LG Electronics just revealed a tiny home concept that opens the van life community to a new audience: tech bros.The concept vehicle, called the Lifestyle Solution for Mobility, is essentially a futuristic van that could be customized with any combination of LGs smart home appliances. According to its press release, users could configure the vans living space however their heart desires, from a creator studio for influencers to a business lounge for Silicon Valley types. The prototype will be on display at the South Korean companys booth at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, January 7-10.Based on what LG has shared so far, the van is a summation of the companys current aspirations to achieve near-total home automationjust in a miniaturized, fully mobile form. Its rear cabin is outfitted to accommodate entertainment systems, laundry, cooking appliances, and more, all powered by ThinQ ON, LGs voice-activated AI assistant.[Photo: LG]The prototype is a vehicle (um, literally) for showcasing LGs Mobility Experience (MX) platform, which the company defines as smart life solutions to create a seamless connection between mobility and the AI Home. Per LG, the MX platform will be available as a subscription service, though its unclear exactly what that means in practice. Fast Company has reached out to LG for comment, and will update this story accordingly.Ultimately, the Lifestyle Solution for Mobility is less about driving and more about vibing. The press release points to prevailing auto industry trends as design inspiration, which are shifting away from traditional notions of transportation and toward the idea of vehicles as a personalized lifestyle space. This avant-garde notion of van-as-lifestyle extends somewhat to Jaguars recent rebrand, which stirred up a healthy dose of controversy. LGs smart concept van seems to rest at the intersection of individuals who would like to chuck all their worldly possessions and hit the road and those who want a tech lab of Tony Stark proportions on hand at all timesa puzzling target audience, to be sure.Its unclear whether this collection of tech-buzzwords-on-wheels will ever actually be available, given that the van is still in the ideas phase right now. In fact, LG has introduced several vehicle concepts in past years that have not (yet) come to fruition, including an autonomous vehicle with backward-facing seats and a camper with an outdoor beer fridge. For now, startup founders itching for the open road will have to settle for a more old-fashioned route.

The man who drove a truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans on New Years Day, killing 14, had previously scouted the French Quarter and recorded video with his Meta smart glasses, the FBI said.On Oct. 31, Shamsud-Din Jabbar recorded video with the glasses as he cycled through the French Quarter and plotted the attack, said Lyonel Myrthil, FBI special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office. Jabbar also wore the glasses, which are capable of livestreaming, during the attack, but did not activate them.A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, declined to comment.Heres what the glasses are capable of:What are Meta glasses?Meta glasses, made in partnership with Ray-Ban, are frames with a built-in camera, speakers, and artificial intelligence that can be controlled with your voice, buttons, and some simple gestures. Some functions, such as listening to music or interacting with Metas AI assistant, require the device to be either paired with a phone or able to access the internet.The wearable does not have a display built into the lens, unlike some past industry attempts at building augmented-reality smart glasses. However, Meta has said it is working on a pair of glasses that will give users a fully holographic experience.What the glasses can doOne of the glasses main selling points is the ability to capture images and video using the onboard camera, then upload those files to Instagram or Facebook. You can also livestream, but only to Metas compatible social platforms.You can also use the glasses to make audio and video calls, message people, or listen to music.The camera also allows Metas AI assistant to see what youre seeing, allowing it to translate text into multiple languages (spoken back to you, or shown on a paired phone app), and answer simple questions, such as searching the nearest landmark to your location. The glasses are largely a hands-free experience so you will be talking to your deviceand it will reply.What the glasses cant doThe glasses currently cannot perform complex tasks that other digital assistants might be able to, like booking you a reservation at a restaurant or giving you turn-by-turn directions while youre on the move. And theres no display in the lens, so there isnt a viewfinder for framing photos or video.There are also visual indicators built into the system that allow bystanders to know when youre shooting video or taking photos. This LED privacy indicator stays on while you use the camera functions. According to Meta, you cant disable this light to be more discreet in your actions.

Just weeks before the end of his presidency, President Joe Biden has signed a new act into law that is set to increase monthly Social Security payments for close to three million Americans.The bill, called the Social Security Fairness Act, repeals two provisions that, for more than 40 years, have lessened Social Security payments to a wide group of public sector employees. Heres what to know about how the new act will affect retired Americans:What is the Social Security Fairness Act?The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).The WEP, established in 1983, is a formula used to reduce Social Security benefits for those who also receive disability benefits or a pensionspecifically, recipients of non-covered pensions, which are defined as a pension paid by an employer that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary. Most often, these employers are state and local governments.The GPO, established in 1977, reduces Social Security benefits for spouses or widowers of non-covered pension recipients.Who will benefit from the new act?Those most affected by the former provisions are middle-class Americans, including government retirees and public sector employees like firefighters, public school teachers, post office workers, and police officers.All told, the WEP and GPO impacted about two million and 750,000 Americans in 2023, respectively.How much money can I expect?In public remarks on Sunday, Biden said more than 2.5 million Americans formerly under the scope of the WEP or GPO will receive an average boost of $360 per month in Social Security benefits. Additionally, they can expect a lump-sum back payment in the thousands of dollars to account for the shortfall in benefits in 2024.Where can I find more details?The Social Security Administration is expected to publish more details on the acts implementation, including timing of payouts, on its website sometime soon.

New York City has become the first city in the US to charge a toll for vehicles entering the city during peak traffic areas in an attempt to reduce congestion, pollution and to provide funds for the city's public transportation.Congestion pricing was officially implemented in the city in early January, following a sudden and controversial indefinite pause by New York Governor Kathy Hochulin summer 2023.Enforced by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the policy affects vehicles entering the "Congestion Relief Zone", an area of Manhattan that covers Manhattan below 60th Street, which includes all of Midtown and Downtown.According to the MTA, the charges depend on a number of factors such as the type of vehicle and the time of day. The tolls range from $9 (7.20) for passenger cars to $21.60 (17.27) for large trucks.New York City has implemented the first congestion pricing in the USThe "peak period" of highest rates is in effect from 5 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends, with tolls dropping significantly in "overnight" after hours.Pricing will also reflect inflation, with the $9 (7.20) charge expected to reach $12 (9.59) by 2028.The MTA cites wasted time sitting in traffic, clogged streets, delayed travel time, as well as air pollution and its health impacts as reasons for the policy, although at least since Hochul's 2023 pause, it has become highly politicised.Read: New York transit infrastructure risks "falling behind" after paused congestion pricingOpponents of the policy include US president-elect Donald Trump and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) labour union, which has issued an outstanding lawsuit."Today's announcement changes nothing pollution and traffic congestion will be worse in the poor, working- and middle-class neighbourhoods of the city, and these same families are still being asked to shoulder the cost," said UFT president Michael Mulgrew on the announcement of the revival of the plan in November."No one disputes that New York needs to invest in public transit. But doing it on the backs of the working people of New York City is wrong, and tone deaf."Some, such as the New York chapter of the AIA, have spoken out in support.In their statement, the AIA referenced the success of similar tolls in cities such as London, which implemented a policy in 2003, and Singapore's 1998 Electronic Road Pricing system.According to Transport for London, after 20 years the toll has "already delivered huge progress in tackling toxic air" but critics generally argue the charges impact lower-income individuals the most.Writer Phineas Harper previously discussed how politicians should "actively dismantle old car infrastructure" to reduce congestion in London, while the 2020 Coronavirus saw cities across Europe and America exploring more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly urban planning.The photography is courtesy of the MTA via FlickrThe post New York first US city to implement traffic-congestion pricing appeared first on Dezeen.

Acers Aspire Vero 16 laptop stands as a testament to sustainable innovation, committed to achieving carbon neutrality throughout its entire lifecycle. This groundbreaking device boasts a chassis crafted from over 70% post-consumer recycled plastic combined with bio-based oyster shell material, marking a pioneering step in eco-friendly technology. Its design not only promotes sustainability but also ensures ease of repair, contributing to a longer product lifespan and reduced waste.At the heart of this laptop is a promise of carbon neutrality throughout its lifecycle. Acer has made a bold move by incorporating bio-based oyster shell material, making it the first in the world to do so. This innovation underscores Acers dedication to environmental responsibility and pushes the boundaries of whats possible in sustainable technology. But dont let its green credentials fool youthis laptop packs a punch. With Intel Core Ultra 200H series processors and Intel Arc graphics, its ready to handle anything from spreadsheets to streaming with ease. This combination ensures that your tasks are completed efficiently, making it a top choice for both professionals and creatives.Designer: AcerDurability meets style in the Aspire Vero 16. Its MIL-STD-810H-certified chassis can take a beating while maintaining a sleek, modern look. This green but mean machine doesnt just talk the talk; it walks the walk, offering a perfect blend of sustainability and high performance. Whether youre crunching numbers or creating art, its powerful specs, including up to 32 GB of memory and 2 TB of storage, have got you covered. The design not only focuses on robustness but also reflects a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on performance.Visuals are where the Aspire Vero 16 truly shines. Its 16-inch display delivers crisp, vibrant images with 100% sRGB color support, all framed by ultra-slim bezels for a wide viewing experience. Whether youre working on detailed design projects or binge-watching your favorite series, the screen is a feast for the eyes. Plus, with a 1440P QHD webcam and top-notch privacy features, your video calls have never looked better. This makes the laptop an excellent choice for remote workers and students who rely on virtual meetings and collaborations.Connectivity is a breeze with this laptop. It comes loaded with Wi-Fi 7, HDMI 2.1, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, ensuring you stay plugged into your digital world without a hitch. The ocean-bound plastic touchpad and reduced PET thickness further emphasize its eco-friendly design, proving that you can have a tech-savvy device thats kind to the planet. This thoughtful approach to materials not only benefits the environment but also sets a new standard for the industry.This laptop encourages a change in how we think about our devices. With an easy-to-repair design, users are more likely to fix rather than replace, reducing electronic waste. This approach not only saves money in the long run but also conserves resources, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. The Aspire Vero 16 invites us to rethink our consumption habits and make choices that reflect our values.Choosing the Acer Aspire Vero 16 means embracing a new era of technology where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Its an invitation to be part of a community that values both technological advancement and environmental stewardship. As more companies follow Acers lead, we can look forward to a future where all tech products are designed with the planet in mind, offering us the best of both worlds. The Acer Aspire Vero 16 will be available in North America starting in April with a suggested retail price of $799.99.The post Acer Aspire Vero 16 with Bio-based Oyster Shell Material Brings Sustainable Performance first appeared on Yanko Design.

PC gaming used to mean being glued to your chair and desk at home, but times have quickly changed for the past years. In addition to gaming laptops that are becoming more powerful while retaining their portable designs, were now also seeing a flood of handheld gaming PCs that truly make that dream of portable gaming come true for many PC gamers. And were just seeing the start of this PC gaming revolution, with more designs and variety to come!At CES 2025, Acer is giving an appetizer of those innovations which include an 11-inch handheld with detachable controllers, a foldable phone controller, and a new line of gaming laptops to cater to a diverse range of gamers, needs, and budgets. Of course, with that much power and AI-enhanced features, these mobile computers are also ready to empower designers, artists, and creators to bring their work to life on the go. Designer: AcerAcer Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 Handheld Gaming DevicesWith an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and Radeon 780M graphics, the new Nitro Blaze handhelds are capable of handling many demanding games and applications without tying gamers down to a single spot. The fast 144Hz WQXGA displays, paired with Radeon Super Resolution and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution technologies, deliver crisp graphics and vibrant visuals even with a lower resolution setting. Peripherals are also no problem with two USB Type-C ports (4 and 3.2) as well as Bluetooth 5.3. The 8-inch Nitro Blaze 8 and 11-inch Blaze 11 deliver everything a PC gamer can want to enjoy their favorite titles on the go and more!The Acer Nitro Blaze 11 is particularly interesting because of its extra-large screen, which is almost a mini laptop in size. With detachable controllers, it practically becomes a tablet that can do more than just play games. It even has a 5MP front camera for video streaming and video calls. Its practically a mobile all-in-one computer that lets you bring your entertainment and work with you anywhere you go. The Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11 will land in North America in Q2 with an SRP of $899 and $1,099, respectively.Acer Nitro V AI Gaming LaptopsAcers Nitro family of laptops has always been a popular choice for users who need an all-around portable PC thats capable not only of gaming but serious work as well. With the new Nitro V line, Acer is expanding its roster with laptops that have AI built in their very core. Powered by Intel Core 200H series or AMD Ryzen AI processors and coming with display sizes ranging from 14 to 17 inches, these laptops cover a variety of combinations to address the needs of an equally varied audience.Of course, all members of the Nitro V series boast AI chops that not only improve the gaming experience but also accelerate productivity. Whether its using Cocreater in MS Paint for prompt-based image creations or PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice for professional video meetings, the Acer Nitro V gaming laptops promise to handle any task you throw at them with aplomb. Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming ControllerMobile gaming traditionally referred to gaming on smartphones but now encompasses handheld PCs as well. Of course, Acer hasnt forgotten the OG of on-the-go gamers and is launching a controller made especially for smartphones and designed with a unique twist. Or rather, a unique fold.The Nitro Mobile Controller features a foldable design that makes it easy to put away and shove into your bag when youre done with a quick round of Fortnite or Mobile Legends. Its adjustable design can also accommodate screen sizes of up to 8.3 inches, which covers most foldable phones as well. The USB-C port provides a reliable connection and 18W pass-through fast charging promises worry-free extended gameplay. The Acer Nitro Mobile Controller goes on sale this quarter for $69.99.The post Acer Levels Up Mobile Gaming at CES 2025 with New Nitro V Laptops and Blaze Handhelds first appeared on Yanko Design.

As peoples tastes in content become more sophisticated, the tools used to create such content also need to evolve. But rather than simply throwing in more hardware at the problem, PC makers like Acer are trying to push the boundaries of whats possible when it comes to raw power while still keeping designs clean, elegant, and light. Part of that relies on using AI to not only optimize the computers operations but also provide creators with tools that make their work feel almost effortless.At CES 2025, Acer is announcing a wide range of designs that deliver this kind of power to consumers, gamers, creators, and everyone in between. Whether youre looking for a lightweight laptop or an AI-enhanced desktop, the brands family of Swift and Aspire computers promises to help designers, developers, and knowledge workers make the best use of their time and resources by simplifying workflows and providing tools to make tasks a breeze.Designer: AcerAcer Swift Go 16 and Swift Go 14: Portable Power in StyleDesign with discerning mobile professionals in mind, the Acert Swift Go 16 and 14 bring performance in a sleek and portable design. Laser-etched covers add a touch of sophistication to the laptops appearance, while a rich set of features allows the mobile computer to adapt to many working styles and needs. The use of PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials and recycled packing also gives the new Acer Swift Go laptops a character that cares for their owners future and well-being.Despite their slim design, the Acer Swift Go 16 and 14 are hardly lacking in power or features, especially when it comes to AI tools that help enhance creators workflows. Microsoft Copilot helps find inspiration as well as answers, while Acer LiveArt 2.0 helps kickstart the creative process. The Acer Swift Go 16 will be available in North America in April with a starting retail price of $949.99, followed by the Acer Swift Go 14 in May, starting at $899.99.Key FeaturesPowered by Intel Core Ultra 9 200H Series with 99 total on-device AI TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second)16-inch and 14-inch screen sizes, 3K OLED display or 2K IPS touchscreen optionsWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual Thunderbolt 4 portsAcer Swift Go 16 AI and Swift Go 14 AI Copilot+ PCs: Long-lasting ProductivityAcer Swift Go 16 AILeveraging AMDs powerful and efficient platform, the new Acer Swift Go AI Copilot+ laptops boast a battery life of more than 24 hours during video playback alone. Combining the AcerSense suite of AI-powered tools with Microsofts Copilot+ features, users of all types will experience joy and satisfaction at every turn, whether its drawing pictures with text prompts using Cocreator in Paint or real-time translations of video calls with Live Captions.The new Swift Go AI line doesnt just perform well, they also look great with their thin and light designs. An anodized aluminum chassis brings out the laptops modern aesthetic perfectly, while a dual arrow pattern on the laptop cover adds a unique character to its design. The Acer Swift Go 16 AI lands in North America in April for $949.99, while the smaller Acer Swift Go 14 AI arrives in May for $899.99.Acer Swift Go 14 AIKey FeaturesPowered by new AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors and Radeon 800M graphics for AI-powered productivity3K OLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates for stunning visuals1440p QHD IR camera, DTS X: Ultra audio, and 3-mic array for professional video callsAcer Aspire 14 AI Laptop: Accessible and Reliable AINot everyone might need all the bells and whistles of an expensive computer, but everyone will appreciate a powerful tool they can afford. Promising up to 22 hours of video playback, the Acer Aspire 14 AI focuses on the essentials to deliver AI-enhanced functionality and long battery life at a great price point. With a durable aluminum top and bottom cover, as well as a lightweight 1.4kg design, this laptop is ready to go with you wherever inspiration takes you. Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports cover the most basic connectivity needs of mobile professionals, while the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with a dedicated NPU makes short work of AI workloads. It comes fully equipped with Acers suite of AI-enhanced features, from PurifiedVoice and PurifiedView for professional video calls to Acer Assist which provides a personalized knowledge base even without an Internet connection. The Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop goes on sale next month, starting at $799.99.Key FeaturesRunning on an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory180-degree 14-inch OLED display or WUXGA touch-enabled panelIncorporates 50% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) material in the chassis, 100% recyclable packagingAcer Aspire S AI and Aspire C AI Desktops: Beautiful WorkstationsThose who want a more traditional stationary computer dont have to sacrifice power and looks with the Acer Aspire S AI. With a minimalist white design, this all-in-one computer exudes sophistication even while delivering all the AI power you need to get the job done. Offering touch panel options and a display with a tilt range of -3 to 25 degrees, the Aspire S AI provides flexible viewing angles that will help designs make sure their work is flawless from every side. The Acer Aspire S AI AIO starts at $1,199.99 and will be available in North America in the second quarter.The Acer Aspire C AI similarly offers an all-in-one package that covers the essentials without compromising on the design. Slim and stylish, this desktop computer packs enough power to handle not just creative work but even some light gaming on the side, especially with a 180Hz display refresh rate. A wide range of ports, which includes a DisplayPort and USB 2.0 Type-C ports, ensures compatibility with almost any peripheral or tool you need to bring your ideas to life. The Acer Aspire C AI AIO starts at $999.99 and will be available in Q2.Key FeaturesPowered by the latest Intel (Aspire S AI) and AMD (Aspire C AI) processor with dedicated NPUsStylish all-in-one designs for tidy cable management and minimalist desk setupsThe post Acer Empowers Creative Professionals with Next-Gen Swift Laptops and AI PCs at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

MacworldApple on Monday released iOS/iPadOS 18.2.1, a small update that addresses bug fixes. It arrives just a few weeks before iOS 18.3, which began testing in December.Apples release notes are very brief, merely stating that the update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users. Its not clear what the update specifically fixes as there are no known widespread bugs in iOS 18.2.On Apples security site, it says the update has no published CVE entries, which is unusual for point updates. Additionally, there is no corresponding update for macOS or iOS 17 devices.Apple released iOS 18.2 in mid-December with several new Apple Intelligence features including ChatGPT integration, several quality-of-life improvements, and numerous security updates.To update your iPhone or iPad, head over to the Settings app, then General and Software Update. The 500MB update will take several minutes to install.

MacworldNo matter what MacBook model you want, getting more than a $100 or $200 discount on one is like finding a four-leaf clover. And thats exactly how we felt when we found this decked-out deal: B&H Photo is selling the 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro for $3,399, a massive $600 off its $3,999 MSRP.Granted, thats hardly cheap, but this is an absolutely spectacular configuration. With a 20-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB RAM, and 1TB of storage, youll pretty much be working on a rocket. Its the absolute top end of performance for this generation and will serve you well for years to come. Its also got incredible battery life and of course, is ready for Apple Intelligence as it continues its rollout throughout 2025.Sure, its not the latest model with the M4 chip, but the top-of-the-line M3 Max is nothing to turn your nose at, either. Also note that this MacBook Pro also has a Thunderbolt 4 rather than the newer generation the M4 models come with, but right now, Thunderbolt 5 accessories are very still slim and expensive anyway.So go ahead and take advantage of this rare discount and save a jaw-dropping $600 on one of Apples best-ever laptops.Get a huge discount on a high-end MacBook ProBuy now at B&H

MacworldOWC has unveiled a couple of new cables for those users in production setups that rely on Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. What makes the USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable different from other Thunderbolt 4 cables is their extended lengthstheyre available in either 3-meter (9.8-feet) or 4.5-meter (14.76-feet) lengths.The OWC cables are optical cables instead of copper, which allows the cables to handle data at faster rates over a longer distance. OWC also claims that the cables are immune to EMF and RFI interference, and stable signal support beyond 2 meters. The 3-meter cable is lab certified to deliver 240 watts of power, while the 4.5-meter cable can do 60 watts. The cables also have a braided nylon sheath for durability.OWCs cables are some of the longer ones youll find and a nice alternative to Apples. Apples largest option is a high-quality 3-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable, which sells for $159. OWCs 3-meter cable is $95, a whopping $54 cheaper. OWC also has a reputation for making quality stuff, so you dont have to worry about sacrificing anything while saving money.Keep in mind that OWCs cables are Thunderbolt 4 cables. Apple updated the M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro and M4 Pro Mac mini with Thunderbolt 5, and you need cables made with the Thunderbolt 5 specification to take advantage of its 120Gbps throughput. These cables have the same USB-C connection, however, so they will still work just at slower speeds.The OWC Thunderbolt cables are available now at the OWC site.USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cables