling point here is the removable battery that you can use for other KitchenAid Go appliances. In our testing, it had enough power to turn a roasted butternut squash into a smooth, creamy soup. The blender has hit this price a few times over the past few months and the deal isnt as good as the $77 it sold for at the end of last year. Instant Pot Pro Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $133 ($67 off): We also suggest this fancier Pro Plus model in our guide to kitchen tech. Its a Wi-Fi connected unit with a canning function and you can even release the steam remotely using the companion app which has over 800 recipes. This isn't an all-time low it was $125 earlier this week and dipped as low as $99 for Black Friday last year. Fellow Stagg EKG Pro electric kettle for $165 ($30 off): This exquisitely designed kettle has an LCD panel built into the base so you can choose a specific temperature down to the degree. And the hold feature keeps water hot for up to an hour. This is the pro model of the version we recommend in our tea guide. Anova Culinary Sous Vide 3.0 for $129 ($70 off): We named this the best overall sous vide machine after testing a number of models for our buyers guide. This is about $30 more than the low it hit for the holidays last year, but this is the lowest price weve seen in 2025. We appreciate the easy digital controls and found that the high flow rate maintains water temperature better than other machines. Plus, if youre at a loss for what to cook, you can check out the companion app which is replete with recipes. Expired deals Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano for $100 ($50 off): This is the machine that led our editor to dub these machines the Millennial crockpot. She uses this one a few times a week to make unfussy meals that keep her alive. The Nano model is a slightly smaller and less expensive version of the top pick in our buyers guide. This is about $10 more than the all-time low, but is the cheapest weve seen Amazon sell it for over the past couple of months. Instant Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer for $50 ($10 off): The budget pick in our guide doesnt go on sale often its already pretty cheap at its $60 list price. Its sold for as little as $48 for Prime Day in July, but this is the cheapest weve seen since then. Its two-quart capacity is probably best for small kitchens and can crisp up food for one or two people. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $90 ($40 off): We like this Instant Pot model because it's simple to use and has several quick-cooking modes including beans, cake, sous vide and more. It went as low as $70 earlier this year, but this is still a 30 percent discount off the list price. KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer for $380 ($80 off): Small wonder that the home cooks gold standard of mixers made its way onto our kitchen tech guide. Its ton of available attachments can be used to make pasta, grind food, strain or spiralize fruits and veggies and more. This is no unitasker. This is a solid $80 discount off of the MSRP, but well note that Amazon sold it for as low as $330 at the end of last year and for $350 last month.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-amazon-spring-sale-deals-on-kitchen-gear-from-ninja-breville-kitchenaid-and-others-092909893.html?src=rss

Here's hoping the new design drops soon

Surfshark unveils new plans to handle encryption and reduce visible metadata. Here's why it's important for your privacy.