Meta will cut about 5% of its staff, focusing on its lowest-performing workers, CNBC confirmed.

When Thtre Dopra Spatial, an AI-generated artwork, won first prize at a prestigious competition in 2022, the backlash was swift and visceral. For many in the art world, it wasnt just a controversial winnerit was a direct threat to the human essence of creativity. Generative AI was dismissed as a novelty at best and a cheap imitation at worst. The technology, in any capacity, it seemed, had no place in the sanctity of art.Now, one of the industrys most influential authorities is challenging that assumption. Art Basel, the leading global fair for modern and contemporary art, has made the deliberate decision to integrate AI into its flagship digital experience for its visitors and guests.The recently launched Art Basel app, designed to make its sprawling fairs more accessible and navigable, does more than introduce new AI-powered featuresit plants a stake in the ground. In an industry steeped in tradition and skepticism, Art Basels thoughtful adoption of AI challenges the notion that technology and art must exist at odds.Why now? A practical, not trend-driven, approachArt Basels move into AI isnt about following hypeits about meeting the moment. Artificial intelligence has matured to a point where it can address longstanding challenges in a meaningful way. For audiences navigating the expansive scale of Art Basels fairs, AI offers solutions that are practical, intuitive, and human-centered.The magnitude of our shows can be overwhelming, Alain Brusch, Art Basels global head of digital products told me, with visitors juggling dozens of exhibitions, off-site events, and logistical nuances. AI gives us tools to make our experience more seamless and enriching.As an app feature, Art Basel Companion, powered by Microsoft Copilot, addresses this by acting as a personalized guide. It helps attendees create tailored schedules, navigate exhibitions with ease, and discover recommendations based on their interests.For those eager to learn and engage, the Art Basel Lens feature allows users to scan artworks and instantly access detailed information about the artist and galleryits specifically designed to deepen connections and spark curiosity.Our goal is to create opportunities for discovery while preserving the essence of what makes art meaningful, says Brusch.What makes Art Basels approach different?Generative image toolswith their growing reputation for churning out endless AI slopoften face criticism for being reductive or soulless. But Art Basel is not using AI to generate artwork. Its strategy, by contrast, is additivefilling gaps in knowledge, improving access, and respecting the art worlds values. Art Basel is setting itself apart by focusing on what the technology can amplify, not replace.This distinction matters.The goal has always been to enhance what already exists, not replace it, Craig Hepburn, chief digital officer at Art Basel told me. Were creating opportunities for galleries, visitors, and even our own staff to engage more deeply with art, all while respecting its traditions.This ethos is embedded in every design choice. The brands flagship digital experience doesnt overwhelm users with information or assume a one-size-fits-all philosophy. Instead, it acts as a guide, meeting users where they are in their art journey.Preserve tradition while expanding reachBut the app itself isnt the storyits what the app represents. Art Basel is showing how AI can support the art ecosystem by addressing long-standing challenges like accessibility and engagement. For an industry grappling with its role in a digital age, this approach feels deliberate, even protective.We are committed to seeking out new ways to engage and positively impact our audiences and create new opportunities for artists, galleries, and the entire ecosystem through digital innovation, notes Brusch. I envision AI playing a significant role in transforming how people interact with art. I believe in its power to make art more accessible, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers. It can deliver personalized experiences that deepen connections with art and open opportunities for artists and galleries to reach broader, more engaged audiences.Art Basels stance on AI is clear: Tradition and technology can coexist. The goal isnt disruption for disruptions sake but finding ways to enhance human connection, allowing more people to access and appreciate art in ways that resonate with them. The challenge lies in evolving traditions thoughtfullyamplifying whats sacred while avoiding unnecessary competition with it.Navigate skepticism with transparencyIt should go without saying that skepticism is inevitable. AI has long been viewed as invasive in the art world, raising concerns about privacy, ethics, and the dilution of authenticity. Art Basel addresses these concerns head on by designing tools that enhance, rather than disrupt, the human connection to art.This approach toward AI adoption is intentionally transparent. Users know how their data is being used, and privacy safeguards are built into every interaction. These measures are part of Art Basels broader commitment to using technology responsibly and thoughtfully.Weve worked hard to design a product that feels intuitive and respectful, Hepburn says. When people see how thoughtfully AI can be usedhow it enhances rather than disruptsthey begin to understand its value.Redefine the future of artThe art world is at a crossroads. The question isnt whether AI belongsits how to use it to preserve and amplify what makes art essential. By focusing on accessibility and personalization, Art Basel offers a vision for how technology can enhance tradition without compromising it.Over the next decade, AIs potential to democratize art is enormous. It could break down barriers that have long limited who can access and appreciate creativity, from geographical constraints to cultural stigmas. Art Basels thoughtful integration challenges the industry to think bigger: to explore how AI can solve real problems, foster deeper connections, and expand arts reach.The insights you gain from conversational AI are invaluable, Hepburn shares. Its not just about logistics; its about learning more about the people engaging with art and using those insights to make the experience more meaningful for everyone.For a field so deeply rooted in human creativity, the stakes couldnt be higher. But the path forward is clear: The future of art lies not in choosing between tradition and innovation but in finding a balance that honors both.Peter Smart is chief experience officer and managing partner at Fantasy.

Dezeen School Shows: a fitness device which uses AI technology for virtual snowboarding is featured in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Hongik University.Also included is a shelving system which relies on gravity and friction instead of regular fixtures and an interior with integrated sensory elements.Hongik UniversityInstitution: Hongik UniversityCourse: BA Industrial DesignTutors: Eunyoung Kim, Dongkyun Lim, Ikseo Choi, Joo Yun Kim, Eddie Eoh, Kangee Lee and Sookyeon KimSchool statement:"We nurture rational design thinking and creative abilities through an interdisciplinary approach to interpret, synthesise and solve problems in artificial environments, fostering designers who lead 21st-century trends and shape the future of design."Graduates push boundaries as professionals creating new values in human, technological and environmental contexts."They work in product, mobility, spatial and interaction design, contributing as designers and researchers in corporate design, mobility companies, advertising agencies, planning firms, broadcasting and exhibition design, driving innovation and competitiveness in modern industrial society."The 2024 Degree Show, themed 'New Normal', highlights the concept of 'Inside Beauty ()'."This exhibition presents diverse projects that envision the future of product, spatial, mobility and interaction design, reflecting the department's dedication to pushing boundaries and advancing design disciplines."GlidebyNa Hyeon Kwon and Tae Rim Kim"Glide is an innovative home fitness device powered by generative AI, offering a new dimension in snowboarding."Users can create their ideal snowy landscapes, interact with AI characters in real-time and experience snowboarding in a virtual world."Its auto-lacing system and intuitive bindings eliminate setup hassles, while haptic feedback from the shoe's vibration sensors vividly captures the feeling of smoothly sliding on snow and experiencing changes in terrain."Students: Na Hyeon Kwon and Tae Rim KimTutor: Eunyoung KimEmails: nahyeonn18[at]gmail.com and xofla0213[at]gmail.comProduct DesignbyJungmin Park and Chaewon Lee"Movr redefines mobility as 'ro-bility', bridging movement and activity. It transitions seamlessly between robot and mobility modes, supporting users' lifestyles."Movr handles tasks like picking up or purchasing items, navigating autonomously using schedule and location data. Upon arrival, it transforms into mobility mode for transportation."With AI and ADAS, movr ensures safe, efficient driving."Students: Jungmin Park and Chaewon LeeTutor: Eunyoung KimEmails: pipi518[at]naver.com and cw222cw222[at]naver.comNarrowbyChanggeun Lee"Natural fixation phenomena observed in daily life and nature caught my attention."Screws embedded in furniture appeared as artificial elements that did not align with the natural characteristics of the materials."This led to an exploration of fixation methods inspired by nature. The result is Narrow, a partition shelf designed using the principles of narrowing gaps."Instead of relying on hardware to secure it to walls or structures, it uses gravity and friction within confined spaces to stay in place."The more weight applied, the stronger the harmony between gravity and friction, ensuring the shelf firmly supports its contents."Students: Changgeun LeeTutor: Dongkyun LimEmails: leeck0207[at]gmail.comSsokbyDayoung Sun and Jungwon Sohn"Should all furniture inclusive of children be designed for kids?"Ssok is a hanger for all family members, regardless of user."Hanger has two modules: the lower storage module for children under six and the stick module for older and parents."The inclined surface and bump on the stick module helps even young children to easily insert and safely fix the stick to hang clothes."Especially, children's stick modules have a height-adjustable structure according to growing height that allows them to organise by themselves."With Ssok, from childhood to adulthood, a special bond within the family is built over good times and memories."Students: Dayoung Sun and Jungwon SohnTutor: Dongkyun LimEmails: sdyoung990522[at]gmail.com and sohn2326[at]gmail.comDesert PostbyJiseong An"Desert Post, which follows the concept of a post office built in a desert, is a space that connects individuals who each carry their own solitude. In this space, you can choose a spot to focus, write a letter and freely exchange it with an anonymous recipient."These days, emotional isolation is widespread; everyone needs a quiet space to lay down their burdens without fear of judgment."Through an anonymous handwritten letter penpal service without a designated recipient, it dreams of offering a resting place for lonely hearts. May the deserts of everyone's lives no longer feel desolate."Student: Jiseong AnTutor: Ikseo ChoiEmail: pantotherabbit[at]gmail.comCoco-ZambyJiyun Baek and Hyunseo Choi"Coco-Zam is a brand of rest, sleep and dreams."Coco-Zam story analyses people's sleep and dreams and prescribes the rest module."The module connects the story and the brand space by installing in the actual brand space."In the brand space, you can experience various rest and sleep through modules, record and share dreams that you experience with sleep."Hope you have a deep night's sleep through quality rest in Coco-Zam. Co-co-good night!"Students: Jiyun Baek and Hyunseo ChoiTutor: Ikseo ChoiEmails: jyjyjyjy01[at]gmail.com and choihyunseo421[at]gmail.comkramaabyYoon Ha Lee, Gayoung Yang and Yerin Jo"kramaa is a lifestyle brand inspired by Minjukim."It presents Korean aesthetics with a modern sensibility to present a new visual language."Guided by the themes of permeate and discover, it curates moments where traditional charm meets unexpected modernity."kramaa shows signature 'Korish Style' that blends Korea's warmth with Danish minimalism, offering simplicity yet deep narratives."Students: Yoon Ha Lee, Gayoung Yang and Yerin JoTutor: Joo Yun KimEmails: ssyhsy3[at]naver.com, imygy9[at]gmail.com and yerinjo001110[at]gmail.comChristine Project The Tasting RoombyYoujin Kim"Christine Project The Tasting Room is a branded space and store interior by the Korean handbag brand."Reflecting the creative sensibilities of its chef-turned-director, it establishes a spatial persona that deeply resonates with its target audience."The store interior design incorporates unexpected elements that broaden perspectives, encouraging frequent visits."The name The Tasting Room symbolises a multi-sensory experience where sound, sight, taste and content interact seamlessly, akin to the act of tasting a dish immersing customers in the brand and its essence."Student: Youjin KimTutor: Joo Yun KimEmail: uzismujin[at]gmail.comElementalbySeongho Lim"Elemental is a mobility service that combines spaces and furniture, utilising robotics and automation technologies to help families venture into nature and create more meaningful lives and memories."By stepping beyond fixed living boundaries, families can explore the natural world while enjoying a harmonious balance of work and leisure at an expandable basecamp equipped with robots and automation."The family retreat in nature provided by Elemental is a special space that fosters warm moments and deep connections, delivering memories on an entirely new level."Student: Seongho LimTutor: Eddie EohEmail: seongho6570[at]gmail.comAmuletbyMyungeun Koh and Changjun Eun"Amulet is an AI-powered service that turns aspirations into actionable goals, guiding users in daily life."For centuries, people have carried aspirations and wishes close to their hearts. Wish stones were rubbed or worn as necklaces, symbolising hope for their desires to come true in daily life."We have reinterpreted the concept of the wish stone for the modern era, transforming it into an AI module designed to assist users in achieving their goals."Personalised amulets connect goals to routines, with a context-responsive UI suggesting tailored schedules and tasks. The amulet adapts to progress, visually reflecting achievement and milestones and can integrate with calendars, offering actionable plans in health, self-growth, relationships and work."Amulet bridges aspirations and everyday life, offering a new path to a better future."Students: Myungeun Koh and Changjun EunTutors: Kangee Lee and Sookyeon KimEmails: monakoh0517[at]gmail.com and euncj3[at]gmail.comPartnership contentThis school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Hongik University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.The post Hongik University presents ten industrial design projects appeared first on Dezeen.

Baluchon is usually known for designing small tiny homes, however, the Ivy Tiny House is blessed with spaciousness and a unique upside-down layout which places the living room upstairs, and a bedroom downstairs. It is founded on a double-axle trailer with a maximum length of 26 feet. It is larger than the typical 20-foot-long French tiny homes we usually see. It is finished using heat-treated pine and black aluminum and features a timber terrace area that will be installed when the home is delivered.Designer: BaluchonThe tiny house offers two points of entry: a set of double glass doors and an adjacent single glass door. While the proximity of these entrances might initially seem unconventional, it is intended to be a strategic design choice to support the planned terrace once it is completed. This will improve the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a spacious, light-filled kitchen situated at the heart of the house. The well-designed kitchen features modern amenities, including an oven and a three-burner stove powered by propane, catering to a variety of cooking needs. It includes a fridge and freezer, as well as a dishwasher which is a rare yet luxurious inclusion for a tiny home in France. Adjacent to the kitchen area is a compact wood-burning stove designed to efficiently heat the entire home, ensuring a cozy and warm environment during colder months.The Ivy Tiny Homes living room is raised to the space where you usually see a bedroom. It can be accessed via a small staircase, and holds a sofa bed as well as a projection system, in place of a traditional TV. The ground floor accommodates the bathroom which spans over two rooms. You have the W.C. and the bathroom proper with a shower and a sink. A washer/dryer has been added as well. The bedroom is quite unusual as well. The childs bedroom is placed underneath the living room, and the entrance seems like a tight fit.The bedroom is like most lofts found in tiny homes. It features a low ceiling which creates a cozy and intimate space. The room features a comfortable double bed and some wardrobe space. The loft bedroom is designed to showcase the clever use of limited space, thereby balancing comfort and functionality to form a welcoming retreat for the parents. It serves as a comfortable and safe haven for the parents, offering them a space of their own.The post This Spacious Tiny Home Features An Unusual Upside-Down Layout first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung is staying cautious, and you should too.

Even with innovative RGB applets, Das latest mechanical keyboard feels stuck in the past.

MacworldLong-time readers of his column will know that the Macalope is not above grazing on low-hanging fruit. Far from it. First of all, who doesnt like a nice piece of fruit? Second, its right there. At mouth level.Cmon.So, you might think hes going to chomp into a mouthful of Mark Zuckerbergs comments about Apple on Joe Rogans podcast. Yes, the guy who acquired Instagram and acquired Oculus and acquired WhatsApp and acquired Messenger thinks Apple doesnt invent anything anymore.Okay.No, the Macalope is going to eschew Zuckerbergs bitter barbs and instead take a look at, well, some other low-hanging fruit: Dells rebranding effort. (Look, the Macalopes not made of stone. If they dont want the Macalope to graze on it, stop hanging it so low.)For a company that doesnt make anything anymore, Apple sure gets copied a lot. This time, however, its names.Dell announced that it is ditching names like Inspiron and Latitude in favor of some it totally came up with on its own, what are you even talking about, they resent the suggestion: Dell, Dell Pro, and, um, Dell Pro Max.Any similarity to existing product names, living or dead, is purely coincidental.Michael Dell even got into a huff when called out on it: I asked CEO Michael Dell a simple question: What does Dell gain by copying Apple? Needless to say, he didnt look pleased.Devindra Hardawar, EngadgetHe always looks like that. Hes got resting Michael Dell face.This got the Macalope thinking about companies copying Apple, from smartphones to laptop designs to even product naming conventions. We laugh about it, but it really does a disservice to the industry as a whole.And, to be clear, its not just other companies copying Apple, although they certainly take their cues from Apple. Lets be generous and call it more of a herd mentality. The market is supposed to give us choice, but very often it settles on a particular type of product and everyone makes small variations of it. (Companies even herd on how much to donate to incoming U.S. presidential administrations that have said theyll put tariffs on companies that dont play ball.)IDGLets talk about small phones.Yes, again.No, you get over it.Not only does Apple not make a small phone anymore, but it continues to bump its existing screen sizes every couple of years. Reportedly, the size of the base iPhone 17the current one, at a not-insubstantial 6.1 inches, having been ranked by Marques Brownlee as the best small phone of 2024will increase to 6.3 inches.The Macalope might be tempted to huff dramatically and suggest that he will simply take his business elsewhere (like he would really do that other than as a stunt), but he simply cant. There arent any. All of these companies making smartphones and you cant get a small one.Well, thats not completely true. You cant get a name-brand small phone. Some somewhat fly-by-night companies sell phones with screens as small as 4 inches, but they have slower processors, lower quality materials, and poor to no support.Android Authority helpfully provides lists of the best small smartphones of whatever year of our Lord it happens to be. The problem is, the definition of small has become so warped by the current obsession with making aircraft carrier-sized phones that all the phones on the list have screens that are 6.1 inches or larger.That is not a small phone.Living in the Apple ecosystem has always meant dealing with fewer choices, but all of the name-brand smartphone manufacturers have simply decided that every phone should be large. As Apple came relatively late to larger phones, we could say this was an instance of the company copying others. But however you chicken-and-egg this, no one is targeting people who might want smaller phones. The Macalope bit the bullet and upgraded to the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 this past fall, now hes hearing he needs to go a 6.3-inch phone if he wants to upgrade again?Ungulates are usually all for herding, but this is getting ridiculous.

If you're tired of smelly garbage, the Vego Kitchen Composter is a great way to responsibly dispose of food scraps if you're fine with sacrificing the countertop space.Vego Kitchen ComposterFood waste is a big deal. While the numbers vary depending on your source, it's estimated that the average American throws away anywhere between 200 and 400 pounds of food a year.That might not seem like a big deal because that averages about 0.82 pounds of waste a day about 2.5 apples or a little less than one russet potato. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A settlement has been reached in a dispute over the removal of land artist Mary Miss Greenwood Pond: Double Site at the Des Moines Art Center in Iowa. The Art Center will pay the artist $900,000 for a breach of contract for its planned demolition of the 29-year-old outdoor sculpture last spring despite a court injunction.At her victory, Miss stated: I hope the resurrection and reconsideration of this project will lead to further reflections on the relationships between artists, environmental issues, communities and our public cultural institutions. I trust this experience can help to develop stronger bonds moving forward.

Horror fans and Switch owners, rejoice. Some of the genres best modern offerings are making their way over to Nintendos platform. Specifically, Abylight and Frictional Games have announced that the former will bring the latters acclaimed horror trio of Amnesia: The Bunker, Amnesia: Rebirth,andSOMAto the Nintendo Switch.Theres currently no word on when the three titles will be available for the platform, but Abylight has confirmed all three will get both physical and digital releases. Additionally, the company will also bringAmnesia Collectionphysically to the Nintendo Switch. The collection includesAmnesia: The Dark DescentandAmnesia: A Machine for Bigs, both of which have been individually available on the Switch since 2019.Amnesia: Rebirth, Amnesia: The Bunker,andSOMAare all available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The former two are also available on Xbox Series X/S, and are also playable on PS5 via backward compatibility.We can proudly announce our agreement with Frictional Games to bring horror masterpieces to #NintendoSwitch- SOMA- Amnesia The Bunker- Amnesia Rebirth- Amnesia CollectionWill be released both digital and physical. More info at Abylight Shop:abylight.shop/en/ Abylight (@abylight.bsky.social) 2025-01-14T13:53:06.819Z