I've lived in Oregon for a decade, meaning I've experienced multiple wildfire seasons. You learn quickly, in these conditions, that staying on top of the air quality is essential: Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can have all kinds of negative affects on your health so you don't want to spend a lot of time outside if the air is bad.Breathable is a newly free app by the Portland-based app development agency Karbon that adds an Air Quality Index (AQI) widget for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Install the application, then add the widget to your device to be passively aware of the air quality every time you pick up your phone. (Yes, you could check the AQI in the Apple Weather app, but it doesn't offer an AQI widget.)The application, while free, takes a little bit of work to set up. You'll need to get API keys from at least one service in order to use it. The good news is this process isn't long and there's very clear documentation. You'll need to head to IQAir.com, sign up for an account, choose the free plan, then copy the API key. You can repeat the process at Airnow.gov if you live in the United States and want access to information from the EPA. Then you'll need to specify, in the app's settings, which location you want to get AQI information for. Credit: Justin Pot After setup, though, you just need to add the widgets wherever you like. Breathable offers two widgets, one small and one medium. You can add these widgets to your homescreen on an iPhone or iPad, as a complication on your Apple Watch, or on your Mac desktop. All of those options give you the AQI as a number and in a chart.You can, optionally, customize the look of the widget with the font, gradient, and layout. It's not a lot of customization but you should be able to get it looking the way you like. Credit: Justin Pot You can also decide to show the AQI using an emoji scale instead of a numbersome people find this easier to parse at a glance. The default set uses faces, but you can customize the widget to use whatever emojis you like.The developers of Breathable say they wish it didn't have to exists, and I agree. Climate change is a reality, though, and tools like this help us deal with it a little bit.

ChatGPT has had support for voice conversations since the end of 2023, but if youre new to OpenAIs chatbot, figuring out how to converse with it can be tricky since there are a couple of ways to go about it. In this guide, I'll explain the main differences between ChatGPT's two voice modes and how to use both of them.What is ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode?As of the writing of this article, OpenAI offers two different ways of interacting with ChatGPT using your voice: Standard and Advanced. The former is available to all users, with usage counting against ones message limit. Advanced, meanwhile, has more granular restrictions.As a free user, OpenAI offers a monthly preview of the tool. Subscribing to the companys $20 per month Plus plan allows you to use Advanced Voice daily. OpenAI notes daily limits may change, but either way, the company promises to notify users 15 minutes before theyre about to hit their usage cap. Pro users can use Advanced Voice as much as they want, provided they do so in a way thats reasonable and complies with the companys policies.Outside of those limits, the primary difference between the two modes is the sophistication of the underlying models powering them. Per OpenAI, Advanced Voice is natively multi-modal, meaning it can process more than just text input. In practice, this translates to Advanced Voice offering capabilities that arent possible with Standard Mode, which is limited to reading a transcript of what you say to your phone. In addition to hearing your voice, ChatGPT in Advanced Voice can simultaneously process video and images. Its even possible to screen share with the chatbot, making it possible for it to guide you through using an app on your phone.Additionally, OpenAI says Advanced Voices multi-modality means ChatGPT can produce a more natural voice and is better able to pick up non-verbal cues.How do you start a voice conversation with ChatGPT?Igor Bonifacic for EngadgetAs mentioned above, OpenAI offers two different ways of interacting with ChatGPT using your voice. The steps below will show you how to access them on your iPhone or Android device.First, you need to download the ChatGPT app (Android, iOS). The features detailed in this guide arent available through the ChatGPT integration offered by Apple through its AI suite.To use Standard mode, tap the microphone icon to the right of the Message bar. If you need to grant the ChatGPT app access to your phones microphone, you can do so through its settings menu.After ChatGPT begins recording your prompt, tap the checkmark icon for the chatbot to start processing your question. If you want it to discard what you said, press the x icon.To use Advanced Mode, tap the waveform icon to the right of the Message bar. Tap the microphone icon if you want to mute your phones mic. You can exit Advanced Mode at any time by pressing the x icon.How do you share a photo of your screen with ChatGPT while having a voice conversation?If you want to screen share with ChatGPT or share a photo or video with it, tap the three-dots icon and select Share Screen, Upload Photo or Take Photo.If you dont see those options, update to the latest version of the ChatGPT app. You may also live in a country where OpenAI isnt offering those features yet. See below for more information.How many voice options are available?The first time you use Advanced Voice Mode, youll be prompted to select a tone of voice for ChatGPT. Right now, OpenAI offers nine different options. Ive listed them below, along with the companys descriptions of each one.Arbor Easygoing and versatileBreeze Animated and earnestCove Composed and directEmber Confident and optimisticJuniper Open and upbeatMaple Cheerful and candidSol Savvy and relaxedSpruce Calm and affirmingVale Bright and inquisitiveIf you want to change ChatGPTs voice, follow these steps:Bring up the sidebar by tapping the two-dash.Open the Settings menu by tapping the three-dots icon.Scroll down and tap Voice.Select the voice you want ChatGPT to use.You can also change ChatGPTs voice directly from the Advanced Voice interface by tapping the slider icon.Are there regional restrictions on Advanced Voice Mode?Some Advanced Voice Mode features arent available in every country where OpenAI offers ChatGPT. Specifically, the video, screen share and image upload capabilities OpenAI introduced in December arent available in the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/how-to-talk-to-chatgpt-on-your-phone-193633643.html?src=rss

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The Visual Effects Society (VES) has revealed the nominees for the 23rd Annual VES Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on February 11, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton hotel. This years honorees include actor-producer Hiroyuki Sanada, who will receive the VES Award for Creative Excellence; director and VFX supervisor Takashi Yamazaki, who will be honored with the VES Visionary Award; and VR/immersive tech pioneer Dr. Jacquelyn Ford Morie, who will be presented with the VES Georges Mlis Award.The VES Online View and Vote System opens on January 20, 2025, and closes on February 2, 2025. Here is the full list of nominees for this years VES Awards:Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal FeatureBetter ManLuke Millar, Andy Taylor, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter StubbsDune: Part TwoPaul Lambert, Brice Parker, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, Gerd NefzerKingdom of the Planet of the ApesErik Winquist, Julia Neighly, Paul Story, Danielle Immerman, Rodney BurkeMufasa: The Lion KingAdam Valdez, Barry St. John, Audrey Ferrara, Daniel FotheringhamTwistersBen Snow, Mark Soper, Florian Witzel, Susan Greenhow, Scott FisherOutstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal FeatureBlitzAndrew Whitehurst, Sona Pak, Theo Demiris, Vincent Poitras, Hayley WilliamsCivil WarDavid Simpson, Michelle Rose, Freddy Salazar, Chris Zeh, J.D. SchwalmHorizon: An American Saga Chapter 1Jason Neese, Armen Fetulagian, Jamie Neese, J.P. JaramilloNosferatuAngela Barson, Lisa Renney, David Scott, Dave Cook, Pavel SgnerYoung Woman and the SeaRichard Briscoe, Carrie Rishel, Jeremy Robert, Stphane Dittoo, Ivo JivkovOutstanding Visual Effects in an Animated FeatureInside Out 2Kelsey Mann, Mark Nielsen, Sudeep Rangaswamy, Bill WatralMoana 2Carlos Cabral, Tucker Gilmore, Ian Gooding, Gabriela HernandezThe Wild RobotChris Sanders, Jeff Hermann, Jeff Budsberg, Jacob Hjort JensenTransformers OneFrazer Churchill, Fiona Chilton, Josh Cooley, Stephen KingUltraman: RisingHayden Jones, Sean M. Murphy, Shannon Tindle, Mathieu VigOutstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal EpisodeFallout; The HeadJay Worth, Andrea Knoll, Grant Everett, Joao Sita, Devin MaggioHouse of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the GoldDi Einarsson, Tom Horton, Sven Martin, Wayne Stables, Mike DawsonShgun; AnjinMichael Cliett, Melody Mead, Philip Engstrm, Ed Bruce, Cameron WaldbauerStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 5John Knoll, Pablo Molles, Jhon Alvarado, Jeff CapogrecoThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; EldestJason Smith, Tim Keene, Ann Podlozny, Ara Khanikian, Ryan ConderOutstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal EpisodeExpats: HomeRobert Bock, Glorivette Somoza, Charles Labb, Tim EmeisLady in the Lake; It Has to Do With the Search for the MarvelousJay Worth, Eddie Bonin, Joe Wehmeyer, Eric Levin-Hatz, Mike MyersMasters of the Air; Part Three; The Regensburg-Schweinfurt MissionStephen Rosenbaum, Bruce Franklin, Xavier Matia Bernasconi, David Andrews, Neil CorbouldThe Penguin; BlissJohnny Han, Michelle Rose, Goran Pavles, Ed Bruce, Devin MaggioThe Tattooist of Auschwitz; PilotSimon Giles, Alan Church, David Schneider, James HattsmithOutstanding Visual Effects in a Real-Time ProjectDestiny 2: The Final ShapeDave Samuel, Ben Fabric, Eric Greenlief, Glenn GambleStar Wars OutlawsStephen Hawes, Lionel Le Dain, Benedikt Podlesnigg, Bogdan DraghiciWhat If? An Immersive StoryPatrick N.P. Conran, Shereif Fattouh, Zain Homer, Jax LeeUntil DawnNicholas Chambers, Jack Hidde Glavimans, Alex GaborOutstanding Visual Effects in a CommercialYouTube TV NFL Sunday Ticket: The Magic of SundayChris Bayol, Jeremy Brooks, Lane Jolly, Jacob BergmanDisney; Holidays 2024Adam Droy, Helen Tang, Christian Baker-Steele, David FleetVirgin Media; Walrus WhizzerSebastian Caldwell, Ian Berry, Ben Cronin, Alex GreyCoca-Cola; The HeroesGreg McKneally, Antonia Vlasto, Ryan Knowles, Fabrice FiteniSix Kings Slam; Call of the KingsRyan Knowles, Joe Billington, Dean Robinson, George SavvasOutstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue ProjectD23; Real-Time RocketEvan Goldberg, Alyssa Finley, Jason Breneman, Alice TaylorThe Goldau Landslide ExperienceRoman Kaelin, Gianluca Ravioli, Florian BaumannMTV Video Music Awards; Slim Shady LiveJo Plaete, Sara Mustafa, Cameron Jackson, Andries CourteauxTokyo DisneySea; Peter Pans Never Land AdventureMichael Sean Foley, Kirk Bodyfelt, Darin Hollings, Bert Klein, Maya VyasParis Olympics Opening Ceremony; RunBenjamin Le Ster, Gilles De Lusigman, Gerome Viavant, Romain TinturierThis years nominees represent a stunning array of achievements in visual effects across various formats and genres. Stay tuned as we approach the awards ceremony to celebrate the incredible talents behind these visual spectacles.The post The 23rd Annual VES Awards: Nominees Announced appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Of all the laptops that debut during the CES trade show every January, Lenovos tend to be the most interesting.For years now, the company has indulged in public experimentation, launching laptops with foldable displays, dual screens, and secondary e-ink surfaces. This time around, Lenovo brought out the industrys first laptop with a rollable display, which expands from a normal-looking 14 inches to an extra-tall 16.7 inches with the push of a button.A lot of companies bring wild concepts to CES, but Lenovo actually ships them, even when it knows they wont be commercial hits. (The rollable laptop, called the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, will arrive in June for $3,500.) What does the worlds largest PC vendor have to gain by putting ultraexpensive, experimental products on the market? I asked the president of Lenovos Intelligent Devices Group to find out.[Photo: Lenovo]Learning experienceEven when Lenovo knows its weirder laptop ideas wont be instant hits, Rossi says they help the company develop intellectual property that it can use in the future, even in different contexts.As an example, he points to Lenovos ThinkPad X1 Fold laptop and its foldable Motorola Razr phone, which both arrived in 2020. Rossi says Lenovos work on laptops hinge design helped inform future Razr models, which became easier to manufacture at a scale. Lenovo has now shipped one million Razr phones, and Rossi says its now the most popular clamshell-style foldable phone in the U.S. (presumably beating Samsungs Z Flip line).Some of the learning from the laptop is here, Rossi says, gesturing to his Razr. Some of the learning from here is in the laptop.[Photo: Jared Newman]Lenovo released a second-generation X1 Fold in 2022, responding to feedback that users wanted a larger screen and more powerful processor. At CES, Lenovo also announced a new version of its Yoga Book 9i, which has two separate screens instead one big foldable display but borrows many of the same concepts. The company is still evaluating when to launch a third foldable model.If we realize that were failing, and this direction is not promising . . . well redirect the budget to something else. But thats innovation, he says.[Photo: Lenovo]Big trade-offsIn the meantime, Lenovos taking a detour into rollable screens with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6. Whereas Lenovos foldable laptops contort into various positions with help from a detachable kickstand and wireless keyboard, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 works more like a regular laptopalbeit with a screen that stretches out to approximate a pair of vertically stacked monitors.Two years ago we brought a proof-of-concept to MWC, and nobody believed we could manufacture it. Now its here for sale, Rossi says.[Photo: Jared Newman]Like a lot of other Lenovo experiments, this one will come with some major compromises beyond just the $3,500 price tag. At 3.73 pounds and 0.78 inches thick, its considerably bulkier than a typical laptop, and Lenovos window management software seemed a bit crude in my brief hands-on experience. Early buyers will also have to worry about the durability of a first-of-its kind display technology.Perhaps for those reasons, Rossi isnt sure whether ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 will be successful, but he believes rollables have a path to popularity. When I ask why Lenovo doesnt just experiment behind closed doorslike Apple famously doeshe says the company sees value in bringing these kinds of early versions to market.If youre keeping it in the lab, you dont test the real market response, he says.

Crisscrossing bamboo poles combine with woven raffia mats to form this pavilion built by architecture studio HTL Africa in Lagos, Nigeria.Site Office was installed at the Ecobank Pan African Centre on Victoria Island for the inaugural Ecobank Design and Build Expo back in November, but will now serve as a community reading room.Site Office is a pavilion formed of crisscrossing bamboo polesHTL Africa a studio with offices in Lagos and Dubai designed the structure to highlight the greater potential of a common material in Nigerian construction.Bamboo scaffolding is typically used on small-scale construction projects in the country, particularly in rural areas, but often discarded after use.Circular raffia mats provide shade and decorationThe studio's ambition was to reimagine bamboo, "the unsung hero of African construction", as a "sustainable and innovative architectural element"."We wanted to highlight bamboo scaffolding's quiet yet vital contribution to modern architecture," said architect James Inedu-George, founder and head of design at HTL Africa.Plywood boards form a built-in bench seatThe pavilion suggests how bamboo could be used to create structures that are built to last rather than disposed of.Bamboo rods were pinned and tied together to create an imposing three-dimensional lattice.Read: Bamboo pavilion by AtArchitecture references traditional Indian handlooms and constructionPlywood boards provide an entrance portal, a matching first-floor mezzanine, the staircase leading up to it, and a bench seat built into the interior.Circular raffia mats hang down in the grid gaps, providing both shade and decoration, while larger woven discs form custom-made lighting fixtures.A staircase leads up to a first-floor mezzanineInedu-George hoped to change perceptions of bamboo to be "both a historical artefact and a symbol of sustainable innovation", creating a space that felt "both ancient and futuristic".It follows other examples of Nigerian architects and designers exploring new uses for bamboo, from Nifemi Marcus-Bello's Waf Kiosk to Kunl Adeyemi's Floating School."This project aims to inspire reflection on how traditional materials can inform contemporary practices, making a case for sustainability in architecture that is both functional and beautiful," said Inedu-George.The structure aims to highlight the greater potential of bambooDuring the Ecobank Design and Build Expo, which ran from November 27 to December 1, Site Office hosted an exhibition of HTL Africa's work titled Generations.Instead of dismantling the bamboo scaffolding after the exhibition, the pavilion will now serve as an outdoor reading room for the local community.Other projects featuring bamboo on Dezeen include a sculptural community centre by Kengo Kuma and a renovated school in India.The photography is by Olajide Ayeni.The post HTL Africa installs bamboo scaffolding pavilion in Lagos appeared first on Dezeen.

Cow leather is used in the manufacturing of fashion leather items and even your daily use shoes or wallet. So, where does all that leather come from? Of course a living animal, and mostly cows. If you already didnt realize that wearing a pair of leather shoes, carrying a leather purse, or flaunting a newly bought leather dress is certainly not as important as an innocent animals life, then you better not walk the streets of Atlantic Avenue.To make people aware of the horrors of the fashion industry when it comes to skinning, dismemberment, de-horning and castration of cows, PETA has created a robot. The AI-powered walking bot has a 3D-printed head attached to a mechanical Spot the dog robot-like contraption. It even sports a brat-inspired wear vegan bandana to make its point of view crystal clear.Designer: PETADubbed Charli XC Cow after the famous popstar Charli XCX, the cow robot takes on shoppers head-on outside Urban Outfitters or nearby stores on Atlantic Avenue. As soon as it spots someone with a leather outfit, it informs the shopper about the mutilations and painful deaths behind all the beautiful leather things. PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said that the organization is encouraging shoppers to keep cruelty out of their closets by opting for animal- and climate-friendly vegan materials that no one had to die for.The AI-powered robot calf appreciates whenever someone claims they are wearing vegan leather. Charli XC breaks into a celebratory dance to express its joy or creates an air heart with the hooves. Otherwise, if someone is wearing a leather jacket, shoes, carrying a purse, or anything made out of animal leather on their body, the robot doesnt shy away from being emotionally expressive. Charli XCs loud insults such as Are you wearing my mother? or Yuck! Leather is someones skin! force shoppers into at least thinking about the cruel atrocities the poor animals have to go through. If someone tries to hide their shoes or bags the robotic calf shouts out loud things such as Stop, thief! That leather purse was my sister!If you still dont have any regrets about wearing leather on your body, or planning to buy something leather on your next shopping spree nothings going to change your perspective!The post PETAs AI-powered Robot Calf Wanders New York Streets To Protest Leather in Fashion first appeared on Yanko Design.

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The Notes app in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 makes it easy to add an audio recording to a note, and create a written transcription of it if desired. Here's how to do it.Notes can record audio and provide transcriptions, starting with iOS and iPadOS 18.It has long been possible to add an audio recording to a note created in the Notes app, but in earlier iOS versions it was a little more cumbersome. Users would open the Voice Memos app, record the audio, and then attach that recording to a new note in the Notes app.As of iOS 18, that functionality is directly available in Notes though it is still somewhat hidden until you know how to find it. The big change compared to the previous Voice Memos app is that Notes can now also provide a written transcript of what was said, if you are using an iPhone 12 or later. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums