The party is over for Party City, which is closing all its stores and going out of business after 40 years of supplying balloons, cups, candles, and tableware for everything from birthday and anniversary parties to Halloween and Super Bowl celebrations. The New Jersey-based retailer is the largest party supply store in the U.S., with more than 800 locations.In a video meeting on Friday, a recording of which was seen by Fast Company, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees that Party City is winding down operations immediately and Friday would be their last day of work, adding that the companys best efforts have not been enough to overcome its current financial challenges.Litwin, who took over as CEO just four months ago, said that store closing sales are beginning today and will continue over the coming weeks and months.According to CNN, which reported the news of the closing, Litwin noted that the company struggled with inflation and high costs leading to declining sales.Like many retailers, including Big Lots, which is also going out of business, Party City struggled with changing consumer habits as fewer Americans are shopping in-store at big retailers and are opting instead for cheaper goods online or forgoing purchases altogether. Party City also faced increased competition from Spirit Halloween and its new Christmas pop-up stores, which debuted this holiday season.Fast Company has reached out multiple times and to multiple points of contact at Party City for comment, but did not immediately hear back.The news follows a Bloomberg report that the companys parent company, Party City Holdco Inc., was considering selling the business or filing for bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years. Party City had been struggling financially for years, with poor sales and about $1.8 billion in debt when it entered bankruptcy in 2023.This story has been updated with new developments.

One of the oldest architectural sites in the world is getting the MrBeast treatment.A recently released video clip features the famous YouTuber saying that he rented the Great Pyramids of Giza for an upcoming video.We got all three of the pyramids of Egypt for a hundred hours, Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast) says in an upcoming episode of the Beyond The Records podcast, hosted by Olympians Noah Lyles, Rai Benjamin, and Grant Holloway. Im going to do a video where theyre going to let me explore anywhere I want in the pyramids for 100 hours. Were going to sleep at the pyramids, all to ourselves.MrBeast is known for producing highly dramatic, heavily funded videos that routinely rake in hundreds of millions of views. A random smattering of recent videos on his channel include I saved 100 Dogs from Dying, Face Your Biggest Fear to Win $800,000, and 100 Identical Twins Fight For $250,000.Hes managed to relay his over 337 million YouTube subscribers into a new Amazon Prime Video show called Beast Games and other businesses. Theres even a Harvard Business School case study on his empire. But hes also faced heavy criticism along the way. Hes been accused by a handful of contestants on Beast Games for shamelessly exploiting them while competing. An employee also left his company in July following accusations that she shared inappropriate sexual messages with minors.MrBeast says on the podcast that he worked with the Egyptian government to get access to the historic site.Ive never been inside of it, he says. I want to just find secrets and go through all the rooms and the tombs and that kind of stuff. He adds that he and his crew will have a guide showing them around.MrBeast, who has distilled online virality to a science, knows what people will be looking for. I want them to be like, this is the room no ones seen publicly or whatever, he adds. Im so excited, because theres all these secret quarters deep below too, and I dont know what to expect.

Workers at Starbucks stores plan to go on a five-day strike starting Friday to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.The strikes are scheduled to begin in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle and could spread to hundreds of stores across the country by Christmas Eve.Starbucks Workers United, the union that has organized workers at 535 company-owned U.S. stores since 2021, said Starbucks has failed to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement this year. The union also wants the company to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice charges that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board.The union noted that Starbuckss new Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, who started in September, could make more than $100 million in his first year on the job. But the company recently proposed an economic package with no new wage increases for unionized baristas now and a 1.5% increase in future years, the union said.Union baristas know their value, and theyre not going to accept a proposal that doesnt treat them as true partners, said Lynne Fox, president of Workers United.Seattle-based Starbucks said Workers United prematurely ended a bargaining session this week. Starbucks has nearly 10,000 company-owned stores in the U.S.We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements. We need the union to return to the table, Starbucks said in a statement.Starbucks said it already offers pay and benefitsincluding free college tuition and paid family leaveworth $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week.The strikes arent the first during Starbuckss busy holiday season. In November 2023, thousands of workers at more than 200 stores walked out on Red Cup Day, a day when the company usually gives away thousands of reusable cups. Hundreds of workers also went on strike in June 2023 to protest after the union said Starbucks banned Pride displays at some stores.The union and the company struck a different tone early this year, when they returned to the bargaining table and pledged to reach an agreement. Starbucks said it has held nine bargaining sessions with the union since April, and has reached more than 30 agreements with the union.But the two sides now appear to be at an impasse.In a year when Starbucks invested so many millions in top executive talent, it has failed to present the baristas who make its company run with a viable economic proposal, said Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a Starbucks barista from Texas and bargaining delegate, in a statement.Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Business Writer

A Bamboo Sanctuary has been named Dezeen Awards China 2024 interiors project of the year following the announcement of all seven interior winners at this evening's ceremony in Shanghai.The seven winners awarded at the second annual Dezeen Awards China ceremony are located in five different cities including Hong Kong, Beijing, Xiamen and Shanghai.A Bamboo Sanctuary crowned interiors project of the yearA Bamboo Sanctuary won the prestigious interiors project of the year award, sponsored by Huawei. It was also named home interior project of the year, sponsored by Gaggenau.The judges praised the project for its compact and practical functional layout, precise and meticulous size control, warm and comfortable material planning."This interior design thinking is mature and restrained," the judges said.A Bamboo Sanctuary won interior project of the year. Photo by Common StudioOther winners include a flagship store with "petal-like" facade in Shanghai and an exhibition installation inspired by traditional temple furniture in Beijing.Entries were scored by our interiors jury, which includes Kuang Ming Chou and Vera Chu from design studio Vermillion Zhou, Vincent de Graaf and Wendy Saunders from Aim Architecture and Dirk Zscherpe from Bentley Motors China.View the winning interiors projects on the Dezeen Awards China website or read below:Photo by Canter and Gallop DesignInteriors project of the year and home interior of the year: A Bamboo Sanctuary by Canter and Gallop DesignInformed by Kyoto's peaceful bamboo forests, the residence on top of a seaside cliff has been re-imagined as a serene sanctuary amidst bamboo trees.The design blends earthy materials, subtle textures, and thoughtful elements to reflect the owner's love for nature and spiritual sensibilities."The result is a tactile haven that whispers tranquillity, inviting its inhabitants to slow down and cultivate a deeper connection with their inner selves and nature," said the studioRead more about A Bamboo Sanctuary Photo by Light String StudioWorkplace interior of the year: Sanj Haus by Sanj Design StudioThe studio transformed a historic arcade building into a design studio that includes a coffee shop, preserving the architectural features of the original structure to honour local history and culture."The design hopes to revitalise the space and participate in recording and inheriting the history of old Xiamen with the indigenous people," said the studio."For this shophouse, we consciously tried to express what was old and what was new in terms of the design language and how the material is applied."Read more about Sanj Haus by Sanj Design Studio Photo by Yumeng ZhuExhibition design of the year: Exhibition Installations and Permanent Historical Exhibition at Hong'en Temple by Wonder ArchitectsThe architecture studio developed an exhibition that showcases the temple's over 700-year history, reflecting the transformation of Beijing's old city.The exhibition installations draw inspiration from traditional temple furniture, designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled to adapt to varying needs."The information presented in the exhibition can ferment through the interaction between people and objects and between people and space, creating a novel experience," said Wonder Architects."This becomes a documentary reconstruction of the historical site, which does not even rely on the space with historical information itself."Read more about Sanj Haus by Sanj Design Studio Photo by Steven KoHealth and wellbeing interior of the year: Gym Town by M.R. StudioThe founder of Myron Kwan Studio created a futuristic space with Mars-inspired elements that help visitors detach from their busy urban lives and focus on their health goals.Occupying an entire floor within the On Hing Building in Hong Kong, the 550-square-metre gym provides a luxurious fitness space that includes a "celestial" common area, changing rooms with executive lockers, a designated area for weight training, high-end cardio equipment and a professional combat and boxing zone.Read more about Gym Town by M.R. Studio Photo by LIA Interior DesignHotel and short-stay interior project of the year: Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya by Lia Interior DesignSituated in the tower of a shopping mall complex, the hotel's design facilitates pedestrian flow and adapts to the limited architectural space. The designer incorporated elements of traditional Chinese aesthetics, local architecture and coastal vacation style into the hotel for business travellers."The basic demand of customers is to create a high-quality business travel hotel experience in the coastal resort city of Sanya," said Lia Interior Design."At the same time, they value Rio Design's aesthetic fusion of humanities, fashion and locality, thus giving birth to the hotel."Read more about Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya by LIA Interior Design Photo by HuaweiRetail interior of the year: Huawei TKL Flagship Store by UNStudioThe store, which was inspired by nature and Huawei's Harmony operating system, features biophilic forms that create a smooth transition between the indoors and outdoors.The store's exterior facade features the spiralling "Tree of Harmony" elements integrated with interactive experiences through AR.The studio utilised a colour palette of warm and soothing tones for the store's interior, facilitating the connection between the store's multifunctional spaces across both floors."Our design for the flagship store blends interactive experiences, technology and community creation," said UNStudio."The store provides a contemporary venue as inviting environments for consumers and visitors to meet, share and innovate."Read more about Huawei TKL Flagship Store by UNStudio Photo by Half Half PhotographyRestaurant and bar interior of the year: Da Niao Yakitori Interior Design by Atelier TuoThe studio crafted a home-like restaurant with a deep, narrow entrance and integrated the contemporary design into an irregular site framed by historical buildings from various eras.The restaurant's interior features a bamboo ceiling that appears to float above the counter, defining the centre of the space while discreetly concealing the ventilation and air-conditioning systems.Read more about Da Niao Yakitori Interior Design by Atelier Tuo Dezeen Awards China 2024 in partnership with BentleyDezeen Awards China is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across China. The second edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.The post Bamboo forest-informed home named Dezeen Awards China 2024 best interior appeared first on Dezeen.

An observation cabin in Tibet has been named Dezeen Awards China 2024 architecture project of the year at a ceremony in Shanghai where all eight architecture winners were named.The winners were awarded at the second annual Dezeen Awards China ceremony. Dezeen Awards China aims to shine a spotlight on the best Chinese architecture, interiors and design, providing international recognition from around the globe.Shannan Beehive Observation Cabin crowned project of the yearShannan Beehive Observation Cabin by Omno Lab won architecture project of the year. It was also named cultural project of the year."The black box design is well integrated into its surroundings, sparking curiosity and encouraging visitors to explore the beehive story inside," said judge Sou Fujimoto."The use of treated wood stands out as a thoughtful choice, balancing nature, functionality, ecology, tradition, and craftsmanship."A cabin using black carbonized wood in Tibet won architecture project of the yearOther winners include Hangzhou-based architecture practice Line+ Studio for its woven timber tunnel and international studio Aedas for a skyscraperin Shenzhen.Entries were scored by our judges including architects Fujimoto, Amanda Levete, Doreen Heng Liu, Li Hu and Huang Wenjing, and architectural theorist and critic Xiangning Li.View the winning architecture projects on the Dezeen Awards China website or read below:Photo by Qiwei Jiang/Shen GaoArchitecture project of the year and cultural project of the year: Shannan Beehive Observation Cabin by Omno LabSituated amid the mountains in Shannan City in Tibet, the 60-year-old former orchard was transformed into a honey bee foraging area.Omno Lab used black carbonised wood as the primary building material to resist the harsh conditions of the high-altitude plateau. The use of black colour blends the structure into the surrounding forest while forming a distinctive black landmark symbol."We designed it both for the bees that live here and for the visitors who set foot on this land because of their faith," said Omno Lab."At the same time, this is also a rural revitalisation project we hope that through such a project, we attract more tourists into Tibet, into Shannan, to learn about the people and natural heritage here, therefore bring some economic benefits to the park and nearby villagers."Read more about Shannan Beehive Observation Cabin Photo by Spacework ArchitectsResidential project of the year: Courtyard Under Longan Trees by Spacework ArchitectsLocated at the corner of the college campus, Spacework Architects' designed the building around the natural distribution of the longan trees, to form a symbiotic relationship between the building and its environment."Our strategy is to go with the flow and let the natural distribution of preexisting trees inform the configuration of the building," said Spacework Architects. "The resulting building volumes give shapes to multiple courtyards, and seemingly have become containers for the fruit trees."Read more about Courtyard Under Longan Trees by Spacework Architects Photo by AedasWorkplace project of the year: Shenzhen Transsion Holdings Headquarters (T33 Full-Time Centre) by AedasAs a local landmark at the heart of Liuxiandong HQ Base, the tower offers a three-dimensional green office environment, breaking the spatial barriers between office floors and providing more room for interaction and connection with nature."We have set up several sky gardens to reduce the impact of east-west sunlight on the building's energy consumption," said Aedas."To ensure that office workers on each floor see green garden spaces when they step out of the elevator, we have positioned the east-west gardens directly opposite the tower's core," it continued.Read more about Shenzhen Transsion Holdings Headquarters (T33 Full-Time Centre) by Aedas Photo by Fangfang Tian/ACFCivic project of the year: Shenzhen Energy Ring by Schmidt Hammer LassenThis distinctive power plant is one of Shenzhen's largest waste incineration facilities and addresses critical environmental challenges such as minimising energy consumption, water usage and carbon emissions."In line with the client's initiative to 'build a factory, return a park,' this project demonstrates an innovative integration of large-scale industrial functionality with public educational areas, aiming to foster a harmonious dialogue between the waste treatment facility and the surrounding community," said Schmidt Hammer Lassen.Read more about Shenzhen Energy Ring by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Photo by Arch-Exist Photography, Line+Landscape and urban project project of the year: Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks by Line+ StudioLocated in Xiayanbei Village, Zhejiang Province, the tunnel frames the landscape as a gateway and protects the road from further erosion during heavy rainfall."We transform a typical entrance into a unique experiential journey," said Line+. "Also, the site was previously split by road construction. We pose risks of soil erosion and landslides, making the tunnel a vital infrastructure for ecological restoration."Read more about Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks by Line+ Studio Photo by Lei ZhangRebirth project of the year: Staircase Space Old Factory Space, New Book Cafe by Suzao ArchitectsLocated in the M60 creative campus in Kunming, the studio transformed the 12-metre factory into a cultural space with a bookstore and leisure facilities, whilst retaining the original architectural features."We designed a giant bookshelf using an entire wall of the factory building, making it the most core visual focus in the space and carefully designed the traffic walkways in the space, shuttling between the bookshelves on each floor and various functional areas in the space," said Suzao Architects.Read more about Staircase Space Old Factory Space, New Book Cafe by Suzao Architects Photo by Wenjun LiangMixed-use project of the year: Flying Carpet by GN ArchitectsThe parent-child activity centre in Ado Town has various functions under a sweeping roof, with the gaps between them forming public spaces."We designed a rolled-up roof, under which are four independent functional bodies: a multi-functional hall, a cinema, stairs, and a cafe," said GN Architects."The roof is the main visual part of the facade, weakening other elements and making the facade effects completely different during the day and at night."Read more about Flying Carpet by GN Architects Photo by Dong ImageHospitality project of the year: Guangzhou Ji Yun Yao Resort by Line+ StudioLine+ reconstructed the settlement by renovating and rebuilding the existing structures with guest rooms arranged at various heights to offer diverse landscape views."The aim was to revive the original village using modern profiles combined with local rammed earth materials," said Line+."We used sloping and steep roofs for 18 guest rooms. And they are arranged organically according to landscape orientation and terrain conditions, interconnected by variously scaled landscape platforms," it continued.Read more about Guangzhou Ji Yun Yao Resort by Line+ Studio Dezeen Awards China 2024 in partnership with BentleyDezeen Awards China is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across China. The second edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.The post Shannan Beehive Observation Cabin named best building at Dezeen Awards China 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Chinese studio People's Architecture Office has converted an old porcelain factory in Jingdezhen into workshops and a gallery using colourful steel and glass extensions.Named Porcelain Factory Plug-in Revival, the project is located alongside the Imperial Kiln Ruins and Imperial Kiln Museum in a historical part of the city dubbed the porcelain capital of the world.Beijing-based People's Architecture Office's (PAO) design opens up the previously private site to expand the area's offering for both locals and tourists.People's Architecture Office has transformed an old porcelain factory in JingdezhenUsing a strategy that the studio calls "plug-in architecture", the site's traditional brick and timber structures have been extended and interlinked with contemporary elements in glass and blue and orange steel."By using plug-in architecture, the design addresses contemporary needs within a heritage context, adding functional spaces that support modern artistic practices and community interaction," PAO principal James Shen told Dezeen."This approach enables modern interventions to coexist with traditional elements, creating a space that harmonies old and new as a form of urban regeneration," he added.The studio connected the old structures with modern elementsAt the centre of the site next to a large brick chimney, PAO has encased the factory's tallest structure in a glazed shell.This aims to better connect its internal exhibition spaces and cafe to a surrounding public square, created by uniting two previously isolated courtyards.Read: XStudio transforms abandoned bar in Gran Canaria into a workshop and apartmentThis central form is topped by an oversized roof described by Shen as the project's "contemporary focal point". It is finished with clay tiles on the exterior and faceted, slatted wood ceilings above the internal spaces."The three-story glass building, a key intervention, anchors the public square and introduces openness and transparency, visually harmonising with the surrounding traditional architecture," he explained.The central structure is encased in a glazed shell"The balance between modern and traditional is emphasised by the roof's 'floating' quality over the transparent enclosure, creating a memorable architectural feature that elegantly bridges the distinction between the past and the present," Shen added.Around this central structure are the restored porcelain workshops, of which the existing brick and timber structures have been restored and extended by PAO with a series of prefabricated cuboid modules, staircases and walkways.PAO chose colourful finishes for the new steel elementsEach metal-clad module has allowed the insertion of modern facilities into the old buildings, including a kitchen, bathrooms, meeting spaces and sleeping areas, while minimising disruption to their existing fabric.PAO was founded in Beijing in 2010 by Shen, He Zhe, and Zang Feng. Previous projects by the studio include an amoeba-shaped public restroom in Manshan Park and the renovation of a school in Shenzhen with blue-toned metalwork.The photography is by Zhu Yumeng.The post PAO transforms Chinese porcelain factory using "plug-in architecture" appeared first on Dezeen.

Huaweis FreeBuds Pro 4 aims to redefine the way we experience wireless audio, blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design. As the latest addition to the companys flagship lineup, these earbuds promise high-resolution sound, exceptional call quality, and intuitive features designed for real-world use. From tackling noisy environments during calls to delivering an immersive music experience with tailored EQ settings, the FreeBuds Pro 4 seems ready to take on the challenges of everyday life. Lets dive into how they perform.PROS: Bone-Conduction Technology for Outstanding Call Quality Dual-Driver True Sound System for Immersive Audio Effective Noise Control Modes Memory Foam Tips for Comfort and Noise Isolation Dual-Device Connection for Multi-TaskingCONS: Battery Life with All Features Enabled Limited Customization Options for EQRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:FreeBuds Pro 4 redefines clarity and comfortperfect for immersive listening and crystal-clear calls in any environment.Designer: HuaweiDesign and AestheticsHuaweis FreeBuds Pro 4 comes into a world already saturated by wireless earbuds that promise comfort, clarity, and a stylish form. The design language of these Huawei earbuds should not be ignored, especially considering how many brands forget that we wear these devices as part of our personal style. This isnt a gaudy attempt at jewelry. Instead, its understated style enhances its appeal, allowing it to complement a wide range of personal aesthetics while remaining functional. The minimalist design ensures that the earbuds feel professional for work calls yet casual enough for everyday use, making them versatile for any scenario.Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4The FreeBuds Pro 4 comes across more like a finely tuned instrument. The materials and finishing radiate a subtle sense of care rather than flamboyance. They feel confident in their presence. While certain earlier earbud models from various brands have been plagued by slippery finishes or cheap-feeling plastic, Huawei took time to produce something that can actually withstand everyday handling without showing scratches the moment you toss them into a bag. I respect that.The subtle branding and finishing details dont scream for attention, but if you pay attention, you notice the layers of careful craftsmanship. These are refined enough that you can hold them and sense the design decisions that Huawei made. They are small objects that serve multiple roles in a modern lifestyle. Whether its transitioning seamlessly from a high-stakes business call to an evening of relaxing music, these earbuds adapt effortlessly. They feel purposeful, combining functional elegance with durabilityoffering a sense of reliability that makes you proud to use them daily, not as just another disposable gadget.ErgonomicsThe fit inside my ears is stable and comfortable, thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a wide range of ear shapes. I wore them for hours on end during my flight from Dubai to Dallas, and they remained incredibly comfortablea testament to Huaweis ergonomic design. The memory foam ear tips adapt naturally to the ear canal, creating a secure yet unobtrusive seal that minimizes sound leakage while enhancing comfort. This seal plays a vital role in reducing ambient noise, allowing me to immerse myself in music or focus on work without interruption.One of the FreeBuds Pro 4s most impressive aspects is its lightweight construction. Even after prolonged use, I didnt feel any strain or pressure on my ears, a crucial feature for long-haul travelers or those wearing them throughout the day. The thoughtful balance of form and function ensures these earbuds feel natural as an extension of your daily routine.The design also fosters a sense of acoustic balance. Whether I was navigating through a bustling airport terminal or seated in a noisy cabin, the FreeBuds Pro 4 delivered a consistent sense of calm. The combination of comfort, practicality, and noise isolation creates an experience that feels uniquely tailored to real-world challenges, making these earbuds more than just another gadget in your bag.PerformanceThe Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 offers a variety of noise control modes that adapt to your environment and personal preferences, enhancing the overall listening experience. The Noise Canceling mode, set to Ultra, excels in eliminating background distractions such as bustling terminals or airplane cabins. During my flight from Dubai to Dallas, switching to this mode drowned out the low rumble of the engines and even softened the sharp cries of a nearby baby, making it far easier to focus on music or relax.The Awareness mode is equally practical for situations where you need to stay alert. While waiting for boarding announcements at the airport, I switched to this mode and appreciated how it amplified surrounding sounds just enough to keep me connected to my environment without removing the clarity of my audio.For moments when no active noise cancellation is needed, the Off mode provides a more neutral experience, preserving battery life while still offering the same high-quality audio playback. These modes illustrate Huaweis thoughtful approach to real-world usability. Moving seamlessly between a quiet office, a busy public space, or even transitioning from one to the other, the earbuds adapt without skipping a beat.What I love most about these transitions is the audible notification that accompanies each mode switch. Its a simple yet thoughtful addition that ensures I know exactly which setting Ive selected without needing to glance at the app. This level of intuitive design is rare and makes a noticeable difference in seamless usability.Through its high-end specifications, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 offers a refined listening experience. At the heart of its design is the Dual-driver True Sound system combined with retuned Digital Cross-Over technology. This configuration allows precise handling of individual frequency ranges, offering clarity and depth for every track. Supporting this is the powerful 11mm Quad-Magnet Dynamic Driver Unit, ensuring rich and distortion-free sound across different genres.To enhance the audio quality further, Huaweis proprietary Bluetooth L2HC 4.0 codec enables high-resolution audio transmission at up to 24-bit/48kHz with an impressive 2.3 Mbps speed. These features ensure that music playback remains immersive and true to its original quality, from soft instrumentals to dynamic, bass-heavy tracks.Using the EQ presets provided in the app, I tested various music genres that align with my preferences.Bass Boost: I turned on Bass Boost for tracks like Dua Lipas Dont Start Now and Calvin Harriss Slide. The low-end frequencies gained a deep, rich punch without overpowering the vocals or the treble. The bass remains tight and controlled, adding energy to upbeat tracks.Treble Boost: For acoustic recordings, I switched to Treble Boost while listening to John Mayers Neon and Fleetwood Macs Landslide. The clarity of the plucked strings came through vividly, giving these tracks a lifelike quality that felt intimate and warm.Voices: For podcasts and vocal-heavy tracks like Adeles Hello or Sam Smiths Stay With Me, the Voices setting isolated the mids perfectly, making every word and note resonate with clarity. Even during noisy environments, the emphasis on vocal frequencies ensured nothing got lost.Hi-Fi Live: Playing Queens Bohemian Rhapsody in Hi-Fi Live mode captured the dynamic shifts in the song beautifully. The balance between the intricate layering of vocals and instruments felt almost like being present at a live performance.Classical: While listening to Yo-Yo Mas performance of Bachs Cello Suite No. 1, the Classical preset highlighted the warmth and depth of the cello, enhancing every bow strokes detail and emotion.Sitting next to a screaming infant on an airplane prior to takeoff, I placed a call to a colleague. The sharp, piercing cries of the baby, alternating between high-pitched wails and desperate sobs, created an environment that felt chaotic and overwhelming. The FreeBuds Pro 4, equipped with advanced bone-conduction VPU microphone technology and an AI noise reduction algorithm, dulled the high-pitched wails to a manageable hum. This ensured my conversation remained uninterrupted. On the other end of the line, my colleague heard my voice with alarming clarity, reporting that the background noise was virtually eliminated. Even in a breezy outdoor space, the wind did not translate into overwhelming mic distortion. Thanks to this technology, the other side of the line received a well-isolated version of my voice. Meetings, calls, and interviews can proceed naturally, even in less-than-ideal conditions.Each preset feels tailored to amplify the strengths of specific genres without resorting to over-processing. The Dual-driver True Sound system works with the Digital Cross-Over technology to provide a clean, distortion-free experience. When playing back lossless audio files at 24-bit/48kHz, as in Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues, the earbuds reveal an extra layer of tonal richness thats absent in most competing earbuds.The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 pushes a real sense of precision in their sound. I know these are not pro-audio-grade studio monitors, but they do not need to be. Instead, they strike a healthy balance between detail and warmth.Value and ConclusionIn my ongoing evaluation of audio gear, I place a heavy emphasis on how something works in daily life. Specs, brand names, and press releases can only tell a fraction of the story. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 shows the company understands what it means to integrate seamlessly into a users world. For example, when moving from a video call on my laptop to playing music on my phone, the Dual Device Connection feature ensures a smooth transition without the need for manual pairing. This functionality, combined with wear detection that pauses and resumes audio automatically, makes the earbuds feel intuitive and effortless to use.The clarity of call quality, the stable performance in streaming high-fidelity audio, and the robust battery life stand out more strongly than any marketing buzz. The brands focus on noise cancellation that actually works in varied environments shows care and attention to real-world challenges. The comfort of memory foam ear tips that reduce sound leakage stands out as well. This new Huawei model demonstrates that the company took real-world obstacles into account, from wind noise to inconsistent network conditions.The underlying message from Huaweis FreeBuds Pro 4 is that refinement and practicality dont have to sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. High-resolution audio retains its crispness without compromising stable connectivity. The design combines comfort with individuality, avoiding the generic aesthetic that fades into the background. Noise cancellation handles unpredictable environments effectively, not limiting itself to quiet offices. Smart features are thoughtfully implemented to enhance workflows without coming across as gimmicks.All these elements come together in these earbuds and reflect an approach that respects the users real-world context. After thorough use, I am impressed with how consistently well these earbuds handle everyday challenges. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 is far more than a spec sheet or a flashy launch event. Theyre a step toward making wireless earbuds fit into our lives as effortlessly as possible, blending balanced sound reproduction, stable calls, and comfortable ergonomics in a way that rewards those who actually pay attention to what matters.The post Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 Review: Transforming Everyday Listening with Superior Audio and Seamless Communication first appeared on Yanko Design.

A new supply chain analyst report suggests that Apple will begin converting its existing iPad lineup to OLED as soon as 2026, with a new folding tablet coming shortly after.iPad ProThe report, which comes courtesy of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), suggests that Apple will introduce an 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini in 2026. This isn't the first time that DSCC has suggested it, either, as DSCC CEO Ross Young had taken this stance in October 2024.DSCC suspects that Apple will upgrade both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air to OLED in 2027. This is in line with another rumor from August, which says that Samsung Display will be selected as the main supplier of OLED panels for the iPad Air. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A holiday price war has erupted on Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip and a bump up to 1TB of storage. Save $220 on the laptop, plus grab bonus savings on AppleCare.Grab this 1TB MacBook Pro for $1,979 during holiday price war.We're tracking a new price drop on Apple's M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch, with the 1TB model in Space Black dipping to $1,979* with promo code APINSIDER at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama.com. This is a result of a price war with B&H, which has the same configuration on sale for $1,999 (no coupon needed).Use code APINSIDER Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Fresh from its latest operating system releases, Apple has moved on to a new generation of developer betas, providing the first builds of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, tvOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3, and visionOS 2.3.Examples of Apple Intelligence at work. Apple released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS 15.2, tvOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2, and visionOS 2.2 on December 11, bringing an end to the last cycle of beta testing. Now, Apple has moved on to a fresh new batch.The first iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 developer betas share build number 22D5034e, with macOS Sequoia 15.3 using build number 24D5034. The first tvOS 18.3 build is 22K5534e, the first watchOS 11.3 build is 22S5534d, and the first visionOS 2.3 build is 22N5875e. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums