For better or worse, AI-designed footwear is here, and I suppose it was only a matter of time. Entrepreneur Ben Weiss, backed by Reebok co-founder Joe Foster, has set up a company called Syntilay that will leverage both the technology and the influencer economy to shift product. Let's start with the footwear, which I find incredibly ugly (but then I am not the target market). AI is used to generate concept sketches, the 3D model and the surfacing. "Each process, overseen by our designer Kedar Benjamin, has improved the efficiency greatly, reduced waste, and enabled a forward thinking design that is unprecedented," the company writes. To ensure a perfect fit, consumers scan their foot using a smartphone app. The business model is also quite different. Rather than say, sponsoring pro athletes to take care of the market, Syntilay plans to work through the influencer economy. "With around half of today's youth aspiring to be influencers and new age brands that have incredible influence, why not give them a true path to bring to life their own distinct creativity in the footwear category? Many influencers can sell hats, shirts, shorts, and more yet shoes are not an option. There is a great opportunity to empower these creators and to inspire the next generation."As much as I dislike both the look of the shoes and the influencer economy we now live within, I can't deny the business model is genius: Auto-designed product as merch, flogged for you by folks whose business is developing their "brand." The company also notes that they "have the ability to improve efficiency from build to release for a new shoe by up to 9x the industry average." The sacrifice required, at least at this point, are the aesthetics. The question is, will buyers care? The lone model the company currently offers, seen above, goes for $150 a pair.

Tesla has never been shy about pushing the envelope in automotive design, and the 2025 Model Y Juniper is no exception. This refresh represents a significant cosmetic updatebalancing futuristic aesthetics, brand continuity, and practical improvements. By drawing inspiration from the striking lines of the Cybertruck and other next-gen Tesla prototypes, the new Model Y promises an even more cohesive identity for the electric automakers growing lineup.Designer: TeslaA Futuristic Yet Recognizable ExteriorThe 2025 Model Y Juniper introduces a bold new look that blends futuristic elements with Teslas minimalist DNA. Dominating the front is a horizontal LED light bar spanning the entire width, connecting the redesigned slim headlights. This light bar not only provides a striking visual signature but also enhances nighttime visibility. The reshaped headlights, with their compact and aggressive styling, lend the vehicle a sharper, more aerodynamic presence, aligning with Teslas forward-thinking design philosophy.Below the LED light bar, the front bumper features a more sculpted design with functional air intakes that optimize airflow and improve aerodynamics. The overall effect is a cleaner, more cohesive front-end appearance that seamlessly integrates form with function, ensuring the Model Y stands out in a growing field of electric crossovers.The rear of the Model Y Juniper adopts a futuristic design language that complements the front fascia. A full-width LED taillight replaces the traditional taillamp clusters, creating a seamless, modern glow that highlights the vehicles width. This taillight design blends with the bodywork, creating a sense of fluidity and refinement. The relocated license plate position, now framed within the lower bumper, allows the taillight design to remain uninterrupted, emphasizing the vehicles sleek profile.In addition to aesthetic improvements, auxiliary brake lights have been integrated to enhance visibility and safety. The rear bumpers refined shape further complements the overall aerodynamics, contributing to better efficiency while maintaining a strong visual presence.The Model Ys side profile remains true to its coupe-inspired silhouette but with subtle refinements. The contour lines have been smoothed to improve aerodynamics, while the lowered stance gives the vehicle a more dynamic and purposeful look. Tesla has also introduced new wheel designs, including the 19-inch Crossflow and 20-inch Helix 2.0, which feature intricate spoke patterns designed to reduce turbulence and enhance efficiency.These wheels enhance the visual appeal and serve a functional purpose, aligning with Teslas goal of maximizing range without compromising style. The black trim surrounding the wheel arches and windows adds a touch of contrast, further accentuating the vehicles sporty stance.The introduction of Glacier Blue marks a fresh chapter in Teslas color palette. This soft, contemporary hue replaces the previous Deep Blue Metallic and offers a sophisticated alternative that shifts dynamically under different lighting conditions. Whether viewed in direct sunlight or shadow, Glacier Blue adds depth and character to the Model Ys exterior.This new color, combined with the vehicles sleek LED accents and black trim, highlights Teslas integration of aesthetics and sustainability. The lighter shade may also improve cabin climate control by reducing heat absorption, aligning with Teslas focus on efficiency.An Interior That Marries Comfort with TechStepping inside the 2025 Model Y Juniper, the dashboard retains Teslas hallmark minimalist aesthetic but with notable upgrades. The clean, horizontal layout is anchored by a slightly larger 15.4-inch central touchscreen, which serves as the primary interface for all vehicle controls. This display is framed by a sleek, matte-finish trim that enhances the cabins modern look.Unique to the updated Model Y is the inclusion of a traditional turn signal stalk, a feature reintroduced after feedback from drivers who preferred tactile controls over steering-wheel-mounted alternatives. This thoughtful design choice underscores Teslas commitment to user-centric innovation while preserving the simplicity that defines its interiors.The redesigned seats in the Model Y Juniper prioritize both comfort and functionality. The ventilated front seats offer cooling relief on warmer days, while the rear seats now feature power reclining options, allowing passengers to customize their seating position. These upgrades transform the rear cabin into a more comfortable space, especially for long journeys.Premium materials are used throughout the interior, with soft-touch textiles and refined finishes replacing the utilitarian plastics of earlier models. The new upholstery enhances the tactile experience but also enhances durability, ensuring the cabin remains pristine over time. Coupled with improved fit and finish, these updates address past criticisms of Tesla interiors and bring the Model Y closer to a luxury standard.One of the most striking updates is the addition of an 8-inch rear touchscreen, providing back-seat passengers with independent control over climate settings and entertainment options. This feature ensures that rear passengers are no longer an afterthought, making every seat in the Model Y a first-class experience.Ambient lighting has been introduced to further enhance the cabins atmosphere. Configurable LED strips line the footwells, door panels, and dashboard, creating a calming glow that adapts to the time of day or driving mode. Combined with upgraded acoustic glass and additional sound-deadening materials, the Model Y offers a serene and immersive driving experience.A Harmonious Blend of Form and FunctionThe 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper exemplifies the brands ability to merge cutting-edge design with practical innovation. The exterior updates, including the seamless LED light bars and aerodynamic refinements, enhance aesthetics and improve efficiency and range. Inside, the focus on comfort, premium materials, and advanced technology redefines what an electric crossover can offer.Teslas attention to detail ensures that the Model Y remains a leader in its class, balancing bold design choices with the everyday needs of its drivers. From the dynamic wheel designs to the reimagined rear cabin, every element has been carefully considered to provide a superior driving experience.The post Tesla 2025 Model Y Juniper: A Design Evolution That Bridges Futurism with Familiarity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Now that Novo Nordisk is the worlds weight-loss juggernaut, will it have to betray its first patientstype 1 diabetics?

MacworldA security researcher has been able to hack Apples USB-C controllers that are used in current iPhones, which would usually raise concerns about security and the ability to jailbreak the iPhone. But theres probably nothing to worry about.The vulnerability is in the ACE3 USB controller, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 lineup in 2023. Cyber Security News reports that researcher Thomas Roth used his knowledge of the previous controller, the ACE2, as the basis to hack the latest controller, using a combination of reverse engineering, RF side-channel analysis, and electromagnetic fault injection. Roth and his team were able to bypass the ACE3s validation checks and install a modified patch into the CPU.Apples controller is more complex than typical USB controllers, handling charging and data transfers, which makes it a target for hackers. However, Roth told Forbes that when he reported the issue to Apple, the company told him that the attack was so complex that they didnt see it as a threat, and Roth agreed with Apples stance.Roth presented his findings at the Chaos Communication Congress last December and it was recently reported by several security outlets. However, Roth presented his findings as early as last June at the Offensive Security Conference. A recording of Roths June presentation is available on YouTube; it appears to be the same as the December CCC presentation.How to protect yourself from hacker attacksAs Apple and Roth state, this attack is so complicated that users dont need to be concerned about it. If a hacker were to exploit this vulnerability, they would need to have physical access to your iPhone. Apple has protections in place within its operating systems and the company releases security patches through OS updates, so its important to install them when they are available.Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether iPhones are virus-proof, how to remove a virus from an iPhone or iPad,whether or not you need antivirus software, alist of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and acomparison of Mac security software.

Parallels Desktop 20.2 is out now, with the latest edition including x86 emulation for Apple Silicon and more enhancements to make Apple Intelligence Writing Tools work with Windows apps.Using x64 emulation in Parallels to run Windows - Image Credit: ParallelsJanuary's update to the popular virtual machine tool Parallels Desktop brings the software up to version 20.2, just under three months after the update to version 20.1. The latest version adds a few more key changes to the virtualization tool.The big addition is an early technology preview of x86 emulation for Apple Silicon Macs. Using a proprietary emulation engine, it allows Apple Silicon Macs to run x86_64 virtual machines, for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Linux. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order that includes two major stipulations aimed at rebuilding homes in Los Angeles County in the wake of the unprecedented fires that continue to damage homes and structures across the region.The order clears the way for expedited construction delivery by eliminating all California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review requirements for buildersin addition to those included in the California Coastal Actas they are so constituted at present.The language of the order also calls for various state and local agencies to direct the streamlining or elimination of other building codes and requirements at their discretion. Protections against the price gouging of building materials have likewise been extended until January 7th, 2026. The most current estimates say that 10,000 or more structureshave been lost to the blazes since last Tuesday.Here are some more of the latest updates on the ongoing fire and recovery efforts in LA...

While there have been no shortage of rumours surrounding the highly-anticipated follow-up to the Nintendo Switch, a new rumour indicates that the company might be getting ready to unveil the Switch 2 earlier than originally expected.According to podcast Nate the Hate, which has proven reliable for leaks from the gaming industry in the past, Nintendo is getting ready to unveil the Switch 2 to the world in an event that is scheduled for January 16.The podcast, hosted by the eponymous Nate, and co-hosted by Modern Vintage Gamer, talk about a number of Nintendo-related topics, including the future of the original Switch, as well as rumours about the Switch 2.I can share with right now you that Nintendo Switch 2 will be revealed in the coming week, said Nate on the podcast. I have been told the Switch 2 will be revealed on Thursday, January 16.I have heard some details about what will be in the reveal, continued Nate. I consider these details incomplete because it just doesnt make sense to me, but maybe it will make more sense after the reveal.Nate goes on to talk about some of the details about the Switch 2s reveal, including the fact that there might not be any games showcased. Rather, Nintendo will apparently focus purely on the new consoles hardware.What Ive heard is that the reveal itself is going to focus almost exclusively on the console itself, said Nate. There is not going to be any presence of games. There could be a game shown running on the screen, depending on how the trailer is put together, but software is not going to be a focus.If this trailer, lets say, is absent of any games, maybe dont be too surprised about it, concludes Nate.Nintendo itself has been largely quiet about when it plans on unveiling and launching the Nintendo Switch 2, and rumours have indicated that we wouldnt get to see the console until April or May. More recently, however, a former social media director from Nintendo of America, Kit Ellis, discussed some of the companys long-term plans.Ellis didnt have any details about Nintendos plans, aside from the fact that the company usually has plans for the long-term rather than short-term reactions. They did, however, mention that it is currently an uncomfortable time for Nintendo, as the company bides its time to release its new console and games.The most recent host of leaks and rumours came about during CES 2025, where an unauthorised accessory maker, Genki, claimed to have hardware of the Switch 2. Since then, however, the company has backtracked on this, and Nintendo itself pointed out that the mock-up was not official.Other leaks, however, have indicated that the Switch 2 will need a new charger for its dock, as well as the fact that the console will make use of its own neural engine for an AI-based image upscaler in the vein of Nvidias DLSS technology. Analysts are predicting that the console will be a huge hit for Nintendo, claiming that it will sell more than 4 million units in its first year in the US alone.

A pink man looking into a bar at the Vermillion Clubin Boston Annielly Camargo / Downtown Boston AllianceGiant inflatable pink men are taking over downtown Boston. Last week, residents discovered several of the cartoonish blow-up figures around town.One is climbing a tree. Another is waving from a rooftop. One pink man appears to be stuck between two buildings, while another is peeking into a large window.Theyre all part of an immersive outdoor art exhibition called Winteractive, which is inspired by the vibrant winter festivals and art exhibitions of our neighbors in the province of Qubec in Canada, per the shows website. It will be on view through the end of March. A pink man climbing a tree in Boston's Post Office Square Annielly Camargo / Downtown Boston AllianceThe sculptures are part of a series called Monsieur Rose (or Mr. Pink). The project was developed by Philippe Katerine, a French artist, actor and singer.Made of steel cable, PVC and blowers, the sculptures stem from an artistic movement known as Mignonisme, which Katerine founded to promote the aesthetics of cuteness.It is the darkest, drabbest time of year in Boston, Michael Nichols, president of the Downtown Boston Alliance, which is organizing Winteractive, tellsCBS Bostons Neal Riley. Its gray just cold and bitter. And pops of pink color, bubblegum pink dotting the downtown is changing people's day.Monsieur Rose has appeared inParis,Stockholm,Montreal andQuebec City. Now, the pink men have made their way to Boston for Winteractive along with several other artworks.Officials are still installing many of them, with 15 pieces planned in total, perWCVB-TVs Phil Tenser. But at least one other work has already been unveiled: Created by Canadian artist Brandon Vickerd, Alouette features a replica of a 1962 Canadian satellite that appears to have crashed down on the hood of a car, reportsWHDHs Stephen Quinn.Its partially like a throwback to the age of space exploration when technology held this great promise of a modernist future where everything was going to be better, but in a lot of ways it exists like a modern Icarus, Vickerd tells WHDH. That idea of hubris and flying too close to the sun, and then falling back to earthbut its also a bit of a joke, right?This is the second year of Winteractive. The buzziest piece unveiled for last years show consisted of two large inflatable clown heads squished between two buildings. Called Endgame (Nagg & Nell), the installation was created One of the pink men waving to passersby below Annielly Camargo / Downtown Boston AllianceOther works that dotted the streets of Boston in 2024 included Myth and Evidence, a sculpture of a unicorn enclosed in a frosted glass display by artist Mathieu Valade; a colorful mural called Blissful Rendezvous painted by Kezna Dalz; and a series of untitled figures created by Mark Jenkins, including a figure who appeared to be fishing from the top of Macys.The exhibition was such a success that officials decided to bring it back this year, with another round of head-turning pieces.Im really excited to see these around downtown, says AJ Longabaugh, an employee at a gym near one of the Mr. Pink figures, to theBoston Globes Marianna Orozco. Its allowing people to look up.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Art, Artists, Arts, Boston, Cities, Exhibitions, Exhibits, Installations, Sculpture

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FuturLab drops VR support for PowerWash Sim | News-in-briefCEO says decision was made to provide "job security for my team"Image credit: FuturLab News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 13, 2025 This is a News-in-brief article, our short format linking to an official source for more information. Read more about this story by following the link below:FuturLab drops VR support for PowerWash Sim