As TikTok nears another ban deadline, creators and firms say they believe the Chinese-owned app will remain in the U.S. They are, however, hedging their bets.

Countless hours, daysperhaps even weeksof my life have been spent creating Sims characters, building them houses, marrying them off, and making babies. Now, theres a new life-simulation game on the block hoping to expand beyond the American market.inZOI debuted on March 28 at $40 and quickly climbed to the top of Steams most wishlisted and bestseller charts. The games appeal lies in its hyper-detailed character customization, free expansions, and immersive, realism-focused world. Unlike The Sims, which embraces cartoonish characters and lightheartedness, inZOI opts for lifelike graphics and a slower-paced gameplay experience centered on everyday interactions.Designed with a broader audience in mind, inZOI stands out through subtle cultural details. For example, players digital humans are prompted to remove their shoes upon entering a home, and the games cities draw inspiration from Seoul and Santa Monica. The fridge is stocked with tteokbokki, a beloved Korean rice cake snack, and characters often wear trendy Korean streetwear.I felt a lot of cultural barriers playing The Sims, Hyungjun Kjun Kim, chief executive officer of game publisher Kraftons inZOI Studio, told Bloomberg in a recent interview. Kim spent years developing online role-playing games, only to come home and play The Sims with his son. One day, his son asked why there arent other games like The Sims. That question stuck with Kim and eventually led to the creation of inZOI.Once the prototype was ready, Krafton sought input from The Sims large and dedicated fanbase. They sent PCs to Sims YouTubers, encouraging them to livestream the game, while fans joined a Discord channel to request features they felt The Sims was lackingsuch as more inclusive hairstyles.The Sims franchise has been a cash cow for Electronic Arts, generating over $5 billion in revenue and attracting more than 15 million new players in 2024, despite being more than a decade old. But with no Sims 5 in sight, EA has relied on expansion packs to keep players engaged, opening up a gap in the market that inZOI is eager to fill.Still, if inZOI was banking on its competitor fading into obscurity, it may be disappointed. The Sims 4 recently hit its highest-ever average player count on Steam in February 2025, according to The Gamer. The anticipation surrounding inZOI perhaps sparked a wave of players to revisit their old favorite. Either way, The Sims franchise has shown it still has plenty of life in it.

Over the last year, Gap has been popping up in an unexpected place for a heritage casual wear brand: the red carpet. Last July, Anne Hathaway wore a white shirt dress with matching bralette and Bulgari jewelry. In December, Demi Moore appeared in a black knit jersey dress and moto jacket. And just this past February, Timothe Chalamet showed up in a black satin workwear set. Zac Posen, Gap Inc.s executive vice president and creative director, had designed all of them under the new label, GapStudio. And now, Gap is bringing GapStudio to the masses as it officially launches the new, higher-end Gap sub-brand, designed to elevate Gaps perception, extend its reach to younger consumers, and help regain its cultural cach.Zac Posen [Photo: Mario Sorrenti/GapStudio]GapStudio will launch four seasonal collections a year, along with select standalone drops starting with this Spring capsule, called GapStudioCollection 01. The collection includes a range of elevated basics that play into classic styles Gap is known for, but with contemporary and trend-driven silhouettes, and elevated fabrications and construction. Prices range from $78-$248, and will be available online and in select stores starting this Thursday.Posens role is far-reaching across Gap Inc, but GapStudio seems to be the most direct expression of his crossover from the red carpet gowns of his former high-end designer label to Gap Incs accessible everyday denim. Posen led the collections design processes, creative directed its launch campaign with zeitgeisty photographers, models, and stylists from his network, and onboarded a team hes worked with for decades to bring it to life.[Photo: Mario Sorrenti/GapStudio]The move to revive a brands Americana cool factorGapStudio is launching close to a year after Posen joined Gap Inc, where he oversees the creative direction of its brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and Old Navy, for which he is also chief creative officer. He and his team work out of the GapStudio atelier (thats fashion for workshop), a new space in Gap Incs New York City headquarters thats the epicenter of a new design vision for Gap.After shuttering his namesake brand in 2019 and spending seven years at Brooks Brothers, Gap Inc hired Posen to revive the defunct heritage brand known more for its deep sales than for its fit. According to the companys fourth quarter earnings report, net sales were down 3% in its last quarter compared to the previous year. But the full 2024 fiscal year shows that online sales were up 4% and net sales were up 1%. In-store sales remained flat.Posens first collection for GapStudio offers up a tangible sense of where he wants to take the brand. The collection includes a mix of polished but contemporary everyday pieces, including denim sailor pants, cropped white button downs, and dresses (the Anne Hathaway will be available in a new color), ribbed tanks and dresses, slinky slip dresses, a denim moto and a trench coat with a pleated back. You have to have that range within a very tight collection to be able to do that, says Posen of the mix between casual and elevated styles. He notes that the slip dress could be worn with shoes or heels. Daystomper, night stalker.[Photo: Mario Sorrenti/GapStudio]Brand elevation through construction, silhouette, and associationPosen applied a studied eye to the construction of the pieces. He showed me the collection in the Gap Inc showroom in NYCs Tribeca neighborhood. I noted the curved seaming of the knit dress worn by Demi Moore, which gave the dress a slight bell shape. Those were Posens construction lines, he said, so the piece didnt have side seams. The seams themselves were made to have more dimension than a typical needle stitch, he pointed out. As he made his way through the collection racks, he pointed out more details: the $148 knit day dress, which is a fully fashioned knit, the dry hand of the rib tank, the sit of the shoulder and pick stitch of the khaki blazer.Posen pulls out a white denim corset cincher. Like, why not? he asks. He paired it with a white tank dress, but it appears in a few different looks throughout the campaign, making the case for its versatility. The collection also has sweatshirts for when youre not in the mood to be so cinched. He thumbs to the slip dress, which has seaming he originally designed for a slip dress featured in a ballet his husband choreographed. Pajama glamour, he declared. Everyday street glamour. Red carpet to the street.That sentiment covers the range of the collection pretty well. Thats so cute as a look, and really young, Posen says referring to the sweatshirt look. Theres an explicit play for Gen Z with GapStudio. Its been really fun to be building a collection with that in mind, in terms of expanding our customer base.[Photo: Mario Sorrenti/GapStudio]One way he did that, in addition to leaning into nascent Gen Z trends like bloomers, is through the GapStudio campaign itself. He tapped fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti, stylist Alastair McKimm, and supermodels Alex Consani, Imaan Hammam, and Anok Yai. He described the process of building the images as elevating the iconic. He hopes to tap into contemporary equivalents of the brands past partnerships with renowned photographers like Annie Leibowitz and Steven Miesel.GapStudios elevated essentialsUltimately, Posen wants GapStudio to communicate a sense of elevated essentials, he says. Great items that become staples in a wardrobe. Beloved pieces you always look for. Things that have style and trends without being disposable. To do that, he aims to balance Gaps metrics-driven approach with his own taste. Experimentation at any level is essential, he says.And it does appear that he is deeply involved with the GapStudio design team, including concepting, fitting, and fabrication. As we walked to the atelier down the hall from the showroom, he introduced me to team members hed worked with for 10, 15, and 20 years, who now work in the GapStudio label.Muslin toile draping by Zac Posen for a future piece in the GapStudio atelier. [Photo: Ava Imperio/GapStudio]As we talked and made our way through the atelier, he was distracted by the work of a designer who was draping and pinning a work-in-progress garment on a figure. I keep thinking about lowering the back on it, Posen said to the designer. You have to do a body suitthats what I said at like midnight last nightbut then we can go lower in the back and lower on the side. Hes comfortably in his element. I asked him what the piece was for. Thats a special project, he told me as we moved to the next station, without disclosing particulars.Posen plans to invite other guest designers, a strategy that has worked well for bridge and mass market brands like Uniqlo and H&M. He sees the coalescence of longstanding relationships and skillsets into GapStudio as a starting point for innovation; a new chapter with old collaborators. The play is desirability, absolutely elevation, Posen says of GapStudio. The first collection, he says, is just the beginning.

Technology is evolving at a breakneck speed, and staying ahead of the curve isnt just for tech enthusiasts or lovers, it is something that is essential for everyone now. The personal tech arena of 2025 will foresee innovations that blur the lines between physical and digital, prioritize health monitoring, and make advanced features more accessible than ever before. Here, we are exploring seven trends that are redefining our relationship with technology, along with cutting-edge products that beautifully showcase each movement.From modular devices that transform to serve multiple purposes to fashionable AR glasses that blend seamlessly into daily life, these trends are forming and working towards a future where technology is more adaptable, personalized, and integrated into our lives without demanding constant attention. These personal tech trends showcase how gadgets and devices will effortlessly enhance and improve our lives, while perfectly reflecting our individual needs and preferences.1. Modular & Multi-Functional TechModular technology is revolutionizing the arena of personal devices in 2025. Instead of carrying multiple gadgets, consumers are moving towards versatile products that transform to serve different functions. This trend is gaining momentum as people want to simplify their digital lives while maintaining functionality across various scenarios. It has the potential to reduce electronic waste, extend device lifespans, and provide greater value through adaptability. For people like me, who need their arsenal of gadgets around them, I believe modular tech is a lifesaver, allowing one device to perform as several, ultimately reducing your tech load.The Oukitel WP200 Pro 5GThe Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G represents modular technology at its most innovative, combining rugged durability with surprising versatility. At first glance, it appears to be just another tank-like smartphone designed for harsh environments, but its thick circular camera bump conceals a pretty cool secreta detachable rectangular screen that transforms into either a Bluetooth earpiece or a smartwatch.This ingenious design allows users to pop out the small display and place it in their ear for quick calls without fumbling for separate earbuds. When attached to the included wristband, this same component becomes a functional smartwatch for activity tracking and time management. This design addresses the issue of having to carry multiple devices while maintaining essential functionality in different scenarios.What we likeInnovative 3-in-1 functionality eliminates the need for separate earbuds and smartwatches.Durable construction with high-end specifications suitable for demanding environments.What we dislikeBulky design sacrifices aesthetics for functionality and durability.Hefty price tag, making it a heavy investment.2. Health-First WearablesHealth monitoring technology is experiencing an impressive transformation in 2025, moving beyond basic fitness tracking to provide medical-grade insights previously available only in clinical settings. Today most of us are prioritizing our health, and there is a growing interest in proactive health management and preventive care. This trend is democratizing health data, allowing individuals to detect potential issues earlier, and optimize wellness routines based on personalized metrics gathered using these wearables. These tech gadgets will help us keep an eye on personal health management, enabling us to be proactive and preventive.Circular Ring 2The Circular Ring 2 is designed to be the cutting edge of health-first wearables, distinguishing itself as the worlds first ECG smart ring. Unlike wrist-based devices that gather data from areas with less robust blood flow, this ring collects information directly from the finger, where signals are stronger and clearer, resulting in more precise measurements.What truly sets Circular Ring 2 apart is its comprehensive approach to health monitoring. The device tracks over 140 biometrics, including heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, respiratory rate, and stress levelsall with medical-grade precision. It also offers specialized features like womens health tracking, energy level assessments, and recovery analysis, creating a holistic picture of the wearers well-being.What we likeMedical-grade precision from the optimal monitoring location (finger).Comprehensive health tracking with no recurring subscription costs.What we dislikeLimited screen real estate for displaying information compared to smartwatches.May be uncomfortable for some users during sleep or certain activities.3. Fashionable ARAugmented reality is usually clubbed with a clunky, and tech-centric aesthetic which isnt often the most stylish. But in 2025, we are watching a new trend in smart glasses wherein they seamlessly blend into everyday fashion. Previous AR designs were often awkward to wear in public, with a touch of social stigma attached to me. But this trend focuses on making AR glasses indistinguishable from regular eyewear. This movement will normalize human-computer interaction in public spaces, allowing digital information to seamlessly and effortlessly integrate with our daily visual experience.Even G1The Even G1 smart glasses make a truly amazing moment in AR tech we are finally receiving AR eyewear that doesntsacrifice style for functionality. Unlike previous attempts by tech giants like Google and Meta, these glasses look virtually indistinguishable from fashionable sunglasses while packing impressive technological capabilities.The secret to the G1s success lies in its advanced waveguide display technology, which projects crisp, full-color information onto the lenses without the bulky components that have burdened earlier smart glasses. This allows digital overlays to appear naturally within your field of vision while remaining invisible to others. The sleek frames house a powerful Snapdragon processor, discreet built-in speakers, and cameras without any of the bulk around the temples that would give them the appearance of tech devices.What we likeGenuinely fashionable design that doesnt compromise on technological capabilities.An unobtrusive display technology that integrates digital information naturally into vision.What we dislikeLimited battery life compared to larger AR headsets.Higher price point than conventional sunglasses.4. Modular Smartphone PhotographyThis year we will witness a rise in products that will address the inherent limitations of smartphone cameras. This could be in the form of magnetic attachments, instead of the typical bulky built-in systems. If youve ever struggled with clicking DSLR-worthy pictures on your smartphone, but arent ready to use a professional camera, then these attachments offer a DSLR experience without sacrificing the sleek form factor of their devices.This trend will extend the photographic capabilities of smartphones beyond what internal components alone can achieve, creating a more sustainable upgrade path for photography enthusiasts, allowing them to create professional-grade photographs on their smartphones without having to eliminate the seamless smartphone experience.Xiaomis Modular Optical SystemXiaomis Modular Optical System showcases a brand-new approach to smartphone photography that could influence how Apple and other manufacturers think about their camera systems. Unveiled at MWC 2025, this concept elegantly solves the fundamental limitation of smartphone camerastheir tiny sensors and fixed opticsthrough a magnetically attached external lens system.It includes a Xiaomi 35mm f/1.4 lens housing a massive 100MP Light Fusion X Type 4/3 sensor, more than double the size of any sensor currently found in smartphones. This configuration delivers exceptional low-light performance and creates natural bokeh effects without relying on the algorithmic edge detection that often struggles with complex subjects like hair or glasses. When combined with the phones computational photography capabilities, the results can even rival or surpass traditional DSLRs or mirrorless cameras in certain scenarios.What we likeDramatically improved image quality through larger sensors and dedicated optics.Maintains the phones slim profile when photography accessories arent needed.What we dislikeAdditional equipment to carry and potentially lose.Likely to be expensive compared to software-only photography solutions.5. Democratized AIAI is undergoing an essential democratization this year, wherein advanced AI features that were once exclusive to premium devices are now becoming accessible to people in mid-range products. This trend is bringing sophisticated AI capabilities to affordable devices, creating more options and versatility across varied price segments. Manufacturers are expanding and creating more access to productivity-enhancing and creativity-enabling tools, thereby reducing the digital divide, and forming more inclusive tech experiences.TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5GThe TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G perfectly captures the democratization of AI technology by bringing advanced artificial intelligence features to a mid-range smartphone without the premium price tag. It represents a trend where cutting-edge AI capabilities are no longer exclusive to flagship models costing twice as much.TECNO has implemented artificial intelligence across the entire user experience. The phones AI capabilities extend from smart scene detection in the camerawhich automatically optimizes settings based on what youre photographingto system-level optimizations that improve performance and battery life based on usage patterns. The AI photography features are quite impressive, allowing less experienced photographers to capture professional-looking images through intelligent automatic adjustments to contrast, saturation, and sharpness.What we likeComprehensive AI features at a fraction of premium smartphone prices.Intelligent photography capabilities that simplify capturing high-quality images.What we dislikeOccasional performance limitations with demanding applications compared to flagships.Some AI features may feel more like marketing than substantive improvements.6. Transparent TechTransparent technology design is experiencing a renaissance in 2025, moving beyond mere novelty to become a distinctive aesthetic movement in personal devices. This trend draws inspiration from the minimalist nothing design language pioneered by Carl Peis Nothing brand and reflects a growing desire for products that reveal rather than conceal their inner workings. Every tech enthusiast harbors a special spot for Nothing products, and honestly, I am no different. So, it isnt shocking to witness a whole trend inspired by the companys inspiring design philosophy and style.MINI Mobile InnostyleThe MINI Mobile Innostyle power bank perfectly embodies the transparent tech trend with its sleek, see-through casing that transforms a utilitarian accessory into a conversation-starting design piece. This power bank takes inspiration from the Nothing design language that has captivated tech enthusiasts, allowing users to admire the intricate internal components that are typically hidden from view.Although it has compact, credit card-sized dimensions, the Innostyle power bank combines alluring aesthetics with practical functionality. It features a high-speed, three-in-one intelligent charging cable, which eliminates the need to carry multiple connectors for different devices. This allows it to charge smartphones, tablets, earbud cases, and other USB-powered gadgets with a single cable, streamlining the charging experience. The transparent exterior is accentuated with subtle neon accents that create a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired look, making it as much a fashion accessory as a tech tool.What we likeDistinctive transparent design that stands out from generic power banks.Versatile three-in-one charging cable reduces cable clutter.What we dislikeTransparent design may show wear and internal dust more visibly over time.Compact size likely means more limited capacity than larger power banks.7. Convergent ComputingConvergent computing could emerge as an important trend, with devices that blend previously distinct categories to create new, multi-functional tools. Users today need more versatile tech and gadgets, that can adapt to different contexts without the need for multiple specialized devices. Such designs could simplify tech ecosystems, reduce redundancy, and create more intuitive workflows, which is honestly a boon forcreative professionals, remote workers, and digital nomads who need powerful computing capabilities with maximum portability and minimal setup time.UnifyDrive UP6The UnifyDrive UP6 is a groundbreaking fusion of network-attached storage (NAS) and portable computing, creating an entirely new category of devices. While traditional NAS units function as headless servers accessed remotely from other computers, the UP6 transforms this design by adding a touchscreen interface and built-in battery, making it a self-contained computing platform.This innovative device houses six M.2 2280 SSDs for a massive total storage capacity of 48TB, all in a compact form factor. The choice of solid-state storage over traditional hard drives makes the UP6 resilient to movement and impacts, crucial for a device designed to be portable. Users can access their data through physical connections, a local wireless network, or even Bluetooth, allowing direct transfers from phones and cameras without requiring a computer as an intermediary.What we likeUnprecedented combination of massive storage capacity and standalone computing functionality.Battery backup ensures data protection during power interruptions.What we dislikeLikely to be significantly more expensive than separate NAS and tablet devices.SSD storage, while more durable for portable use, comes at a higher cost per terabyte than traditional hard drives.The post 7 Top Trends To Watch That Are Shaping The Future Of Personal Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldEvery year, those who own older Apple devices nervously tune in to the WWDC keynote presentation to see if they will be able to install the upcoming major software updates. The iPhone, for example, typically gets around six or seven years of active support, but theres no guarantee like Google or Samsung. Some models have had as little as four or as many as eight, and Apples decisions about which handsets will drop off the supported list can be surprising and unpredictable.In 2024, it was announced that all the phones that could run iOS 17 would also be able to run iOS 18, which was good news all around. And early reports suggested that this year would be a repeat: that same list of iPhones (bolstered by the new models that have been released since then) would be able to run iOS 19 too. But now that looks less certain.According to a private and anonymous X account with an impressive track record of accurate predictions (via 9to5Mac), three iPhones that launched in 2018 and have had active software support until now will not be able to run iOS 19: the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max.That leaves the following handsets as iOS 19-ready:iPhone 11iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2020)iPhone 12 & 12 miniiPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro MaxiPhone 13 & 13 miniiPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2022)iPhone 14 & 14 PlusiPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro MaxiPhone 15 & 15 PlusiPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro MaxiPhone 16 & 16 PlusiPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro MaxiPhone 16eOwners of the XR, XS, and XS Max will still be able to install security updates for at least a year, but the new features and visual/interface changes rolled out as part of iOS 19 and all future software updates wont be available until they buy a newer model. With the devices heading towards their seventh birthdays and running A12 processors (by contrast, the weakest iPhone model currently on sale runs an A16, and the budget iPhone 16e has an A18), it may be time to consider an upgrade.iOS 19 will be announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9 and rolled out immediately in a beta testing program for developers only. Public betas usually follow a month later, before the finished version of the software is rolled out in the fall. For all the latest information about the launch, check out our regularly updated iOS 19 superguide.

MacworldWe expect April and May to be pretty slow months for Apple releases. There is no new hardware expected in either month, according to the latest rumors, and the major updates to the iOS 18 and macOS 15 cycle seem to be more or less doneApple is shifting focus to iOS 19, which will be introduced at WWDC in June.So, while there may be relatively minor software releases and new content added to services like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade, we dont really expect any big releases until WWDC.New hardware releasesWe dont expect any new hardware in the month of April (and probably not May either). The current rumors report that the next round of hardware releases wont be until at least WWDC in June, and likely not until September. But weve been surprised before, including last month.Once upon a time, we were expecting a spring event in April, but after Apple launched the iPhone 16e in February and the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad in March without an event, it seems as though the first keynote of 2025 will be held on June 9 at WWDC. But theres an outside chance Apple will hold an event to launch its heavily rumored HomePad home hub before then. But its a longshot.Apps and software updatesApple was expected to release iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, and the other x.4 releases in April, but managed to get them out on the last day of March.As March came to a close, Apple has yet to launch the iOS 18.5/macOS 15.5 beta release, but Apple usually issues an x.5 release in April or May as the last significant release before introducing the next major version (iOS 19, macOS 16) at WWDC in June. We were expecting the next-gen Siri to arrive in this release, but Apple has delayed it until the coming year.ServicesApple TV+Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know whats coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.Your Friends and Neighbors: After being fired in disgrace, a hedge fund manager still grappling with his recent divorce, resorts to stealing from his neighbors homes in the exceedingly affluent Westmont Village, only to discover that the secrets and affairs hidden behind those wealthy facades might be more dangerous than he ever imagined. April 11Government Cheese: A surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. April 16Jane (season 3): A childrens series about Jane, a 9-year-old environmentalist on a mission to save endangered animals. April 18Carme: A biography drama about Antonin Carme, the so-called first celebrity chef, who rose to stardom in the 19th century. While he dreams only of becoming the most famous chef in the world, his talent and ambitions attract the attention of renowned and powerful politicians, who use him as a spy for France. April 30Apple ArcadeApple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but youll usually see next months releases listed in the Coming Soon section.The Game of Life 2+: The classic board game comes to life as a mobile game. April 3Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic+: Combines features from the classic hits RollerCoaster Tycoon and RollerCoaster Tycoon 2. April 3puffies.: A jigsaw puzzle game based around puffy stickers. April 3Sesame Street Mecha Builders+: Educational games for kids featuring Sesame Street characters. April 3SpaceInvaders InfinityGene EVO: A new, updated version of the well-received Space Invaders game from 2009. April 3Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE: Classic Katamari Damacy gameplayrolling little things into your sticky ball, making it bigger so you can grab larger things, and so on, and so on April 3