Just what the alien symbiote ordered! DNEG delivers a ferocious VFX showcase for Venom: The Last Dance. From jaw-dropping high-flying fight sequences to new characters and some unforgettable dancing, the teams artistry brings this chaotic finale to life with impeccable detail.This behind-the-scenes look emphasizes the incredible work that DNEGs talented crews have created, blending creativity and precision to elevate Venoms thrilling conclusion.The post Venom: The Last Dance VFX Breakdown by DNEG appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has brought back the magic of motion-controlled miniatures for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Among their creations is the Onyx Cinder, a stunning spacecraft complete with servo-operated engines and functional lights. Built by John Goodson and supervised by John Knoll and the ILM Miniature Unit, this model wasnt just for showit played a pivotal role in blending practical effects with digital artistry.The Onyx Cinder was used for in-camera final shots while also informing the digital model, creating a seamless transition between physical and digital visuals. This innovative approach showcases ILMs dedication to pushing boundaries in visual storytelling. Catch ILMs spectacular miniature work in the first three episodes of Skeleton Crew, and stay tuned for more insights into their process!The post Star Wars: Skeleton CrewMiniature Magic by ILM appeared first on Vfxexpress.

The U.S. Census Bureau is changing how it counts immigrants in annual estimates by including more people who were admitted for humanitarian, and often temporary, reasons.The change is being made in an effort to better reflect population shifts this decade, officials said Monday. Population estimates, including immigration, are due to be released Thursday showing how the populations of the United States and the 50 states changed this year. However, the new approach to counting immigrants will only be reflected nationally.The percentage of U.S. residents who were foreign born rose to its highest level in more than a century in 2023. It could be even higher under the new methodology. Census Bureau officials wouldnt say Monday how much larger they expected the immigration figures to be in Thursdays release because of the change.Capturing the number of new immigrants is the most difficult part of the annual U.S. population estimates. Although the newly announced change in methodology is unrelated, the timing comes a month before a return to the White House of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations of people in the United States illegally.We feel confident that this was a good approach in order to make our estimates more current and reflect recent trends that weve seen, said Eric Jensen, a senior research scientist at the Census Bureau.The bureaus annual calculation of how many migrants entered the United States in the 2020s has been much lower than the numbers cited by other federal agencies, such as the Congressional Budget Office. The Census Bureau estimated 1.1 million immigrants entered the United States in 2023, while the Congressional Budget Offices estimate was 3.3 million people.The group of people being included in the international migration estimates are those who enter the country through humanitarian parole, which has been granted for seven decades by Republican and Democratic presidential administrations to people unable to use standard immigration routes because of time pressure or their governments poor relations with the U.S. The Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based research organization, said last week that more than 5.8 million people were admitted under various humanitarian policies from 2021 to 2024.Trump appears certain to dismantle humanitarian parole, saying during his campaign that he would end the outrageous abuse of parole. The annual population estimates released by the Census Bureau each year are calculated from births, deaths, migration to the United States and migration between states. The population estimates provide the official population counts each year between the once-a-decade census for the United States, the 50 states, counties and metro areas. The figures are used for distributing trillions of dollars in federal funding.Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform X: @MikeSchneiderAP.Mike Schneider, Associated Press

The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech firm of using conflict minerals in its supply chain, lawyers for the Congolese government told Reuters.Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum and tungsten, so-called 3T minerals used in computers and mobile phones. But some artisanal mines are run by armed groups involved in massacres of civilians, mass rapes, looting and other crimes, according to U.N. experts and human rights groups.Apple does not directly source primary minerals and says it audits suppliers, publishes findings and funds bodies that seek to improve mineral traceability.Its 2023 filing on conflict minerals to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said none of the smelters or refiners of 3T minerals or gold in its supply chain had financed or benefited armed groups in Congo or neighbouring countries.But international lawyers representing Congo argue that Apple uses minerals pillaged from Congo and laundered through international supply chains, which they say renders the firm complicit in crimes taking place in Congo.In parallel complaints filed to the Paris prosecutors office and to a Belgian investigating magistrates office on Monday, Congo accuses local subsidiaries Apple France, Apple Retail France and Apple Retail Belgium of a range of offences.These include covering up war crimes and the laundering of tainted minerals, handling stolen goods, and carrying out deceptive commercial practices to assure consumers supply chains are clean.It is clear that the Apple group, Apple France and Apple Retail France know very well that their minerals supply chain relies on systemic wrongdoing, says the French complaint, after citing U.N. and rights reports on conflict in east Congo.Belgium had a particular moral duty to act because looting of Congos resources began during the 19th century colonial rule of its King Leopold II, Congos Belgian lawyer Christophe Marchand said.It is incumbent on Belgium to help Congo in its effort to use judicial means to end the pillaging, he said.The complaints, prepared by the lawyers on behalf of Congos justice minister, make allegations not just against the local subsidiaries but against the Apple group as a whole.France and Belgium were chosen because of their perceived strong emphasis on corporate accountability. Judicial authorities in both nations will decide whether to investigate the complaints further and bring criminal charges.In an unrelated case in March this year, a U.S. federal court rejected an attempt by private plaintiffs to hold Apple, Google, Tesla, Dell and Microsoft accountable for what the plaintiffs described as their dependence on child labour in Congolese cobalt mines.MINERALS FUEL VIOLENCESince the 1990s, Congos mining heartlands in the east have been devastated by waves of fighting between armed groups, some backed by neighbouring Rwanda, and the Congolese military.Millions of civilians have died and been displaced.Competition for minerals is one of the main drivers of conflict as armed groups sustain themselves and buy weapons with the proceeds of exports, often smuggled via Rwanda, according to U.N. experts and human rights organisations.Rwanda denies benefiting from the trade.Among the appendices to Congos legal complaint in France was a statement issued by the U.S. State Department in July, expressing concerns about the role of the illicit trade in minerals from Congo, including tantalum, in financing conflict.The statement was a response to requests from the private sector for the U.S. government to clarify potential risks associated with manufacturing products using minerals extracted, transported or exported from eastern Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.Congos complaints focus on ITSCI, a metals industry-funded monitoring and certification scheme designed to help companies perform due diligence on suppliers of 3T minerals exported from Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.Congos lawyers argue that ITSCI has been discredited, including by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) of which Apple is a member, and that Apple nevertheless uses ITSCI as a fig leaf to falsely present its supply chain as clean.The RMI, whose members include more than 500 companies, announced in 2022 it was removing ITSCI from its list of approved traceability schemes.In July this year, it said it was prolonging the suspension until at least 2026, saying ITSCI had not provided field observations from high-risk sites or explained how it was responding to an escalation of violence in North Kivu province, which borders Rwanda and is a key 3T mining area.ITSCI criticised the RMIs own processes and defended its work in Congo as reliable. It has also rejected allegations in a 2022 report by campaigning group Global Witness entitled The ITSCI Laundromat, cited in Congos legal complaint in France, that it was complicit in the false labelling of minerals from conflict zones as coming from mines located in peaceful areas.Apple mentioned ITSCI five times in its 2023 filing on conflict minerals. The filing also made multiple mentions of the RMI, in which Apple said it had continued active participation and leadership, but did not mention the RMIs ditching of ITSCI.In its July statement, the U.S. State Department said flaws in traceability schemes have not garnered sufficient engagement and attention to lead to changes needed.Robert Amsterdam, a U.S.-based lawyer for Congo, said the French and Belgian complaints were the first criminal complaints by the Congolese state against a major tech company, describing them as a first salvo only.Sonia Rolley, Reuters

International design practice Aidia Studio has revitalised a sports complexin Oaxaca, Mexico, by constructing a new grandstand and locker room for a soccer field.The 14-acre Deportivo Zanatepec was completed for a federal Secretariat of Agrarian, Land, and Urban Development (SEDATU) project in the municipality of Santo Domingo Zanatepec in Mexico's Tehuantepec Isthmus.Aidia Studio has completed a grandstand and locker room building for a sports complexThe design was informed by the context, incorporating earth tones into the concrete, filling the site with mango trees, and highlighting and replicating the angles of the Sierra Madre de Chiapa, the mountain range located west of the site."[We intended to] marry the earthy tones of the land, the lush colours of the fruit tree plantations and the inspiring mountainous backdrop with an architecture evoking site-specificity and to strike a balance between mass and lightness," Aidia Studio told Dezeen.The roof mirrors the angles of the surrounding mountain rangeAdjacent to existing professional and practice soccer fields used by a local league, Aidia Studio constructed a 6,973-square metre (75,056-square foot) building with a heavy, pigmented concrete base and a lightweight metal shade structure.Within the base, the ground floor includes two team locker rooms with direct access to the field, public restrooms, and concession areas. The concrete features multiple finishes: horizontal board-formed lines, stamped parquet blocks, and smooth benches.The lightweight metal roof contrasts the heavy concrete baseA large portico runs along the east side of the ground floor, connecting service areas with pivoting doors and shading visitors with lattices made of parota wood slats.Symmetrical sets of internal stairs and external ramps lead up to the grandstand that seats 400 spectators under a modular metal roof made of hyperbolic paraboloids that create design simplicity and formal expression.Read: Architecture a "powerful tool" for easing strains of migration says Gabriela Carrillo"This geometric configuration provides rigidity and lightness at the same time, providing unobstructed views towards the soccer field in front and the basketball court in the back," the team said."Our form finding process in this and other projects aims to marry aesthetics with performance, a continuation of the modernist project with today's digital tools that allow us to iterate and optimize design options."Symmetrical sets of stairs and ramps lead up to the grandstandThe Tehuantepec Isthmus is one of the most intense seismic regions in Mexico, so the team took seismic resilience into the design of the roof with triangular-shaped trusses and diagonal bracing that allows "the roof reads as effortlessly hovering over the stand".White ironwork railings and gates correspond with the white roof structure, providing a light detail to juxtapose the heavy concrete.The ground floor includes two team locker rooms, public restrooms and concession areasIn addition to the grandstand building, Aidia Studio added an access plaza, a 400-metre athletics track around the field, a one-kilometre perimeter running path, children's play areas, and designated areas for calisthenic workouts.Also in Oaxaca, Aidia Studio designed a community centre with a series of vaulted roofs and a diaphanous concrete block screen.Following a similar parti for a concrete grandstand with a large awning structure, Centro de Colaboracin Arquitectnica designed a baseball stadium in Jlpa de Mendez, but swapped the lightweight metal structure for monumental concrete umbrellas.SEDATU has sponsored many community-oriented buildings throughout Mexico, including a number of buildings in northern and southern border towns by Colectivo C733, a multi-disciplinary studio that includes Mexican architect Gabriela Carillo.The photography is courtesy of Aidia Studio.Project credits:Architects: AIDIA STUDIOProject directors: Rolando Rodriguez-Leal, Natalia WrzaskLead architect: Jose Luis MulsProject team: Nitze Magaa, Ernesto Pinto, Aranzazu Snchez, Cecilia Simn, Rodrigo WulfStructural Engineering: Project & CalcClient: SEDATUThe post Aidia Studio lofts lightweight metal roof over Mexican grandstand appeared first on Dezeen.

Promotion:Hong Kong-based schoolMy ArchiSchool has announced a competition calling for children to use artificial intelligence tools to design a school village.For My ArchiSchool's annual Youth ArchiDesign Competition, this year's edition is tasking children ages six to 17 to design a school village that facilitates learning and social interaction, containing two schools, a canteen and at least one garden with a sustainable farming area.My ArchiSchool has announced the fourth annual Youth ArchiDesign CompetitionMy ArchiSchool said it believes empowering rather than shielding children with AI tools from a young age will empower them to be more creative.The online submission period is open from 15 December 2024 to 28 February 2025, and it costs 750 Hong Kong dollars to enter. Children aged six to 10 will be entered into a junior group, and those aged 11 to 17 will enter the senior category.Designboom managing editor of branded content, Tim Spears, will judge the entries on creativity, sustainability, buildability and presentation. The top 10 designs from each age group will be announced in an exhibition of works on 22 June 2025.Entrants should use generative artificial intelligence to create their designsMy ArchiSchool is asking entrants to create their designs using generative artificial intelligence (AI), which it argues allows people to create more 2D and 3D designs without the need for expensive software and hardware."Why generative AI for students? Students can enjoy greater support for establishing their ideas and options through cloud-based computation," said My ArchiSchool.The competition is open to children ages six to 17"For education purposes, generative AI removes the barriers between students and visualisation and production," My ArchiSchool continued."It will help young designers to produce their artworks with affordable resources and present their ideas and artworks to a wider public."Entrants will design a school village with gardensAlthough using AI for creative purposes can be controversial, My ArchiSchool argued that it encourages creativity in children when used as an additional tool to physical artistic practices."We have run rounds of trials with various software and plug-ins, and it came to my attention that students could actually enjoy the creative process of obtaining design options," it said."Like Photoshop, it helps photographers and designers to enhance photos taken, although it cannot replace the enjoyment of doing traditional acrylic painting and alike."Now in its fourth edition, My ArchiSchool hopes the Youth ArchiDesign Competition will serve as a platform to showcase young designers in architecture.Partnership contentThis article was written by Dezeen for My ArchiSchool as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.The post My ArchiSchool launches AI design competition for kids appeared first on Dezeen.

Two pandemic-inspired trends that have lasted through 2024: Somewhat paradoxically, people are spending more time at home, as well as spending a lot of time outdoors. Here are the innovations we saw this year aimed at both of those environments.To meet a German client's needs, Polish architecture firm KWK Promes developed this privacy fencing that appears at the push of a button.In Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, these roller shutters are common. They resemble the rolldown gates urban American stores used to protect their businesses, but here the application is domestic, allowing homeowners to black out a room in seconds. In a village in Canada, residents are used to visiting bears destroying their privacy fences. Some neighborhood kids devised this outside-of-the-box solution.This homeowner hacked a way for his robot dog to help him out with yardwork.Worried about your tissue box blowing away in a strong breeze? Japanese design firm Form Design Studio created this tissue box made out of iron. Canadian firm Bateman Labs has a new take on work-from-home and gaming set-ups. They've devised a new furniture category: Modular armchair-based workstations and gaming stations. Tracing paper patterns onto fabric is time-consuming. This hi-tech Ditto system projects the patterns directly onto your fabric. In an effort to combat clutter, industrial design firm Kritzer came up with this unusual U-shaped power strip. No room for a laundry rack? Singaporean company Good Living offers this hi-tech automatic ceiling-mounted retractable laundry rack. Running out of space in the kitchen? Japanese company Yamazaki offers this add-on kitchen drawer and worksurface. A company called Rinseroo has harnessed the properties of thermoplastic rubber to create this Slip-On Tub Hose. U.S. Gymnastics coped with this year's sweltering Olympic Village by bringing in BedJets, which are in-bed air conditioning systems. Chinese company Xiaomi designed a draft-free air conditioner that exploits cool air's tendency to sink. If you're DIY'ing your house's interior, Trusscore is a user-friendly sheetrock alternative. Moving outside the house, the Bola Grill Master is a low-tech design for a barbecue grill with height-adjustable cooking surfaces. A similar take, with a different execution: The Takibi Stand, a space-saving Japanese alternative to the barbecue grill. Also from Japan comes this Square Kettle, which the manufacturer says boils water faster. Meant to cope with uneven ground, this camping table from Ruck & River only has one leg. For those who prefer four legs, French company Fixmotion's self-stabilizing outdoor tables get rid of wobble on uneven surfaces.Veteran tent designer Jake Lah created this Cot Tent for Helinox. No more sleeping on that cold, hard ground. Gear Aid's Heroclip is a carabiner with a swing-out hook and a pivot. Australian industrial design firm Tricycle re-thinks the design of the overlanding water tank with their G-Series. And finally, Gnara's GoFly zipper design makes it easy for women to pee outdoors.

Weve all had those frantic momentsdigging through bags, scrambling through drawersonly to come up empty-handed when it comes to finding a pen or pencil. Its the kind of chaos that can derail a flash of inspiration or a quick jot-down of genius. Thanks to the comeback of paper notebooks and analog productivity systems, keeping a writing tool on hand is no longer an oddity but a badge of preparedness.Yet most pencils and pens simply arent cut out for the job. Pencils snap under pressure, leads break, and mechanical ones need refilling like clockwork. But what if you could carry a writing instrument that never runs out, never needs sharpening, and never snapsno matter how hard you push it or how unceremoniously you stash it? Enter the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil, a sleek, game-changing upgrade to your everyday carry that ensures youre always ready when creativity strikes.Click Here to Buy Now: $18 $20 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 24 hours!Breaking the Writing BarrierThe pencildespite being a timeless toolhas always been a bit high-maintenance. Whether its a traditional wood pencil or a fancy mechanical one, they all suffer from the same Achilles heel: they require constant sharpening, lead refills, or worse, breakage mid-thought. Its enough to snap your train of thought in half while you scramble for sharpeners or spare leads, and stress levels rise with every scribble.The Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil redefines the writing experience by eliminating those weak spots entirely. At its core lies a revolutionary special alloy that mimics the properties of traditional graphite but without the fragility. It delivers the clean, expressive quality of a 2H pencil, so your writing feels natural and familiar, but heres the kicker: it barely ever needs sharpeningor none at all. Gone are the days of dull points or broken leads disrupting your flow.A Writing Tool That Goes EverywhereAt just 4.7 inches (120mm), this all-metal pencil is compact enough to slip effortlessly into your pocket or EDC toolkit. Its the perfect balance between portability and comfort, never too short to cramp your style during extended note-taking sessions and never too long to feel cumbersome. Whether youre brainstorming ideas at a caf or sketching designs on the fly, this pencil is always at handready to roll when you are.Design That Does It AllTrue to its name, this everlasting pencil doesnt just performit looks the part. The faceted metal barrel, finished with a tactile matte texture, feels premium in hand and guarantees a secure grip no matter how you hold it. That subtle texture isnt just for show; it prevents the pencil from rolling off desksbecause losing your tools mid-work session is the kind of drama no one needs.And because details matter, it comes with a leather cap thats as stylish as it is functional. Slide it over the tip and tuck the pencil safely in your pocket without worrying about stray marks on your clothes. Its a small touch that makes this tool as easygoing as it is reliable.The Pencil, PerfectedWhether youre drafting designs, jotting down quick notes, or sketching the next big idea, the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil delivers a smooth, stress-free writing experience every time. Its the tool youll reach for again and againready, reliable, and always sharp. Its time to leave broken leads, dull tips, and endless sharpening behind. This is writing, redefined.Click Here to Buy Now: $18 $20 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 24 hours!The post Everlasting Metal Pencil Changes How You Write With No Sharpening Needed first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, 2024 has ushered in a wave of groundbreaking designs that push the boundaries of innovation and redefine our relationship with devices. From futuristic smartphones to compact computing solutions, this years tech landscape is rich with creative concepts that challenge conventional norms. In this 2024 Wrapped, we have curated five exceptional tech products that blew our minds this year.Each tech product offers a unique perspective on functionality and design, showcasing the creativity and forward-thinking that drive the tech industry. Whether its a smartphone with an unconventional shape or a mini PC that fits in your pocket, these innovations promise to change how we interact with technology. Dive in!1. Nokia Infinity ProThe Nokia Infinity Pro Concept Phone transforms the smartphone design with a unique pill-shaped form, which challenges the conventional candy bar design. The device merges the elements of foldable clamshells and smartwatches, providing an ergonomic fit with its curvaceous shape.The phone features a full-surface screen, which wraps around the front, creating an immersive display experience. The back features a dual-camera system and a circular display for notifications and control when placed face down. The concept isnt simply about aesthetics, it also redefines functionality and ergonomics in smartphone design.Why is it noteworthy?The Nokia Infinity Pro demonstrates a bold departure from traditional smartphone designs. By eliminating sharp corners, it promises a more comfortable grip, addressing a common ergonomic issue. Its innovative screen design maximizes display area, enhancing user interaction. The dual camera and secondary display setup offer new ways to engage with the device, providing functionality without distraction. This concept represents a step forward in smartphone evolution, merging practicality with futuristic design, making its mark in 2024.What we likeErgonomic, corner-free design for comfortable handling.Full-surface screen for an immersive display experience.What we dislikePotential concerns about grip and slipperiness.Conceptual stage with unknown durability and feasibility.2. Nothing Phone (3)Called the Nothing Phone 3 Concept, this design showcases a creative leap in smartphone design. It redefines the brands iconic Glyph interface. It is designed by AndroidLe, and the Glyphs G-shaped arc has been transformed into an O shape. It elegantly encircles the wireless charging coils.The design also includes a revamped LED array around a new three-camera setup, which integrates a clover-meets-fidget-spinner aesthetic. The top-right glyph light, battery, and charging indicators remain intact. The concept successfully embodies Nothings commitment to consumer-focused innovation, and it maintains a distinctive visual identity that sets it apart.Why is it noteworthy?The Nothing Phone 3 Concept showcases a bold design evolution, demonstrating the brands dedication to consumer engagement and innovation. By reshaping the Glyph interface, it offers a fresh aesthetic while enhancing functionality, particularly around the camera system. As a visual exercise, this concept hints at exciting possibilities for future Nothing products, keeping the brands design trajectory intriguing and unpredictable, making it one of the groundbreaking designs we witnessed this year.What we likeInnovative Glyph redesign enhances aesthetics and functionality.Three-camera setup promises improved photography options.What we dislikeThe conceptual design may not reach production.Changes might not appeal to all existing users.3. Philips Screeneo UL5 SmartAnother tech revelation we witnessed in 2024 is the Philips Screeneo UL5 Smart Projector. The appliance is a worthy addition to our homes and entertainment arsenal. It is designed to be a budget-friendly ultra-short-throw projector that creates a captivating viewing experience without a TV. The projector measures over 8 inches long, 3.7 inches wide, and 3.4 inches tall.It can project a 100-inch screen from 20 inches away, transforming any room into a mini-theater. It boasts Full HD 1080p resolution, and a vibrant color output, on account of a DLP chip and triple-laser light source. It creates budget-friendly movie experiences in the comfort of your own home.Why is it noteworthy?The Philips Screeneo UL5 Smart Projector offers an exceptional cinematic experience without breaking the bank. Its standout feature is the 0.23:1 ultra-short throw ratio, which allows it to project a large image from a short distance, making it ideal for compact living spaces. With automatic keystone correction and focus adjustment, setting up the projector is a breeze, letting users dive into their favorite content with ease.What we likeIts compact size and ultra-short throw capability make it perfect for small spaces.Comes with its operating system for streaming services, eliminating the need for extra devices.What we dislikeDoes not offer the 4K resolution found in higher-end models.At 550 ANSI lumens, it might struggle in brightly lit environments.4. Lunar Mini PCNamed the Lunar Mini PC, this design revolutionizes portable computing with its clever design. It is a foldable keyboard that holds a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Processor. The compact device provides a complete PC experience in a portable form. It doesnt include a built-in screen, thereby allowing users to connect to external displays for a tailored setup.This solution saves battery life and aligns with modern work habits, where connectivity and flexibility are required. This mini PC is an excellent option for those who are often on the go. It gives them the power of a full-sized PC, and it will seamlessly fit into your routine, giving you access wherever you like.Why is it noteworthy?The Lunar Mini PC showcases an innovative design that merges portability with high performance. Its design caters to modern work styles, enabling seamless transitions between various environments and display setups. This mini PC is a game-changer for those seeking a powerful yet portable computing solution, making it a standout innovation in 2024s tech landscape.What we likeHigh-performance AMD Ryzen processor in a compact form.Flexible connectivity with external displays enhances usability.What we dislikeThe lack of a built-in screen may not suit all users.Requires external components for full functionality.5. Google TV StreamerSay hello to the Google TV Streamer! This is Chromecasts successor, and Apple TVs natural rival, and one of the designs that impressed us this year. It features a slanted top and a firm block base. The gadget showcases a minimal white color theme, distinguishing it from the small dongle Chromecast. It does maintain the Google TV branding though.It is the latest 4K streaming device from Google, and it is great for your movie-watching marathons. It is paired with a remote led by a D-Pad on the top and the back, and a gray-colored home button. The volume buttons are on the front below the home button, and not on the side.Why is it noteworthy?The Google TV Streamer boasts a refreshed design and comes with an upgraded remote control. The new remote is longer than its predecessor the Chromecast, offering notable improvements in both design and tactile feel. The streaming box itself connects via two cables at the back, likely for power and HDMI connectivity.What we likeFeatures a sleek, flat tabletop form factor.Comes with enhanced and upgraded smart home controls.What we dislikeUtilizes Wi-Fi 5, missing out on newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.It carries a higher price tag compared to the Chromecast with Google TV.The post 2024 Wrapped: Unveiling The Top 5 Innovative Tech Designs first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Obsidian Havenvisualized by Nikoletta Talahadzeis a breath of fresh air. Every detail whispers sophistication, and every corner invites relaxation. All while being a contrast between light and dark gray. The pendant lights cast soft shadows, while the rust accents bring the space to life. A tour through the Obsidian Haven will show you how neutrals can tell a design story of their own.The open-concept living area seamlessly blends the living space and kitchen. A muted grey palette dominates the interior. This is softened by warm terracotta accents, adding depth and vibrancy.In the living area, we see a sleek, low-profile sectional sofa. This is paired with a curved glass coffee table. It is transparent, which means light can pass througha secret to visually opening the space. The orange throw and cushions inject some much-needed warmth in the otherwise contemporary interior.In the kitchen area, a black marble-top island with unique veining makes a statement. This is paired with warm terracotta bar stools. Their rounded designs help add organic formsand, consequently, warmthto the space. The cabinetry is minimalist and hardware-less, while the under-cabinet lighting is incredibly sleek. Together, these enhance the kitchens streamlined look.Throughout the space, floor-to-ceiling windows are paired with easy-to-use blinds. These provide city views, perfectly complementing the modern ambiance.The modern bedroom uses a contrast of light and dark gray. Warm terracotta is injected through the pendant lightsasymmetrically hanging on one side of the bed. The nightstands are sleek and minimalist, while a potted plant and globe light bring each one to life. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, again, provide a glimpse into the busy city outdoors.In one corner, a sleek desk is paired with an orange ergonomic chair, forming a minimalist workstation. Here, open shelving allows plenty of room for accessories.The bathroom continues the dark color scheme with warm accentsparticularly added through the vessel sink. A sleek walll-mounted toilet and shower cubicle make sure the bathroom provides optimal functionality. A special mention for the lighting, which strategically casts shadows to create a visually intriguing environment.