Sony just announced pricing for a number of upcoming products, including the Bravia Theater Bar 6 soundbar. This 3.1.2-channel system costs $650 for US consumers. It comes with a wireless subwoofer and is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The soundbar includes up-mixing tech to transform stereo content to 3D sound when immersive formats aren’t available. Dialogue gets an upgrade here, thanks to a dedicated center speaker and an AI-powered tool called Voice Zoom 3. Sony The beefier Bravia Theater System 6 is a 5.1-channel system that costs $770. This is an all-in-one setup that comes with a soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers. The included soundbar is not the Bar 6, despite the similar name. However, it does support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The subwoofer also features a slightly different design than the one that ships with the Bar 6. This system does offer stereo up-mixing to transform content into 3D audio via Sony’s proprietary algorithm. The Bravia Theater Rear 8 speakers are compatible with the company’s soundbars and work with its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping tech to calibrate the system to the acoustics of a specific living room. The speakers cost $450. Having the pricing here is nice, but we still don’t have any official release dates. The current plan by Sony is to start selling these products later this spring.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/sony-has-priced-the-bravia-theater-bar-6-soundbar-at-650-175824102.html?src=rss

A series of cyberattacks targeting US infrastructure has been privately claimed by China.

UnitedHealth is aggressively recouping the loans the company offered doctors following the 2024 cyberattack at its Change Healthcare unit.

Many companies are acutely aware that a notable portion of their workers are struggling with burnout. The data makes that much clear: A Mercer report from last year found that 82% of workers said they were at risk of burnout. In another study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Ipsos, over half of the workers surveyed said they had experienced burnout because of their job in 2023. Even so, it seems that employers may be underestimating just how widespread burnout really is among the workforce. A new report by the online marketplace Care.com indicates that while the vast majority of companies surveyed—84%—know that burnout can noticeably impact retention, they don’t fully understand the scope of the issue. While employers believed only about 45% of their workers were at risk of burnout, 69% of employees said they were at moderate to high risk of burnout. The Care.com report, which polled 600 human resources executives and 1,000 rank-and-file employees, points to caregiving responsibilities as a driving factor behind burnout. Of the respondents who pay for family care, most of them say caregiving puts them at higher risk of burnout, and that their stress in the workplace is amplified by the burden of managing work expectations alongside caregiving. For many working parents, particularly those in their forties, caregiving responsibilities can take the form of both eldercare and childcare. What helps with burnout What does seem to help, at least according to Care.com’s findings, are workplace benefits that help support caregivers—an offering that has become increasingly common at companies that have invested in more niche employee benefits. Mental health resources have become some of the most popular benefits, along with fertility and family-building support. A number of companies also provide caregiver support in the form of subsidies or backup care coverage, which can help families manage gaps in childcare and offset the exorbitant cost of care. Despite the popularity of these employee benefit, companies don’t always see high rates of utilization across the board. But according to the Care.com report, when employers provide benefits tailored to caregivers, there can be a clear correlation with retention and stronger performance. The benefits that employees want About one in five employees said that they have quit jobs over a lack of caregiver benefits—or that they would leave for a role that offers those benefits. Among employees who have access to those benefits, 45% say that their productivity increased while 40% report lower rates of absenteeism. The emotional impact, too, can be significant: Over half of employees said caregiver benefits boosted their quality of life, improved their work-life balance, and reduced stress levels. According to the report, it seems that employees and employers alike are largely aligned on the expectation that companies can and should help families manage the cost of caregiving. What’s not always clear is the form that assistance should take. Narrow benefits like on-site childcare may not be the right solution for all parents, or companies may find that many of their employees are actually looking for help with eldercare—which is why it’s important that employers actually take the time to understand what their workforce really needs.

While client work pays the bills, successful industrial design firms know that doing internal projects can keep the creative juices flowing. One such project is this Dovetail concept, by Atlanta-based Formation Design Group: Dovetail is a modernization of the mobile lounge concept, developed by Formation to reduce aircraft turnaround times, enhance the passenger experience, and create a more accessible air travel experience. Enabling a Brighter Future for Air TravelThe Dovetail concept is a modern evolution of the original mobile lounge vehicles designed by Eero Saarinen in the 1950s for the Washington Dulles Airport. Leveraging independent drive hubs, advanced sensors, and autonomous navigation technology, Dovetail efficiently and safely ferries passengers between aircraft and the airport without interfering with ground operations, dramatically improving the passenger experience and unlocking new levels of airport optimization. Dovetail can be implemented in existing airports adjacent to jet bridges to enable aft-door loading and unloading of passengers, resulting in up to 30% shorter turnaround times for narrowbody aircraft. This effectively increases the daily flight capacity and passenger seating area of an airport gate without requiring any additional real estate or infrastructure changes. This passenger boarding concept offers significant improvements in accessibility over traditional boarding methods, offering seamless wheelchair accessibility without isolating those passengers or delaying boarding procedures while waiting on specialized equipment or vehicles. Dovetail also enables an entirely new paradigm of airport design through remote servicing of all aircraft, eliminating the need for fixed gates, jet bridges, air stairs, and pushback tractors. By utilizing Dovetail mobile lounges, the square footage of an airport terminal could be significantly reduced, resulting in shorter walking distances for passengers and increased retail traffic in a much more convenient layout. This change has the potential to enable existing airports to handle much greater passenger capacity in the near future without needing to expand their land area footprint. The concept was featured in Aircraft Interior International Magazine's 2024 Showcase.You can see more of Formation's work here.

For those who love to cook at home, the dream of course is to have a spacious and well-designed kitchen so you can make dishes to your heart’s delight. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed to have that. A lot of those who live in small spaces have to make do with multi-functional appliances and not all of them are of course that well-designed or well thought of. Ideally, we can find something that fulfills all our cooking needs with a design that is intentional and also doesn’t take up much space in the small kitchen. Designer: Vatti The PYD66 High-End Integrated Center is a groundbreaking concept for a kitchen appliance that seamlessly combines a range hood, stove, and a dual-chamber steaming and baking system into a single, compact unit. Designed by Tim Chen, Ma Xin, and Liang Wengan of Vatti, this innovation addresses the evolving needs of modern kitchens, particularly in urban environments where space optimization is crucial. At the heart of the PYD66 is its ability to integrate multiple cooking functions without compromising performance. The dual-chamber steaming and baking system allows users to prepare a variety of dishes simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and culinary versatility. This integration is particularly beneficial for users with limited kitchen space, offering a comprehensive cooking solution within a single appliance. Understanding the importance of user comfort, the PYD66 is designed for intuitive operation. Controls are positioned to eliminate the need for users to bend down or reach up, reducing physical strain during cooking. This ergonomic consideration ensures a more comfortable and accessible cooking experience for users of all ages. The PYD66 introduces a patented one-click stir-frying technology, catering to the high-power stir-frying demands of Chinese cuisine. Coupled with a new fume intake system, the appliance effectively manages smoke and odors, maintaining a pleasant kitchen environment. These features collectively contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient cooking process. Therefore, this concept is more than just a kitchen appliance; it represents a thoughtful reimagining of how we cook within the constraints of modern living. It speaks directly to the needs of urban dwellers seeking both efficiency and elegance in their homes. By cleverly merging essential cooking functions into a single, ergonomically designed unit, Vatti has not only offered a practical solution for small kitchens but has also paved the way for a future where integrated, user-centric design becomes the norm. The PYD66 suggests a shift towards intelligent kitchen solutions that prioritize both the culinary experience and the optimization of precious living space. As technology and design continue to converge, we can expect to see more innovations that follow this principle, transforming the heart of our homes into even more versatile and enjoyable environments. The post Appliance concept revolutionizes kitchen design with innovation and ergonomics first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Macworld Over the past 10 years, Apple has generally stuck to devices that are predictable and safe, avoiding major new launches or radical changes that might not be rock-solidly reliable. Nevertheless, rivals in the industry sometimes push Apple out of its comfort zone, especially when shareholders demand similar innovations. The iPhone and iPad excel at their respective tasks in their classic slab form factors. But times change, and Apple is reportedly working on a variety of foldable models—with the first models, an 8-inch iPhone and a massive 19-inch iPad due to arrive as early as next year. While it may seem exciting to imagine what a folding iPhone or iPad might look like, it’s the last thing Apple needs. Paying more for less Before Apple launches its first foldable devices, the iPhone 17 Air could give us a glimpse at the general folding formula later this year. Apple is believed to be working on the iPhone 17 Air to experiment with slim devices as a foldable iPhone or iPad would have to be noticeably thin when opened to maintain Apple’s sleek form when folded. However, the new Air model is rumored to cost at least $100 more than the regular iPhone 17, despite being less capable. To achieve its exceptionally slim design, Apple reportedly needs to exclude flagship perks, including an ultrawide rear lens, a physical SIM card slot in international markets, a Pro chip, stereo speakers, some battery capacity, and other features. So, you’ll essentially be paying more for a newer design with midrange specs. A recent report specifies some of the foldable iPhone’s similar drawbacks. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that next year’s 7.8-inch foldable iPhone will cost at least $2,000 and possibly even cross the $2,500 mark. Along with the above compromises, some of which are likely to make their way into a folding phone, Kuo notes that the phone will offer a Touch ID sensor—a significant downgrade from Face ID. So you’re going to be giving up a lot just to get a little more screen. If you can get an iPhone with an iPad for less than the price of a folding phone, what’s the point.Foundry A flipping flop Now, some may argue that a folding iPhone is worth the higher price. Maybe you’ve seen the Samsung Z Flip and Z Fold devices and feel like you’re missing out. And yes, they are cool and fun for the first few days, but after I used one for a while, I didn’t find that they addressed any existing smartphone flaws or served any meaningful purpose. The concept is cool, but unless Apple can figure out some killer app, I think a folding iPhone should remain a prototype. For example, the Z Flip’s clamshell form factor offers two main advantages: a more pocketable size and remote shooting. Well, even the largest iPhone 16 Pro Max already fits in most pockets, and you can use it for hands-free photography using the Apple Watch’s built-in camera remote and a basic dock. So a folding iPhone would only do what the iPhone can already do in a different way. The Samsung Z Flip looks cool but the folding screen is a party trick.Mattias Inghe The Z Fold’s design is similarly not worth it, as the Pro Max iPhone display is sufficiently immersive for on-the-go viewing for most users. That’s not to mention that buying an iPhone and iPad separately would actually be a cheaper, more durable investment. And besides, most people use their Apple devices interchangeably when one of them is charging, updating, or out of reach, so two is better than one. Meanwhile, the foldable iPad will reportedly run a new operating system, possibly even a touch-enabled version of macOS. This is something Apple fans have wanted forever, but there seemingly aren’t any technological restraints stopping Apple from bringing macOS to the iPad right now. And if there are, a hinge won’t fix them.  The iPad Pro already packs a large screen, the capable M4 Mac chip, and offers a MacBook-like keyboard attachment, so making it foldable serves no legitimate productivity purpose over a tablet other than portability. A mightier OS would be great, but if it’s limited to the high-priced folding phone, it would basically make the iPad irrelevant. Watch the next -gate unfold If you’re still not convinced by now, you may also want to consider the durability of these devices. Pretty much every foldable on the market develops some form of crease over time. While a report claims Apple is working to figure this one out, the form factor will undoubtedly introduce new challenges. Given the sensitivity of these devices, bending them repeatedly dozens or hundreds of times a day is bound to eventually break something inside them. Remember Apple’s MagSafe Duo Charger? It was nowhere near as technologically complex as a folding phone, and it broke down after around 200 folds. It didn’t quite rise to the level of antennagate or bendgate, but a folding iPhone with a busted hinge absolutely would. Even with rigorous testing, what guarantees internal components beyond the display itself won’t wear down when users repeatedly fold and unfold their iPhones or iPads? That’s a problem you don’t have with the current lineup of devices. The MagSafe Duo’s hinge didn’t exactly hold up to wear and tear.Foundry Don’t fold under pressure, Apple Due to pressure from shareholders and competitors, Apple Intelligence was revealed during last year’s WWDC. Nearly a year later, the project remains indefinitely delayed, and the next-gen Siri may be delayed for at least another year. Had it not been for the aforementioned catalysts, I’m certain the company wouldn’t have announced these AI features until this year’s Dub Dub or even the one that follows. Apple should learn from the Apple Intelligence mishap to stick to its mission and avoid external influence. Android phone brands have long experimented with all sorts of wacky gimmicks, and most of them eventually die out. As much as some corporations hope foldables will be the next smartphone evolution, the statistics simply prove otherwise. Mainstream foldables have been around for half a decade, yet only about 1 percent of users have adopted them. They’re generally overpriced and riddled with flaws, and most importantly, they fail to elevate the smartphone experience. Apple should know better.

Apple Intelligence might already have become a slightly tarnished brand — a modern-day repeat of the Apple Maps mess — but the company won’t give up on it without a fight; the word’s out that it now intends to rollout the contextual Siri features it promised at WWDC 2024 this fall. If it achieves this, it does at least mean the company will manage to ship the feature within the same year it promised, even if it did have to change senior leadership to get there. A fall release also means the feature is likely to be part of what is promised with iOS 19, which is also expected to appear later this year after introduction at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June. That expected update to the iPhone’s operating system is already being touted as the biggest iOS upgrade in a while — a claim that hints at even greater intentions for 2026, which should see new iPhone designs, new product categories, and important new services (including AI-assisted healthcare services).  AI on the prize While we recently heard Apple intends to open up the platform to support Google Gemini and others along with ChatGPT, many of these plans will have been made with Apple Intelligence in mind. That contextual ability is what I I expect will bond all those and any subsequent hardware introductions together, and I can imagine that many at the company are frustrated that promises made at WWDC have not (yet) been kept. That’s particularly true since it emerged that most of the people working on Siri development at that time had never seen those things before, even in the labs. Quite clearly, there was some hype over substance. And while Apple appears to be working hard to push those promised Apple Intelligence features over the line, there’s little doubt some of these challenges reflected internal conflicts that might still need to be resolved. The New York Times says Apple plans to release a Siri virtual assistant this fall that can handle certain transactions, such as editing and sending photos to friends. These were among the still unreleased features demonstrated at WWDC 2024, which suggests other tasks could also be on the way, such as finding emails on specific topics, or files shared with a user by another person in preceding week.   Apple is said to be ready to do “whatever it takes” to bring these exciting Apple Intelligence tools across the line. It might well have to do more. Putting an ‘I’ in ‘team’ These reports follows insights from The Information that exposed some of the big fissures running through Apple Intelligence development, describing a team sometimes in conflict with weak leadership and shifting goals. Apple’s teams apparently often shifted focus between on-device and in-cloud genAI services and frequently got lost exploring one direction only to shift to another. More recently, we learned that R&D spending decisions were made, unmade, and that development then suffered in reaction to divergent voices at the top of the company. (Apple’s AI leader, John Giannandrea, had secured a hefty budget for AI servers in 2023, only to see that budget slashed by another department leader, for example.) What seems to be emerging is a picture of significant internal conflict at Apple with different departments and leaders getting into turf wars that look – at least from here – humdrum and petty rather than being focused on the big picture around Siri. That concerns me, as this kind of in-fighting frequently characterizes groups at the end of their growth.  The power of teams There is one more thing. A few weeks ago, we learned of changes in leadership for Apple Intelligence. That news emerged subsequent to Apple’s top 100 leaders meeting, an annual event usually held in secrecy. As John Gruber noted at that time, the fact that this news emerged after that meeting means at least two of Apple’s most senior people leaked it, which itself hints at conflict between leading decision makers within the company. To my mind, the Apple Intelligence story shows a need for Apple’s senior leaders to bring their key people into harmony, as in-fighting erodes trust within any company, and entities characterized by lack of trust do not field the most effective teams. Everything around us might have been made up by people no smarter than we are, but they probably didn’t make these things up alone — they worked as a team. You don’t need AI, generative, or otherwise, to see that. You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky,  LinkedIn, and Mastodon.