If you thought you’d heard the last of the viral “Apple” dance, think again. The TikToker behind it is now suing Roblox over its unauthorized use. Last year, during the height of Brat summer, Roblox partnered with singer Charli XCX to feature her music and likeness in an in-game concert within “Dress to Impress,” a fashion game on the platform. In a lawsuit filed last week in Los Angeles, Kelley Heyer—the creator of the dance set to Charli XCX’s hit song—alleges that Roblox used her choreography in the update before finalizing negotiations to officially license the dance, as first reported by Polygon. Heyer first posted the “Apple” dance on June 15, 2024, and submitted a copyright application on August 30. That was after Roblox reached out to her about licensing the dance as an emote for players to purchase. Roblox added the dance emote, an in-game action used to express a character’s personality, in mid-August to coincide with the update. According to the lawsuit, Heyer expressed her willingness to license the dance on August 12, but alleges that Roblox has “refused to finalize a license agreement” and that she has received no compensation for the use of her choreography. Roblox removed the emote from the game in November 2024—but not before it was sold over 60,000 times, earning an estimated $123,000 from the copyrighted work, per the lawsuit. Heyer hasn’t seen any of that revenue, and since the dance is entirely separate from the Charli XCX song, she’s suing to claim her share (Charli XCX is not named in the lawsuit). “Roblox moved forward using Kelley’s IP without a signed agreement,” attorney Miki Anzai said in a statement to Polygon. “Kelley is an independent creator who should be compensated fairly for her work and we saw no other option than to file suit to prove that. We remain willing and open to settle and hope to come to a peaceful agreement.” Roblox has since responded. A spokesperson told Polygon: “As a platform powered by a community of creators, Roblox takes the protection of intellectual property very seriously and is committed to protecting intellectual property rights of independent developers and creators to brands and artists both on and off the platform.” They continued: “Roblox is confident in its position and the propriety of its dealings in this matter and looks forward to responding in court.”

"For all of the designers out there, or people who have been privy to a true design program, you will know that the most successful solutions are not born from a linear process," writes industrial design consultancy Whipsaw. "Ideas evolve as new insights emerge, and even the most structured methodologies rely on iteration, feedback, and adaptation. But in practice, time and resource constraints often force teams to formalize ideas early—locking into wireframes or flows before they've had a chance to explore the full range of possibilities."We are now experiencing a paradigm shift, catalyzed by a new generation of AI-powered tools. These platforms make it possible to generate interactive prototypes from simple prompts, helping teams test rough ideas before they're polished and engage stakeholders earlier in the process. Call it what you will…vibe coding, rapid prototyping, whatever new term will inevitably be coined for this process.To explore the potential of these emerging AI design tools, we challenged ourselves to build a fully functional app for Foamcore, our in-house café and community lab. The goal: create a simple digital experience where team members could order coffee, browse company swag, and send Slack notifications for orders in real-time—all wrapped in a brand-forward UI. The twist? We gave ourselves just three days to go from idea to working prototype, relying on AI to accelerate the build without cutting corners.As part of this sprint,we put six leading AI-powered prototyping tools to the test:Replit, Lovable, Anima, Builder.io, Cursor, and V0.dev.Here's what we found:A Glimpse at the Tools: Where They ShineReplit: Developer-Focused, Designer-FrustratingBest for: Developers who want to co-pilot with AI in building functional apps fast.Replit works like an AI-powered Integrated development environment (IDE). You can describe a product idea and watch the tool generate a working React-based app complete with screens, forms, and logic. We loved the speed and the live preview—but hit limits when we tried to integrate Figma assets or enforce consistent styling.Pros:Fast MVP creation via prompt-based generationHandles logic-heavy use cases with easeBuilt-in deploy features for sharing live prototypesCons:Figma integration didn't work consistentlyLimited visual design fidelityLovable: Potential with Polish, But Slower Than the PackBest for: Small speculative prototypes with a polished visual look.Lovable sits in the conversational AI category that emphasizes visual quality. Its results were some of the more aesthetically refined we saw—clean layouts, modern design components, and responsive elements. It also supports Figma imports through Builder.io but with some setup friction.Pros:Visually impressive default designsBuilder.io integration shows promiseCons:Slower than other tools to generate outputsAnima: From Figma to Code, But That's ItBest for: Designers handing off visual mockups to engineers.Anima is laser-focused on one task: turning Figma screens into code. If your designs are ready to go, Anima generates HTML, React, or Vue components for quick front-end development. But it doesn't support co-creation or conversational AI functionality—so it's not helpful in the ideation or exploration phase.Pros:Excellent Figma-to-code conversionClean code output in common frameworksGood fit for late-stage production workflowsCons:No interactivity or logic-buildingNot useful for early prototyping or co-creationDoesn't support generative explorationBuilder.io: Best-in-Class Figma ImporterBest for: Designers who want responsive layouts built from their Figma designs.Builder.io impressed us with its Figma plugin—one of the best we tested. It translated screens into responsive, editable layouts quickly and with high fidelity. However, the integration with other tools (like Lovable) is still a bit clunky, and it's unclear how scalable it is for larger projects.Pros:Responsive design generation directly from FigmaClean layout and CSS handlingA useful companion to tools like LovableCons:Not a standalone prototyping environmentRequires multiple tools to get full interactivityCursor: The Power Tool for CodersBest for: Engineers who want to rapidly scaffold apps using natural language.Cursor is an AI-enhanced code editor that supports multiple languages, including Swift and Python. It's particularly useful when you're working with platform-specific APIs (like Apple's ARKit), and its conversational interface makes it easy to scaffold complex functionality. But it's not for the faint of heart—this is a tool built for people who already know how to code.Pros:Supports any language or frameworkIdeal for integrating platform-specific features (like 3D scanning APIs)Fast code generation with clear logicCons:No visual editor or previewsNo Figma or design system supportRequires external IDEs for compiling and testingV0.dev: The Clear Frontrunner for Real-Time PrototypingBest for: Conversational UX, Figma integration, code editing, and speedV0 balances flexibility, usability, and fidelity. It combines conversational prompts with a visual editor and live code preview, making it approachable for designers but powerful enough for technical collaborators. For these reasons it became our main build environment.Over three days, we built and iterated a fully functional coffee-ordering app with Slack integration, a branded UI, even a dynamic "swag shop" with rotating 3D sticker galleries. V0 handled complex back-and-forths like bug fixing, API connections, styling issues, and UI tweaks—albeit with some limitations (more on that below).Pros:Strong Figma integration: It extracted typography, layout, and branding cues directly from our design files.Code-level access: Helpful when AI couldn't quite get things right—we could step in manually.Deployable: It allowed us to generate real links for testing on mobile devices.Fast iteration: We moved from idea to user-tested version in three days.Cons:Visual precision is frustrating: Simple things like button styling took dozens of prompts and still weren't consistent.Bug accumulation: As features stacked, some legacy bugs introduced friction in the build.Style system support is limited: Enforcing a robust design system proved clunky and inefficient.?Why V0 Was Right for Us—For NowOf all the tools we tested, V0.dev hit the sweet spot for our specific needs: building a real, working prototype for a digital experience that reflected brand, logic, and UX nuance—all on a tight timeline.V0 gave us:Speed, by generating functional scaffolds in secondsFlexibility, through code access and Figma supportIterative power, with version control and conversation historyIt wasn't perfect. Visual precision remains a pain point, and the back-and-forth to fix bugs and styling was time-consuming. But when in a generative phase—sketching with code instead of a pencil—V0 allowed us to build, test, and evolve ideas in ways that traditional workflows can't match.A New Mindset for Design Research and PrototypingWhat stood out most wasn't just the tools—it was the shift in mindset they invited.Instead of treating prototyping as a late-stage validation artifact, we used it as a participatory research method— rapidly co-creating with users, showing interactive ideas instead of static mockups, and gathering feedback rooted in real interactions. We didn't need to perfect every pixel to start the conversation. And that, in itself, made our design process more human. So in full, the promise is real: with the right tools and approach, we can move faster, explore broader, and design with more imagination—starting from the very first prompt.The pace of change is dizzying, and the question on everyone's mind is: what's next? What happens to the designer, the PM, the engineer? We won't pretend to know the future—but here's what we do know: deciding what to build, why it matters, and whether it's any good is still a deeply human act. No matter how powerful AI gets, it can't replace human instinct, taste, or judgment. Insight doesn't come from scraping data—it comes from generative unexpected connections. The future belongs to those who don't just analyze patterns, but who dream beyond them—connecting the dots in ways no algorithm can predict.You can read more of Whipsaw's insights here.

Deborah and Greg Lapp were floating down the Kings River when they saw it: a For Sale sign half-hidden behind the brush, perched right on the water. Still soaked from kayaking, they pulled ashore and made an offer that afternoon. The site—tucked into nearly nine acres of foothill terrain—spoke louder than any brochure. They already knew who to call: architect Arthur Dyson. Some homes are built. This one was uncovered. Now listed at $2,300,000, the Lapp RiverHouse at 26210 Elwood Road is on the market—architect-designed, site-shaped, and available now. It won’t last. Designer: Arthur Dyson This was a return engagement. Dyson had designed Deborah’s first home decades earlier, a residence known as the Hobbit House. That project earned international recognition for its curving forms and rooted presence. With this new property, the Lapps brought fresh intentions to familiar hands. The result is the Lapp RiverHouse—a residence shaped by slope, light, and long memory. Exterior Architecture: Where Mass Meets Movement From the first glimpse, the house appears to emerge from the site rather than sit on it. The curved roofline rises from the ground, clad in standing-seam metal that catches shifts in daylight. Oversized steel beams extend beyond the envelope, forming horizontal elements that provide shading and structural support. These dark fins modulate sunlight and punctuate the visual rhythm of the roof. Primary materials include stucco, cedar, and steel. Their combined tonality matches the site’s muted palette. The exterior reads with quiet weight. Curved forms soften transitions between vertical and horizontal surfaces. There’s no abrupt shift between structure and land. A rounded pool traces the home’s outer arc. Water reflects the sky and forms in tandem with it. Concrete slabs form the patio and seating areas, wide enough for function, spare enough to let the landscape remain the focal point. There are no fences or hard enclosures along the edge—only topography and natural grade. The landscaping features drought-tolerant California natives, including grasses, succulents, and strategically placed boulders that complement the terrain. These choices reinforce the home’s responsiveness to its environmental setting. Interior Volumes: High Glass, Low Ego The entry opens into a long, lifting volume. Light moves without obstruction. The roof continues its arc indoors, uninterrupted by dropped soffits or excessive framing. Glass walls dominate the southern face. Floor-to-ceiling panels run the length of the common areas. Corners meet cleanly, supported by slender frames. Natural views anchor the space. Mullions are minimized to create a floating effect. Above, clerestory windows distribute ambient light throughout the day. Built-in benches stretch along the base of the windows. These aren’t afterthoughts; they serve as transitions between the interior floor and the exterior view. In the living room, neutral-toned furniture keeps visual emphasis on the outside. Upholstery and finishes remain within a consistent palette: rust, clay, pale ash, and natural oak. The ceiling geometry slopes asymmetrically, creating a directional pull that balances acoustic performance and spatial drama. Wood soffits appear to absorb sound and soften visual echo. Kitchen and Dining: Function Drawn in Curve The kitchen is designed to follow the house’s geometry. Cabinetry curves along the outer wall. There are no breaks in the circulation path. The island holds center with a round footprint. Materials include matte-finish stone and integrated fixtures. There are no high-gloss finishes or heavy ornamentation. Overhead, clerestory windows and mirrored backsplash reflect ambient light across the preparation area. Storage remains concealed behind flat-panel fronts. The adjacent dining nook includes a built-in banquette. This continuity reinforces the spatial intent—rooms are drawn, not inserted. Fixtures and appliances are embedded into the cabinetry, preserving uninterrupted surfaces. No visible handles or external panels distract from the form. Private Quarters and the Quiet Details Bedrooms follow the slope of the roof, continuing the home’s rhythm. Ceiling fans trace a low arc above. One wall features full-height shelving. Lighting is indirect, with accent fixtures placed for function. Bathrooms use large-format slate tile. A full-height window in the primary bath looks out at filtered trees. Clerestories allow additional light without compromising enclosure. Fixtures are matte and functional. The room opens wide without theatrical gestures. The laundry room includes full-height glazing and generous counter space. Every functional zone offers access to daylight and views. Utility isn’t confined; it’s integrated. Flooring across private and shared spaces appears to be polished concrete or limestone, chosen for thermal mass and minimal reflectivity. Thresholds are flush, and transitions are seamless. Wine Room: Sculpture in a Shipping Container A separate structure behind the home contains a wine cellar, built into a converted shipping container. One wall is surfaced in cork, arranged into a sweeping relief pattern. The visual texture mimics the appearance of erosion or windblown sediment. Shelving is made of raw wood and steel brackets. A narrow bar anchors the space, with two chairs set for quiet tasting. No artificial lighting schemes or ostentatious displays. The materiality carries the mood. The space is thermally contained with minimal glazing, relying on insulation and passive airflow to regulate temperature. Site, Performance, and Purpose Cross ventilation is achieved by placing operable windows along prevailing wind paths. Roof overhangs block high summer sun while admitting low winter light. These strategies are part of the structure itself. There are no overlays or aftermarket additions. The roof system reflects solar load while maintaining a low visual profile. No dormers interrupt the massing. Drive access follows the site’s natural contours, leading through oaks and native vegetation. The lighting strategy avoids the use of spotlights or pendants. Most fixtures are recessed or integrated into reveals. LED strips provide ambient glow rather than directional glare. This house invites a pause without performance. Each room opens toward calm. Every surface respects its place. There are no declarations. Just presence, and the kind of design that reveals itself slowly, over seasons, through shadows, and in silence. Inquire now to experience the Lapp RiverHouse at 26210 Elwood Road, listed at $2,300,000—before it’s gone.The post The Lapp RiverHouse: Arthur Dyson’s Organic Masterwork Carved by River and Ridge first appeared on Yanko Design.

Character art lead Adam Hogseth says this clever hack made all the difference.

DOGE has tapped into some of the most sensitive and valuable data in the world. Now it’s starting to put it to work.

New restrictions on semiconductor exports to China are scrambling sales and fueling concerns that the Chinese tech giant will become a chip-making powerhouse.

Macworld PDF is a universally spoken language across the business world, but Apple products fall behind with fewer features for editing or annotating PDFs. You don’t need to be tethered to your computer or struggling to use your finger to sign on your phone. You can get a lifetime subscription to PDF Expert for just $139.99. With more than 30 million users and the award of Apple’s App of the Year Runner-up, it’s no surprise that PDF Expert is renowned among Mac users. It’s a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use tool that allows even the not-so-technologically-savvy to complete essential tasks. PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac)See Deal PDF Expert allows you to fix typos, insert images, or add links with ease. You can also annotate PDFs. Highlight areas that a contractor needs to fill out or create a custom stamp to speed up any workflow. You can even merge multiple files into a single document or extract individual pages to save as separate files. Whether you’re a student needing to annotate study guides, a freelance worker who fills out a lot of forms, or a business owner trying to streamline processes, PDF Expert is an easy solution. Snag a lifetime subscription to PDF Expert for $139.99 and annotate PDFs like a pro. StackSocial prices subject to change.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will probably arrive this fall alongside the iPhone 17. Here's what the next generation of Apple's smartwatch could bring to the table.The Apple Watch Series 11 could look a lot like the Series 10The Apple Watch is much like the iPhone and other products in Apple's ecosystem, in that it is often the subject of rumors and speculation. With Apple's famous regularity when it comes to releases, the rumor mill expects that the Apple Watch Series 11 will be arriving in the future.Here's what analysts and leakers believe is on the way for Apple's next-gen wearable device. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Trump Administration is threatening a hostile takeover of the MTA-led plan to redevelop Penn Station for $7 billion. The important update was reported by Gothamist, who say: "The move will allow Amtrak and the federal government to pursue a developer for the reconstruction and potential expansion of the station."  The plan, which dates to early 2021 at least, was stalled after the pandemic due to the new financial realities of the CRE market in Midtown. Trump acolyte Justin Shubow and his National Civic Art Society group released their own "classically inspired" alternative design last month that would reposition Madison Square Garden. Many are hoping for a renewal on the order of the 2012 plan for King’s Cross Station in London.

While the studio behind Phantom Blade Zero has been clear about designing the upcoming RPG as being closer in gameplay terms to a title like Devil May Cry 5 than it would be to Dark Souls, the studio has mentioned that is taking inspiration from several games, including FromSoftware’s Souls franchise. Speaking to GamesRadar, developer S-Game spoke about how Phantom Blade Zero‘s various aspects have been inspired by Devil May Cry, Souls, and even Resident Evil. Where Devil May Cry was the inspiration behind combat, the Souls franchise is where the studio is taking its cues from for level design. Resident Evil, on the other hand, will serve as the inspiration for the game’s narrative design and general atmosphere. “On the Souls-lite level design side, we are definitely a fan of and inspired by the pre-Elden Ring, interconnected, tight level design,” said a representative from S-Game. They also mentioned that director “Soulframe” Liang studied architecture at school, “so the level design is something that’s very important for us and we want to have very robust levels, have a lot of depth to them, very dense.” Liang himself spoke about how the various inspirations for Phantom Blade Zero came together in different ways. Taking to GamesRadar, he describes the title as being more like a Resident Evil game with an emphasis on fighting with swords. “Before, everyone thought we’re making a Soulslike game,” explained Liang. “So in order to prove we have a totally different combat system for the core gameplay, we’re showcasing these combat demos. But now people have maybe come the other way around, they think it’s a hack-and-slash with no story and you just go kill to the end, but it’s not something like that. It’s more like a Resident Evil but fighting with blades.” Liang also spoke about how exploration will be a core part of the gameplay in Phantom Blade Zero along with its fast-paced action gameplay and character progression. He describes the game’s exploration aspects as coming from a Souls games, while the “vibes” come for Resident Evil. “Anything that is useful and good for us to make our pillar, a playable kung fu movie with exploration and character progression, we’ll make use of it,” he said. “Whether it’s exploration from a Souls game or vibes from Resident Evil or combat from this hack-and-slash game, we’ll take that and bring them together. But the overall experience is still very coherent. It’s not ripped apart from something else.” Ultimately, S-Game wants to bring back classic kung fu action back in its own way. With Phantom Blade Zero, the studio says that its ideologies and principles in game design hold everything together. If one aspect were to fail, it would also bring the rest of the game down with it. “We have deeper ideologies and principles in designing the game,” said Liang. “If we don’t have that, every element we brought from different genres would feel separate and fall apart. One is to bring back the golden age of Chinese kung fu movies, starting from Bruce Lee in the 1970s and into maybe the early 2000s. We want to rekindle this passion for the kung fu movie. The other one, for gaming itself, we want to rediscover the golden age of PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2.” Phantom Blade Zero is currently in development for PC and PS5. While it doesn’t have a release date as of yet, the studio might be targeting a Fall 2026 release window. The studio has also previously revealed that it will take players between 20 and 30 hours to finish.