The Apple Mac mini (M4) is undoubtedly one of the best mini PCs available, but recent issues with its USB-C ports have left users frustrated.

Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd is returning to the company as CEO in mid-March.

BUF has released the VFX breakdown for Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, demonstrating how they helped in the creation of this masterpiece. The movie that has managed to attract more than 9 million viewers boasts breath-taking visuals to complement its amazing storyline. As a matter of fact, it is nominated in the Best Visual Effects category in the Digital Creation Genie Awards and is eligible for the Csar Ceremony in all its categories. The breakdown highlights the mastery of BUF in creating immersive cinematic experiences for this timeless tale.The post Le Comte de Monte-Cristo VFX Breakdown by BUF VFX appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Today, the United States Supreme Court announced its ruling to uphold the TikTok ban. The ruling means that on Sunday, January 19, Apple, Google, and other tech companies will be liable for heavy fines if they continue to host the app on their respective app stores.But conventional wisdom says the ruling will also benefit American social media giants, most notably Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram. Yet shares in Meta (Nasdaq: META) and Snap Inc (NYSE: SNAP), parent company of Snapchat, have dropped in the wake of the SCOTUS ruling, suggesting the companies may not see the dividends some expected them to see from the TikTok ban. Here are two likely reasons why.The TikTok ban still may not happenThe SCOTUS ruling definitely isnt doing TikTok or its owner, ByteDance, any favors. But its not the final nail in the coffin for TikToks American operations yetdespite the company saying the platform will go dark in America this weekend if the ban is upheld.Thats because Washington lawmakers have been scrambling in recent days to try to undo, or at least delay, their own law. As Politico reported before the SCOTUS ruling, Democrats, who widely supported and passed the ban, have been trying to allow TikTok a reprieve.However, those plans were seemingly squashed shortly after, as Politicos reporting indicates that the president doesnt have the authority to grant an extension.Still, Bidens White House has also suggested that it will not enforce the ban, which means companies like Apple and Google wouldnt be held liable for the massive fines the TikTok ban law authorizes for companies that host the app.This would leave it to the incoming Trump administration, which takes over on Monday, to either enforce the ban, keep it unenforced, or find another solution to keep TikTok alive in the United States. President-elect Donald Trump has said he is open to keeping TikTok going in the U.S.All this means that just because the ban has now been upheld by the Supreme Court, it doesnt necessarily mean that TikTok is going away in the United States, which means there may not be a flood of additional users to American social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.Many TikTok fans have eschewed Meta anywayBut even if TikTok is banned and does go dark in America, many of TikToks most loyal users may still be unwilling to jump ship to American platforms, particularly those owned by Meta.Instead, American TikTok users who call themselves TikTok refugees have begun fleeing to an alternate social media app in recent daysand one owned by another Chinese company. That apps Chinese name is Xiaohongshu, but its known as RedNote in America. The app has seen as many as three million Americans join it in recent daysboth as a middle finger to U.S. lawmakers and because American users blame Meta for stirring up anti-TikTok sentiment among lawmakers.META and SNAP shares fallAs of the time of this writing, META shares are currently down about half a percent in Friday tradinghardly the direction one would expect if the TikTok ban were to benefit Facebook and Instagram.Snapchat owner Snaps share price is down even more, currently falling over 2.8%. However, Snaps stock price fall seems more connected to a complaint that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to refer to the Department of Justice. According to Reuters, the complaint alleges that Snaps AI chatbot may harm young users. Snap has countered that the complaint is based on inaccuracies and does not identify any specific harm. Still, if the incoming administration does delay the TikTok ban, or even if it is upheld but users dont flee to Metas or Snaps platforms, neither company may benefit from TikToks demise as they likely once hoped.

Construction has begun on the 70-storey Okan Tower skyscraper in Miamiby architecture studio Behar Font & Partners, which will contain a hotel, apartments and offices.Located in Downtown Miami, Okan Tower will be 902-feet high (274 metres) when completed, the latest in a group of skyscrapers currently under construction in the city.Construction has begun on Okan TowerRenders of the project show a narrow building with an arched cap. White structural supports outline the building on either side, while a variety of terraces cover the facades.According to Flordia-based architecture studio Behar Font & Partners, the tower's design was informed by the silhouette of a Tulip, the national flower of Turkey and home base of Okan Group.Read: Over 30 skyscrapers sinking into ground on Miami barrier islands"The 70-story ultra-modern skyscraper is an architectural gem and among the tallest buildings south of New York," said developer Okan Group."It is recognized for its fluted sculptured accents and crown."The building will contain a hotel, residences and officesThe tower will contain a 316-room Hilton hotel, 64,000 square feet (5,945 square metres) of office space, and 163 residences on its top floors.Amenities will include "one the world's tallest rooftop pools", located within the building's curved top, a wine lounge and a spa area.Interior renders show a palette dominated by white, with light oak cabinetry and stone countertops and floors.A palette of white walls, light wood furnishings and stone floors is pictured in interior renderings"Okan Tower is the dramatic centrepiece of the Downtown Miami skyline," said the team."From here, the entire city seems to revolve around you. For those fortunate enough to call this place home, it actually does."As of now, construction has reached the 12th floor of the 70-storey project, while its 290,000-square-foot parking podium is completed.The project is slated for 2027 completion.Elsewhere in Miami, Aston Martin and Argentinian architecture studio Bodas Mian Anger completed a skyscraper, while Kengo Kuma and Associates unveiled designs for its first residential tower in the US.The images are courtesy of Okan GroupThe post "Ultra-modern" skyscraper by Behar Font & Partners under construction in Miami appeared first on Dezeen.

Here's what we looked at this week:Dremel's new Blueprint Multi-Drill is designed with innovative features that consumers can use. AI-designed footwear is here, with a new "influencer" business model.Industrial design case study: Modern Weave 3.0, by KEM Studio, is an experimental furniture design incorporating rope.Gimmicky furniture design strikes again: A multi-position chair lands $780K-plus on Kickstarter.Combo furniture: LG adds a projector and speaker to a floor lamp.Outside-the-box thinking: The Adaptchula, an adaptive spatula.Unusual architectural product: A door within a door, designed for behavioral health facilities.An elaborate climbing-desk filing system from the 1930s.ToughBuilt' innovatively-designed tool bags feature great UX and high build quality.berleben's Stker is a minimalist flatpack camping stove.Aalto University has made the Nokia Design Archive available online.An extreme forever object: A 20-pound stainless steel drinking mug, which is killing it on Kickstarter.Icon is 3D printing 100 houses for the homeless at the Community First! Village in central Texas.Ill-advised UI design research: Controlling apps with your feet, as you walk.HEYtrace+ is infinitely reusable tracing paper made out of silicone.Industrial design case study: DesignStein Studios tackles a DC fast charger for EVs.

PROS: Innovative material with a unique aesthetic Slim profile and lightweight Massive 6,000mAh batteryCONS: No wireless charging Underwelming 8MP ultra-wide cameraRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:With a competitive price tag and a unique aesthetic flavor, the realm 14 Pro+ offers exceptional value, blending luxurious style and high-end features thats typically reserved for more expensive models.In an ever-evolving smartphone market, Realme has carved out a niche for itself by offering cutting-edge technology at accessible price points, primarily targeting young users who crave high-performance devices without the premium cost. Known for its bold design philosophy and focus on youth-centric innovation, Realme continues to push boundaries with the launch of the Realme 14 series.Positioned as the brands mid-range camera phone, realmes number series has enjoyed collaborations with renowned designers like Matteo Menotto (realme 11 Pro series) and Olliver Saveo (realme 12 Pro series), to name a few. As the first release in the reimagined realme Number Series, realme teamed up with acclaimed Nordic industrial design studio Valeur Designers to showcase a sleek, modern aesthetic, embodying Realmes dedication to seamlessly blending style with performance.The Realme 14 Pro+ packs a punch with its high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, powerful chipset, and advanced camera capabilities, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. In this review, well dive deeper into how the Realme 14 Pro+ balances performance, design, and value to meet the needs of its tech-driven audience.Designer: realmeAestheticsRealme has emphasized design as a key element of its brand identity, and the realme 14 Pro+ exemplifies this focus. The device stands out in the smartphone market, largely due to its collaboration with the Nordic industrial design studio, Valeur Designers. This partnership led to the development of the Pearl Design, which draws inspiration from marine life.One of the standout features of the device is its back panel, which introduces a world-first cold-sensitive color-changing technology. Using thermochromic pigments, the panel responds to temperature fluctuations, shifting from a soft pearl white to a vibrant blue when the temperature drops below 16C (60.8F).As the temperature rises above this threshold, the color gradually returns to its original pearl white. Over time, the color-changing effect will naturally fade with regular use realme estimates this process to take around 12 months. While some may view this as a limitation, it adds a layer of organic, even human-like quality to the device.In a conversation with Torsten, the lead designer at Valeur Design, during an interview in Copenhagen, he shared an intriguing perspective. He pointed out how odd it is that we spend so much of our day interacting with our phones often more than with actual people yet the devices themselves remain largely static and unchanging, and almost lifeless.In contrast, the realme 14 Pro+ offers a dynamic, evolving aspect that feels warmer and more connected to us. Instead of being a static object, the phone evolves with its user, responding to environmental changes in a way that mirrors the dynamic, ever-changing nature of human experience. This shift in design philosophy provides a more intimate, almost living quality to the device, making it feel less like a tool and more like a companion that grows alongside us.The 14 Pro+ is available in two color variants: Pearl White and Suede Grey. While both options offer a clean, modern aesthetic, the Pearl White version stands out with its unique color-changing back panel. Additionally, the Pearl White variant is finished with a shell-like texture, enhanced with organic seashell powder for a distinctive tactile feel. For those who prefer a more understated design, the Suede Grey variant provides a minimalist look with a soft, vegan suede leather finish that offers both a refined appearance and a smooth, luxurious touch.ErgonomicsThe realme 14 Pro+ stands out for its thoughtful ergonomic design, with Valeur Designers and realme paying close attention to comfort, making it easy to use for extended periods. One of the key features contributing to this is its quad-curved back cover, which is carefully shaped to fit naturally in the palm. This design not only enhances the phones aesthetics but also improves overall comfort, especially during prolonged use.At just 7.99 mm thick, the 14 Pro+ is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor, the realme 13 Pro+, which measures 8.41 mm. This reduction in thickness, combined with a well-distributed weight, ensures the phone feels light yet substantial, striking a balanced mix of portability and premium quality.The Pearl White variant of the 14 Pro+ measures 163.51 x 77.34 x 7.99 mm and weighs 194 grams, providing a lightweight feel that still feels durable. The Suede Grey variant, slightly thicker at 8.29 mm and weighing 196 grams, adds a tactile layer of luxury with its vegan suede leather finish, enhancing its overall premium appearance and texture.The realme 14 Pro+ combines comfort, usability, and style. Its slim build and carefully designed ergonomic features make it a pleasure to handle, whether youre browsing, gaming, or using it for day-to-day tasks, all while providing a premium feel in hand.PerformanceThe realme 14 Pro+ is not just a visual marvel; it also excels in delivering class-leading performance that caters to both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, it offers smooth multitasking and responsive performance across apps, work tasks, and entertainment. It runs realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15 out of the box. To keep things cool during extended use, the handset features a 6,000mm 3D Vapor Chamber Cooling System, the largest in its class, which helps manage heat during intensive activities like gaming.The 14 Pro+ is equipped with a 6,000mAh battery, enhanced by realmes Flex Pack technology, offering 15% more capacity and up to 20% longer battery life than its predecessor, according to Realme. Combined with 80W wired fast charging, it ensures reliable all-day use and quick power recovery.The device has a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1272) and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing clear and smooth visuals. With a peak brightness of 1500 nits, it performs well even in bright environments. The 14 Pro+ features a symmetrical quad-curved design, adding to its sleek look. Additionally, it incorporates 3840 PWM ultra-high-frequency dimming technology to reduce flicker and minimize eye strain during extended use.Main, 1xMain, 1xMain, 1x, Night ModeFor imaging, the realme 14 Pro+ brings incremental improvements in hardware. The primary camera is a 50MP Sony IMX 896 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), featuring a 1/1.56-inch sensor and an f/1.8 aperture. Alongside it is a 50MP Sony IMX 882 OIS periscope camera, with a 1/1.95-inch sensor and f/2.65 aperture, offering 3X optical zoom, 6X in-sensor zoom, and up to 120X digital zoom. The ultra-wide camera is an 8MP sensor with a 112-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture. For selfies, the front camera boasts a 32MP Sony sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.Ultrawide, 0.6xMain, 1xMain, 2xIn good lighting, both the main and telephoto cameras capture sharp, vibrant photos with a good dynamic range. Exposure is generally well-balanced, though they can struggle with motion, particularly in low-light conditions.Telephoto, 3xTelephoto, 6xTelephoto, 10xThe MagicGlow Triple Flash is designed for night portraits, allowing you to adjust the lights color temperature to capture more natural skin tones in challenging lighting conditions. Video capabilities include 4K 30FPS recording on both front and rear cameras, with slo-mo options at 1080p 120FPS or 720p 240FPS for the rear camera.With Fill Light (Left), Without Fill Light (Right)SustainabilityThe realme 14 Pro+ integrates sustainability into its design, using fusion fiber for the back cover, made from 95% eco-friendly materials. This biodegradable material reduces environmental impact while being energy-efficient. With IP68, IP69, and IP65 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with TV Rheinland Rugged Smartphone Certification, the device is built for durability. This robust construction extends its lifespan, reducing the need for replacements and helping minimize electronic waste.ValueThe realme 14 Pro+ starts from approximately $325 USD for the 8GB/128GB variant. The 14 Pro+ positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of performance, design, and sustainability at a competitive price point. The device offers a combination of high-end features, a symmetrical quad-curved display, a 120Hz AMOLED display, a periscope telephoto camera, a large VC cooling system, a 6,000mAh battery, all packed into a sleek, ergonomic design.VerdictThe realme 14 Pro+ is a standout in the mid-range smartphone segment, delivering a blend of innovative design, robust performance, and sustainability. Its collaboration with Valeur Designers has resulted in a device that not only looks and feels premium but also offers a unique, dynamic aesthetic with its color-changing back panel. This feature, alongside the ergonomic quad-curved design, makes it a joy to handle and a conversation starter.Priced competitively at around $325 USD, the device offers exceptional value, blending high-end features typically reserved for more expensive models. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, high-performance device that aligns with modern sustainability values without breaking the bank.The realme 14 Pro+ is a compelling option for young, tech-driven users who desire a device that combines cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and environmental responsibility. It successfully balances style, functionality, and value, making it a worthy contender in the crowded smartphone market.The post Realme 14 Pro+ Review: A Mid-Range Wonder with Style and An Affordable Price first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pre-orders aren't live just yet but you can still prepare to beat the queues with retailers like Best Buy.

The Meta CEO is abandoning his commitment to the truth in favor of a Trump-style playbook.

A new report details how a covert influence operation linked to the Kremlin continued to place ads on Facebook despite U.S. and E.U. prohibitions on doing business with the organization.