Building smart devices into your home doesnt have to mean sacrificing design. Many current and previous generation smart locks are bulky and unattractive, but companies like Level are creating sleek and minimalistic options that blend seamlessly with any home decor. Level has been at the forefront of smart lock design for some time now, and the new Level Lock+ (Matter) continues this trend, offering robust features while maintaining its stylish design.At first glance, the Level Lock+ (Matter) looks identical to its predecessor, the Level Lock+. Thats a good thing, though. The Level Lock+ is sleek and stylish, and nothing about the exterior of the lock makes it seem as though its actually a smart lock. Both the exterior and the interior portions of the lock look like any other standard locking mechanism, albeit a well-designed one at that.The most notable update in the Level Lock+ (Matter) is its support for Matter, a unified smart home standard developed by industry leaders like Apple, Google, and Amazon. Matter ensures seamless integration with any modern smart home ecosystem, eliminating the need to check for compatibility with specific platforms. Whether you use Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Alexa, the Level Lock+ (Matter) fits right in.In addition to Matter support, the lock offers several convenient features. Notably, it works with Apple Home Keys, allowing you to simply tap your iPhone to the lock when you get home to unlock it. It also works with the Level Keypad, which is sold separately but can be installed outside your door so that you can input a code to enter, and more importantly, it allows you to set up guest codes that you can give to someone who might only need to access your home one time, for example. Lastly, you can use it with a key fob.Smart locks like the Level Lock+ (Matter) offer practical benefits. They let you control your lock from your phone and, when connected to a smart home hub, provide remote access from anywhere with an internet connection. Installation is straightforward, making it accessible even for DIY enthusiasts.Available in Satin Nickel or Matte Black, the Level Lock+ (Matter) is available for $329 via level.co.

10. Larry Booth Shares the Places + Spaces That Captivate Him + MoreLarry Booths natural flair for design and architectural convictions have garnered him some 50+ years of professional practice where he has significantly contributed to Chicagos cultural landscape in addition to the broader academic arena. As the founder and principal/director of Booth Hansen, he has led by example proving that robust design solutions come from an open and organized collaborative studio.9. Alda Ly Revels in Reeded Glass, Icelandic Baths + MoreArchitect Alda Ly continues to assemble a portfolio of meaningful work designing for entrepreneurs and startups with her practice ALA Studio. She has a storied history of socially conscious contributions to the field and employs ethnographic research to inform her concepts. Though Lys practice tackles a wide range of projects, each space is imbued with a sense of play and reflective of her deep consideration for the clients human experience.8. Hadiya Williams on Connections, a Love of Old Objects+ MoreThe tendrils of graphic thinking extend into almost every other facet of design, as evidenced by the work of Hadiya Williams and her design studio Black Pepper Paperie Co. She draws from two decades of experience in the graphic arts to inform fresh objects in the realm of ceramics and surface design. Whats more, her work builds on a storied tradition of West African art and textiles while referencing the Black Arts Movement and the early 20th century Harlem Renaissance.7. Susan Maddux Shares Her Vintage Textiles, Art Collection + MoreLos Angeles-based artist Susan Maddux makes works that are an incredible three-dimensional experience drawing. Her origami-inspired technique transforms paintings into oversized wall sculptures through experimentation with proportion and patterning. The work also connects Maddux a 4th generation Hapa-Japanese woman to generations of artisans who came before her.6. Kate Rohrer on Jumpsuits, Earthy Scents + MoreCreative practice is inextricably linked to life experience. And for interior designer Kate Rohrer, her time waiting tables and pouring cocktails in the food service industry still informs the way she approaches hospitality projects. Her firm ROHE Creative is responsible for some exhilarating spaces thanks to Rohrers unabashed use of color and penchant for rich textures seamlessly blending disparate styles into unique personal narratives.5. Sarah Jefferys Prizes Sustainable Design, Lots of Natural Light + MorePassive house design, net zero goals, and sustainability. These things might sound like headaches for some, but for Sarah Jefferys who leads her namesake firm, Sarah Jefferys Architecture + Interiors they are the impetus to arrive at the most robust design solution for people and the planet. An expert in her field with over 20 years of experience, Jefferys is on a mission to reach net zero on all her studios projects within the next decade.4. George Smart on His Favorite Modernist Residential ArchitectureHaving defected from a career in consulting, George Smart set on a new path to pay it forward. While researching design precedents for a new family home, he noticed the lack of reputable online sources for the everyman. He decided to build his own repository, which marked the founding of NCModernist, and later USModernist the worlds largest nonprofit educational archive dedicated to the documentation, preservation, and promotion of Modernist residential design.3. Brigette Romanek Loves Alaia Dresses, Soulful Books + MoreGwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Joe Jonas, Christian Bale, Beyonc, and Jay-Z. While celebrity may be one throughline connecting these stars, interior designer Brigette Romanek is another. The award-winning creative started styling interiors roughly a decade ago and has already grown her creative practice into a highly sought after design studio now stepping into the realm of product design.2. Kickie Chudikova Loves the Art of Scent, Issey Miyake + MoreIndustrial designer Kickie Chudikovas curiosity for artful objects is exercised in the design of every product, home furnishing, and artifact she manufactures with the hopes that it will provide their owners with enrichment or fulfillment for a lifetime. Chudikova has never limited herself in material palette or by color, always looking for a solution that invites interaction, with future aspirations to tackle food.And the most popular Friday Five post of 2024 is1. Dale Chihuly Shares His Favorite Architect + Beloved CollectionsGlass is enchanting, and for master of his craft Dale Chihuly, the mediums properties are incomparable. His work includes more than 200 museum collections worldwide and his rsum is equally as decorated. It boasts many accolades including two fellowships, 13 honorary doctorates, and title as co-founder of the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. Chihuly is one of few leading the development of this industry into the future.Check out the rest of Design Milks end of the year coverage here!

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.This holiday season, if youre looking for a budget-friendly gift that punches above its weight, the Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker is now $38 (down from $59.99)its lowest price ever according to price trackers. Measuring 3 by 3.8 inches and weighing just 9.7 ounces, this speaker is compact enough to fit in a stocking or toss in a bag. Plus, it comes in four color options including black, gray, orange, and blue, and features a removable lanyard for added portability (makes it easy to attach to your bag or carry wherever you go). Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $38.00 at Amazon $59.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal Get Deal $38.00 at Amazon $59.99 Save $21.99 The SRS-XB100 packs a two-watt driver and a passive bass radiator that work together to deliver mono audio with a frequency range of 100Hz to 15kHzpretty impressive for such a small speaker. Youll find all the necessary controls, including a multifunction button (for playback, track navigation, and call management), a power button, volume controls, and a Bluetooth pairing button neatly placed around the base of the speaker. The SRS-XB100 connects via Bluetooth 5.3 and works with AAC and SBC codecs. Additionally, if youre an Android user, youll appreciate the Google Fast Pair feature, which makes setup quick and effortless on compatible devicesa handy perk highlighted in this PCMag review.For such a small speaker, the SRS-XB100 delivers surprisingly powerful sound with a solid amount of thump. That said, its not designed for deep bass and cant quite compete with larger, pricier options. Still, for its size, its more than enough to fill a room or keep the vibe going outdoors. Speaking of outdoors, the SRS-XB100 boasts a durable build with an IP67 rating, meaning you can dunk it underwater, roll it around on the beach, or even give it a quick rinse. And with a battery life of up to 16 hours (according to the manufacturer), you wont have to constantly worry about recharging during your adventures.

There's so much hype around New Year's Eve each year that it can be hard for the holiday to live up to expectations. Whether you brave a crowded bar or head over to a friend's house, the pressure's on to have a good time and kick off another trip around the sun. Even if you don't leave your own couch, you may feel as though you have to stay up until midnight and tune in to watch the ball drop in Times Square. Well, if you don't want to stay awake or put in any effort, but also don't want to ignore the holiday completely, here's some good news: You can livestream New Year's Eve celebrations from around the world for free.How to watch New Year's Eve celebrations around the worldWhether you have kids (or adults) who need to be in bed before midnight, or you're sick of watching the ball drop in Times Square, EarthCam.coma global network of live streaming webcamsis a good resource to check out. It has a number of locations around the world covered, giving you the chance to ring in 2025 live from another continent. Live streams will be available from:Rio de Janeiro, BrazilQueenstown, New ZealandSeoul, South KoreaPattaya, ThailandTbilisi, GeorgiaMoscow, RussiaCape Town, South AfricaPointe de Flacq, MauritiusTamariu, SpainBudapest, HungaryDublin, IrelandAmsterdam, NetherlandsNegril, Jamaica Washington, DCBaltimore, MarylandCleveland, OhioPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaChicago, IllinoisNiagara Falls, CanadaNew Orleans, LouisianaDallas, TexasToronto, CanadaEdmonton, CanadaSaranac Lake, New YorkLas Vegas, NevadaSeattle, WashingtonSan Diego, CaliforniaSan Francisco, CaliforniaHonolulu, HawaiiIf you do want to watch the ball drop in New York, EarthCam's coverage from Times Square begins with a special at 6pm ET, followed by the countdown itself, starting at 10pm ET.

The Star Trek collection on Paramount+ is getting a new addition in January. Star Trek: Section 31 (Jan. 24) is the 14th filmand first TV moviein the franchise and stars Michelle Yeoh reprising her Star Trek: Discovery role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou. The story is set between Star Trek: The Original Series films and Star Trek: The Next Generation series and sees Yeoh's character join the secret Section 31, which is tasked with protecting United Federation of Planets. New series to the platform in January include a reprisal of the classic gameshow Hollywood Squares (Jan. 9) hosted by Nate Burleson and Drew Barrymore and Watson (Jan. 26), a medical and investigative drama starring Morris Chestnut as Sherlock Holmes' friend and partner in the months following the detective's death. Paramount+ with Showtime viewers can watch the livestream of The Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 5, and all Paramount+ subscribers will get CBS's NFL coverage in January, including the NFL Wild Card game (Jan. 11 or 12), the AFC divisional playoff game (Jan. 18 or 19), and the AFC championship (Jan. 26). Heres everything else coming to the service in January. Note that titles with an asterisk are exclusive to Paramount+ With Showtime; everything else is also available to subscribers on the ad-supported plan. Those with two asterisks are available to Paramount+ With Showtime users streaming live on CBS and to all subscribers the following day.Paramount+ Originals and premieres coming in January 2025Available January 1Murder Company*Slingshot*Available January 17Henry Danger: The Movie, premiere Available January 24Star Trek: Section 31, premiere TV shows coming to Paramount+ in January 2025Available January 5The Golden Globe Awards**Available January 8Raid the Cage (season 2)**The Price is Right at Night**Available January 9Hollywood Squares**Available January 15Danger Force (season 3)Matlock (1986, seasons 1-9)Available January 22Isle of MTV: Malta (2024 special)Help! Im in a Secret Relationship (season 3)Available January 26Watson**Available January 29The Tiny Chef Show (season 2)Available January 31NCIS: Sydney (season 2)**Movies coming to Paramount+ in January 2025Available January 12 Days In The Valley40 Days and 40 NightsA Crime on the BayouA Dog's PurposeA Night At The RoxburyA.C.O.D.AdventurelandAgent Game*AlliedAlmost Famous AmistadAn Officer and a GentlemanArrivalBarbarella Basic InstinctBecky*Best DefenseBig JakeBlack NoiseBook ClubBoomerang Bounce BreakdownBuddy GamesChinatownChocolatCitizen Ruth Clear and Present DangerCold Mountain Confessions Of A Dangerous MindCop LandCrawlspaceCrazy, Stupid, Love. CursedDark AssetDeath Wish Dirty Pretty ThingsDomestic Disturbance Don't Look NowDown To You Downsizing Drillbit TaylorDrive Angry*Drop Zone Ella EnchantedEmma (1996)Face/OffFatal AttractionFinal DestinationFirst BloodFlorence Foster JenkinsFocusFootloose (2011)Forces of Nature FoxfireFridaGood BoyGood Mourning*Halloween VIII: ResurrectionHeaven Can WaitHouse of Sand and FogImagine ThatIndecent ProposalJack Ryan: Shadow RecruitJackass Presents: Bad GrandpaJackass Presents: Bad Grandpa .5 Unrated Judgement Night Just a KissK-19: The WidowmakerKinky BootsKiss The GirlsLabor DayLabyrinthLady of the Manor*Like a BossMr. Malcom's List Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult NightwatchPaid in Full Panama*Paper MoonParanormal ActivityParanormal Activity 2Paranormal Activity 3Paranormal Activity 4Paranormal Activity: The Marked OnesPatriot GamesPet Sematary IIPoltergeistRabbit-Proof FenceRace for Your Life, Charlie BrownRambo IIIRambo: First Blood Part IIRed Eye Revolutionary RoadRosemary's BabyRun & GunSanta Stole Our Dog!Scary Movie Scary Movie 2SeabiscuitSearching For Bobby FischerSherlock GnomesShutter Island Sidewalks Of New YorkSilenceSlingshot Snake EyesSome Kind of WonderfulStardust Staying AliveStrictly Ballroom Tales From the Darkside: The Movie Tammy's Always Dying*The Addams Family (1991)The AviatorThe Conversation The CrowThe Crow: City of AngelsThe Crow: Wicked Prayer The Doors The First Wives ClubThe GamblerThe Honeymooners The HoursThe HunterThe Importance of Being Earnest The Intervention The Ladies ManThe Long Kiss GoodnightThe Longest YardThe Manchurian CandidateThe MechanicThe Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of FearThe Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!The Night ClerkThe Original Kings of ComedyThe PeacemakerThe Perfect ScoreThe PledgeThe Queens of ComedyThe RomanticsThe Ruins The Running ManThe ScoreThe SoloistThe Spiderwick ChroniclesThe SwitchThe Talented Mr. RipleyThe Three AmigosThe Truman ShowThe Two JakesThe United States of LelandThe UntouchablesThe Virgin SuicidesThe Wolf of Wall StreetThe WordsThe YardsThere Will Be BloodThings We Lost In The FireThree Days of the CondorTrainspottingTrekkies 2UndisputedV for VengeanceVirtuosityWaking Up In RenoWar*WifeLikeZeroville*ZodiacAvailable January 2Step Up Revolution*Available January 480 for BradyAvailable January 8Blippi's Big Dino AdventureBlippi's Out-of-this-World Space AdventureBlippi's Wonderful World TourAvailable January 21Long Gone HeroesAvailable January 26Who's Your Caddy?*Available January 28Killshot*Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon*Available January 29The Land*Available January 31A Murder in the Park*Good Kill*Manglehorn*The D Train*The Seven Five*

Bluesky has rolled out an update that fixes one important issue that could lead to impersonation on the decentralized social network. Now, when you verify your identity on the platform with your own domain, Bluesky will no longer free up your old .bsky.social username. In the past, going through the authentication process will make your original .bsky.social name available again, which means you'll have to sign up again to secure your old handle if you don't want impersonators to scoop it up.The social network has been trying to fix its verification issues, which became a significant problem after the service welcomed an influx of new users in recent months. A third-party entity from Cornell Tech who analyzed the app's userbase previously found that 44 percent of Bluesky's 100 most-followed accounts have a doppelganger. As a response, Bluesky adopted a more aggressive impersonation policy and required parody, satire or fan accounts to label themselves as such in both their handles and their bio in late November. It also explicitly prohibited identity churning, in which users would start off as impersonators to gain followers and then switch their identity later to avoid enforcement action.In addition to reserving your old handle, the updated Bluesky app adds a "Mentions" tab in notifications, making it much easier to find replies to your posts. As The Verge notes, it also has a new button that lets you choose how replies show up, so you can choose to see them in a linear order or in threaded discussions. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/blueskys-latest-update-addresses-an-important-verification-problem-140055367.html?src=rss

Last week, Google allegedly instructed contract workers evaluating Gemini not to skip any prompts, regardless of their expertise, TechCrunch reports based on internal guidance it viewed.Now, contractors have allegedly been instructed not to skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge and to rate the parts of the prompt you understand, adding a note that its not an area they have knowledge in. Apparently, the only times contractors can skip now are if a big chunk of the information is missing or if it has harmful content.Google filed a statement to Engadget, saying its raters perform a wide range of tasks across many different Google products and platforms. They provide valuable feedback on more than just the content of the answers, but also on the style, format and other factors. Mat SmithGet this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest tech stories you missedSonic the Hedgehog 4 movie confirmed by ParamountDJI evades US ban but has one year to prove its products arent a national security threatThe Steam Winter Sale is here to take all your moneyElevation Labs TimeCapsule is a waterproof 10-year battery case for your AirTagA literal set and forget.LenovoElevation Lab has released an accessory for the Apple AirTag that extends its battery life by up to 10 years and makes it waterproof. The TimeCapsule contains your AirTag and two AA batteries. You dont need to open your AirTag and tinker with it you only have to remove its backplate and coin battery before attaching it to the case. As you can see, it will make your tracking device a lot bigger and considerably heftier, so its mostly ideal for use with large objects, such as vehicles and big suitcases. Peace of mind for $20 plus two AAs.Continue reading.Honda is unveiling two EV prototypes at CES 2025The concepts broke cover last year.Honda is officially introducing two Series 0 electric vehicle prototypes at CES next year, and the company says theyll be available for purchase around the world sometime in 2026. The vehicles will be based on the futuristic-looking concepts the company presented at CES 2024, including a flagship model called the Saloon, which featured a low profile and aerodynamic design.Continue reading.Lenovos leaked ThinkBook Plus unrolls extra screen spaceThe company teased a rollable laptop concept in 2022.LenovoAccording to images shared by leaker Evan Blass, Lenovos sixth-generation ThinkBook Plus will have an extendable rolling display. The company first teased a rollable laptop concept in 2022. The display can extend and unroll until you effectively have two screens stacked on top of each other. Lenovos images show a video call open on the top part of the display, and what looks like a PowerPoint presentation on the bottom. It looks a little weird.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121541903.html?src=rss

Apple has issued a complaint about Meta regarding the DMAs mandated interoperability requests, as reported by Reuters. The iPhone maker says that Meta has issued 15 of these requests, which it says could impact the privacy and security of users. Meta disagrees.First, a quick primer. The EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires that Apple allow rivals and third-party app developers to inter-operate with its own services or risk a steep fine, as much as ten percent of global turnover. Under the terms of the DMA, Apple must allow other companies to submit interoperability requests for hardware and software that affect iOS and iPadOS devices.Apple must assess these requests and, if approved, have to design a solution to allow for effective interoperability. Meta has issued 15 of these requests, more than any other company, and Apple says that compliance would give the company extensive access to its technology stack. Apple also says that doing so could put the privacy and security of users at risk."If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords and more," Apple wrote in a statement to Reuters.The company also referred to Metas recent privacy issues throughout Europe. Meta has been fined in various countries for data breaches and for tracking users across apps, among other concerns.Meta, of course, has a different take on things. The social media and VR giant wrote that what Apple is actually saying is they dont believe in interoperability. Every time Apple is called out for its anticompetitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.We sent preliminary findings to Apple under the Digital Markets Act.Apple should open iOS features like notifications, AirPlay, and AirDrop to third-party devices, enhancing innovation and user choice.It should also improve transparency and predictability for developers European Commission (@EU_Commission) December 19, 2024 We dont know if the EU will intervene on behalf of Apple or Meta in this case, but the European Commission recently published preliminary directions on how Apple should open up to rivals. These measures would require Apple to be transparent regarding the different phases, deadlines and criteria involving the completion of interoperability requests.These proposed measures are open for debate until January 9. In March, a decision is expected as to whether or not Apple has complied with the DMAs interoperability provision.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-and-meta-are-beefing-over-the-dmas-mandated-interoperability-requests-155851120.html?src=rss

Mirai is scanning for poorly protected Session Smart routers, and is using them to run DDoS attacks.

The penultimate streaming list of the year has arrived here's what's worth watching this weekend.