As wildfires in the Los Angeles area continue to spread and force people from their homes, various shelter options have opened to offer free or discounted stays for evacueesincluding Airbnb. Through a partnership with 211 LA, Airbnb.org (the nonprofit arm of the short-term rental platform) is facilitating emergency temporary housing for displaced residents. In addition, those who manage or have plans to stay in Airbnbs in the LA area will get a reprieve from cancellation fees and penalties under the platform's major disruptive events policy: Hosts can cancel bookings without consequences, and guests are eligible for full refunds if their trip hasn't started (or partial refunds for any unused nights if it has). VRBO has activated a similar policy for hosts and guests on its platform. How to set up a free Airbnb stayTo apply for temporary housing support from Airbnb.org, residents in affected areas must fill out an intake form through 211 LA. Those who have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate from the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas are eligible. In order to request assistance, you must have an Airbnb account or be able to create one. Hosts can also sign up to offer free or discounted stays to hose affected by disasters. If no stays are available or you are seeking alternatives for shelter, many hotels in the area are offering discounted rates for evacuees. Discover Los Angeles has a list of hotel options, while Travel + Leisure has compiled hotels and resorts across California and Nevada that have reduced rates, waived fees, or pet allowances (see both the list and the article comments). For those needing transportation to shelter, Uber is offering free rides up to $40 (code: WILDFIRE25), while Lyft is providing two rides up to $25 each (code: CAFIRERELIEF25). Planet Fitness locations in LA are open for residents and first responders needing showers and wifi access. If you are displaced and have to pay for shelter and food, save receipts to submit to your homeowners insurance, as you may be eligible for reimbursement for those expenses. Finally, Mutual Aid LA has a list of resources for those displaced or in need of support, including animal boarding and community shelters.

Have you ever streamed Dark Souls before? Trust me, the last thing you want when youre struggling with a boss is for the chat to start piping in to tell you how to beat itan annoyance streamers have started to call backseating. Now, imagine the chat is an AI and that it can interrupt your games audio to tell you what to do. Youve got Razers new Project AVA.An AI esports coach, Project AVA is essentially a companion that can watch your footage alongside you and provide you with advice as you play. This works for both single player and multiplayer titles, as I saw in demonstrations showing off AVA at work in both Black Myth: Wukong and League of Legends.While you play, AVA might tell you how to take down a particular boss, or which items will make for the best build, or where your opponents might be. Its not cheating, per se, since AVA can only see your screen and doesnt have information that you dont, but it certainly aims to up your awareness. For instance, it might keep track of your minimap in League to tell you where your opponents are. Or, in a single player game, it might tell you when the boss is about to attack, how long to dodge, and when you can punish. It can also answer questions, if you want to direct its advice.Its just a concept for now, but what Ive seen has me worried that Razer might have lost the plot here. I play video games to engage with the challenges a developer has presented me and to solve their puzzles (yes, combat can be a puzzle). Figuring out a bosss tells or finding the most optimal build myself is part of the fun for me, and having an AI tell me what to do right away is more likely to make me feel spoiled on the content than supported. Worse, it could make me worse at the game, as I could start to lean on its advice rather than learning how to read attack patterns or understand what my gear is doing myself.AVA is also loud, and while I didnt have my hands on the controller myself, I worry it would distract me more than help, or at the very least interrupt my games soundscape (which sometimes already gives you hints on what to do!).Then theres the issue of where AVA is getting its advice. For instance, if AVAs telling me how a boss attacks in Black Myth: Wukong, is it pulling that data from a guide, from the developers, or from collected footage of many playthroughs? If the former, it should probably be credited. If the latter, where did that training data come from? If the middle, then Id prefer to see the hints developers have already given me, in the form of a bosss animations.Granted, I can see the appeal of getting some help once youre into the point of trying to master a gamesay, if youre practicing a speedrun or trying to climb the ladder in ranked. No player is an island, and I do look up guides from time to time. This does lead to maybe AVAs most promising features, in that Razer says it might base some advice on playstyles from specific esports superstars. An ideal version of AVA would be like having Faker looking over your shoulder while you play.But it could also easily go the other way. I play a lot of Final Fantasy XIV, and in that game, raiding can come across a bit like a choreographed dance. If AVA learns how each raid is played ahead of time and then simply tells me exactly what to do as I play, what am I getting out of that experience? Am I engaging with the game, or am I just pressing buttons while AVA has all the fun for me?

CES 2025 is nearing a close, and I couldnt be more excited. Not because I dislike the show floor or meeting face-to-face with people I usually only see online, but because Ive been spending the week in a hotel room with a broken heater. Thats why, when I got to try Razers concept heating and cooling gaming chair today, I was just about ready to stage a heist.Dubbed Project Arielle, the chair isnt confirmed for market yet, instead simply demonstrating an idea Razer is considering. But its an idea I fully support. Using the companys existing Fujin Pro chair as a base, Project Arielle includes a heater and a bladeless fan, turning its mesh back into a temperature control system. Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt The way it works is that the fan draws in air from the bottom of the device, which then gets filtered through vents on the sides of the chairs back and exhausted over your neck. Your butt and arms dont get any climate control, at least for now, but it still felt like a literal breath of fresh air.I was a bit skeptical going in, unsure if the Arielle was really going to be much different from sitting a few feet away from a fan. But the breath of cool air on the nape of my neck was undeniably refreshing after walking around the crowded show floor.For my money, though, I preferred the heating, which plays to the strengths of a mesh back by keeping your back warm without getting it sweaty. It's a little less innovative than the cooling mode, but while heated gaming chairs do exist right now, they rarely have as much coverage as the Arielle, and often use materials that can get stuffy after a while.According to Razer, the chairs heater can warm you up to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, while its fan can reduce your perceived temperature by nine degrees. Why perceived temperature and not actual temperature? Well, if a fan is blowing right on your neck, you might feel a bit chillier than a thermometer would indicate. Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt As for controls, theres a small panel located on the seat that lets you switch from heating to cooling as well as change fan speeds, but granular temperature settings arent possible for the moment. Theres also orange lighting to indicate when the device is warming and blue for when its cooling, but those are the only colors it can show for now.Anyway, Im about to go bury myself under some blankets, waiting for the day that this thing comes out for real. Last years Razer concept, Project Esther, did eventually make its way to market as the Razer Freyja, so its not out of the question.

Here's the biggest tech news stories, from CES 2025, Samsung, Apple TV, OnePlus and more for January 11, 2024.

CES just proved that robot vacuums can do more than clean your floors.

Preparing for the Future of Cybersecurity with Next-Gen SIEM that future-proof cybersecurity operations.

Since its start in 2009, BLUETTI has carved a unique niche in the world of clean energy, offering practical solutions that power everything from camping trips to full-scale home setups. With a presence in over 110 countries and millions of users, the company has become synonymous with portable, reliable energy. At CES 2025, BLUETTI is making waves with its ambitious BLUETTI 3.0 Era, a new chapter filled with innovative technology and products designed to meet the evolving demands of modern energy users.This years showcase revolves around groundbreaking advancements, including the showcase of four flagship products designed to address diverse power needs: the sleek Charger 1 for quick, efficient charging; the compact Handsfree 1 backpack power station for adventurers; the robust Apex 300 for off-grid living; and the versatile EnergyPro 6K for seamless home energy management. Together with the unveiling of its next-gen tech systemsTurboBoost, HyperVolt, and UltraCellBLUETTI is setting a bold precedent for the future of energy storage and accessibility. These innovations underscore the brands mission to make clean energy smarter, more portable, and more user-friendly than ever before.Designer: BLUETTIBLUETTI Handsfree 1 Backpack Power StationFor anyone tired of juggling chargers, cords, and clunky gear on their adventures, BLUETTIs Handsfree 1 backpack power station feels like the answer you didnt know you needed. Designed for photographers, hikers, and digital nomads, this innovative 42L backpack integrates a 300W/268Wh modular power station, ensuring youre always powered up no matter where the trail leads. Lightweight yet durable, it delivers seamless energy for 1-3 day trips, with enough juice to charge your essential devices while keeping you mobile. Its ergonomic design, complete with padded straps and a hip belt, makes it as comfortable as it is practical.The modular LiFePO4 battery inside is more than just a built-in perkits the heart of this backpacks versatility. Engineered for safety and long life, the battery offers peace of mind while doubling as a standalone power source when needed. Rugged construction ensures the Handsfree 1 is ready for the elements, and the thoughtfully organized compartments are perfect for cameras, laptops, and gear. Whether youre trekking through remote trails or setting up a makeshift workstation in the wild, this backpack is a game-changer for off-grid living with zero compromises.BLUETTI Apex 300 Portable Power StationCharging an electric vehicle, running heavy-duty equipment, or keeping a household powered during an outageBLUETTIs Apex 300 portable power station handles it all without breaking a sweat. With an unmatched capacity of up to 58kWh and a peak output of 11.52kW, its a game-changer for those who refuse to compromise on energy independence. Its modular design supports up to three parallel units and 18 expandable battery packs, offering versatility that feels as limitless as its potential. Whether youre living off the grid or just preparing for the unexpected, the Apex 300 isnt just backupits a complete energy strategy.Whats even more impressive is how efficiently it gets the job done. Turbo Boost Charging rockets the Apex 300 from empty to 80% in just 45 minutes, while its ultra-low 20W idle power draw makes it one of the most energy-efficient systems in its class. From solar to car charging, it accepts a wide range of inputs, maxing out at a staggering 30,720W of solar capacity. Durability matches its performance, with a lifespan of over 6,000 cycles and seamless app integration for hands-on control. Whether for emergencies, daily needs, or heavy-duty projects, this is power reimagined.BLUETTI EnergyPro 6K Whole House Battery BackupPower outages and unpredictable energy costs arent exactly welcome surprises, but the BLUETTI EnergyPro 6K whole house battery backup makes handling them feel manageablepractical, even. This system integrates smoothly with rooftop solar setups, providing a solid home backup while cutting down on electricity bills. Pair it with the AT1 Smart Distribution Box, and youve got bidirectional EV charging and generator support in your corner. Its a setup designed to work as hard as you do, quietly keeping the lights on and the wheels turning.What makes it stand out is its adaptability. With the ability to link up to five units, the EnergyPro 6K scales alongside your needs. Maybe youre charging an electric vehicle, powering your entire house, or planning for heavier energy demands. Whatever the scenario, this system doesnt just fitit flexes. Reliable, straightforward, and built for modern living, its a no-fuss energy solution that stays ready for the next curveball.BLUETTI Charger 1 Alternator ChargerBLUETTIs Charger 1 takes the humble car charger and dials it up to a level thats as innovative as it is practical. Delivering up to 560W of powersix times faster than standard car cigarette lighter chargersit transforms the way you power up on the go. Whether youre charging a BLUETTI power station or compatible devices from other brands, this charger handles the job with ease and speed. Active fan cooling keeps temperatures in check, ensuring optimal performance and extending the units lifespan, no matter how demanding your power needs are.Safety and control take center stage with the Charger 1. Its smart protection features safeguard both your vehicles battery and the connected device from short circuits, reverse connections, and other common risks. The automatic on/off function prevents your car battery from draining, while app integration lets you monitor the chargers performance in real-time and tweak the output voltage as needed. With quick installation and a two-year warranty, the Charger 1 offers a seamless, worry-free charging experience that keeps pace with your busy lifestyle.The post BLUETTI Showcases Game-Changing Power Solutions for Homes, Recreation, and Work at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

It's been a big (and controversial) year for artificial intelligence.

MacworldDeleting old memories to make space for new ones? Apples probably trying to talk you into signing up for iCloud Drive, but its recurring subscription fees add up quickly $10 per month for the rest of your days! Instead, check out this lifetime cloud storage plan.While other Apple users are chained to fees, you can pay $110 once to own a 2TB cloud with FolderFort. Sure, its more upfront, but this storage plan pays for itself in less than one year. But dont wait our unbeatable sale price is only valid through January 12.With 2TB of space, youll probably never run out of space on your Apple devices again. Thats enough room for 400,000 photos, hundreds of hours of video, or millions of text documents. Just open FolderFort on any web browser, upload your files, and organize them into neat folders.Grab cloud storage without fees with this FolderFort 2TB lifetime subscription, now $110 (reg. $499.99) with our unbeatable sale price. This deal ends January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and no coupon is needed.FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $110See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.