Buying furniture on your own can be stressful. Aside from the costif youre furnishing an entire two-bedroom house, that might run you close to $25,000 depending on your choicestheres the stress of choosing pieces that fit your aesthetic vibe, measuring to make sure they fit the rooms, and determining whether the stuff will last long enough to justify the investment.And then theres what might be the most important factor: Comfort. Testing a piece of furniture for a few minutes in the store really doesnt tell you if youre going to love sitting on it for years to come, and nothings more irritating than a couch or dining room chair that makes you unhappy, because that unhappiness bleeds into everything youre doing while using that furniture. While there are ways to improve the comfort level of a couch, ideally you shouldnt have to hack a brand new piece. The key is to use your time in the store wiselyhere are five ways to tell if that furniture is going to be comfortable over the long haul.Heavy items are usually sturdierTake advantage of being able to physically interact with a couch or chair by picking up the cushions and feeling their heft and weight. Generally speaking, the heavier and more substantial a cushion feels, the more comfortable it will be to sit on. Thicker, heavier cushions have more material to compress, and thus will distribute your weight more evenly, reducing the chance of pressure points that go from mildly annoying to excruciating surprisingly fast.Pay attention to the firmness of the cushionsCushions can be softer or firmer, and the best choice is pretty personal. Some folks like a firm, unyielding cushion while others like to sink into a cloud. If you suffer from lower back pain, a firmer seat might be beneficial, but if youre buying a couch intended for use during cozy movie nights you might want a softer cushion. The key is to know your needs and how youll use the piece, then seek out a cushion with the right squish factor.Check the springsIf the furniture youre shopping for is upholstered and utilizes springs, research the type of springs used. The most comfortable choice will usually be eight-way hand tied coil springs, which are manually attached to the furniture frame and densely arranged for maximum support. Because theyre labor-intensive, however, furniture made using these springs is usually the most expensive choice. If thats outside your price range, opt for sinuous no-sag springs (actually the most common springs youll find in furniture), which use less material but offer decent support for comfortable use.Evaluate the seat depth and heightA key aspect of comfortand one that is difficult to appreciate in a few minutes of frenzied sitting in a store settingis the height and depth of various components, especially when it comes to couches and sofas.Seat depth (the distance from the front edge to the back cushion). The two things to consider here are your body and the intended use of the piece. Most sofas and couches have a seat depth between 20 and 25 inches, but deep-seat pieces can have seat depths as high as 35 inches. Generally speaking, the taller you are, the more seat depth youll want.An extra consideration here is whether you see yourself sleeping on the couch. For a single person, standard seat depth is probably workable (though more depth will be better for sleepingconsider that a twin bed is about 38 inches across). If youre going to be napping on the couch as often as you sit on it, deeper seats will be more comfortable overall.Seat height (distance from floor to the top of the seat cushion). This is usually around 17 or 18 inches, but if the sofa or couch is very deep, a low seat height will make it more challenging to get up without feeling like youre climbing out of a soft hole. On the other hand, if youre tall, you might want a few extra inches of seat height.Back height (distance from floor to top of back). Most couches and sofas will have a back thats 26 to 36 inches. Buying a sofa or couch because its sleek and modern often means a lower back, but if comfort is your goal, youll also need to consider how you like to sit. If you like to drape your arms over the back of the couch, choose a lower back height. If you want more back support, go higherand the taller you are, the more inches youll want.One thing you can do in the store is get comfortable test how much work it takes to get up. If its an effort in the store, its not going to get magically easier at home.Test out the fabricThe one thing most people do when furniture shopping is touch the stuff, so it might be obvious that you should make sure that any fabric covering your furniture is pleasant to touch. But the key is to really spend some time with it, because you will be touching it a lot when you get it home. If the fabric gives you a goose pimple reaction when you touch it, or if it feels rough against your skin, or if you show any signs of an allergic reaction, ask yourself if you can live with that feeling every day for the foreseeable future.

Austrian privacy advocate NOYB has launched its first GDPR complaints against Chinese businesses. The organization has filed complaints against TikTok, Xiaomi, Shein, AliExpress, Temu and WeChat, alleging that these companies unlawfully shared information about European users with parties in China. The group is seeking suspension of data transfers to China as well as fines of up to four percent of a firm's global revenue. NOYB is an acronym for "none of your business" and is led by activist Max Schrems, known for his campaigns against Facebook.The General Data Protection Regulation is a rule covering information privacy in the EU. Under that regulation, data transfers outside of the EU are only allowed if the destination country doesn't undermine data protection. Calling China an "authoritarian surveillance state," NOYB is arguing that data transfers should not be allowed to the country."According to their privacy policy, AliExpress, SHEIN, TikTok and Xiaomi transfer data to China," NOYB said in a release announcing the action. "Temu and WeChat mention transfers to third countries. According to Temu and WeChats corporate structure, this most likely includes China."NOYB has previously filed complaints against American big tech firms, including Apple and Meta, for potential GDPR violations.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/tiktok-temu-and-more-face-complaints-alleging-gdpr-violations-in-eu-195115567.html?src=rss

Think the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 is expensive? We found a much better x86 alternative for the same price

Cryptocurrencies jumped on Thursday as investor appetite shifted to smaller, higher risk coins ahead of President-elect DonaldTrump's inauguration.

Users of the Chinese social media app RedNote welcomed TikTok refugees from the United States with selfies and messages on Wednesday, as Beijing said it encouraged stronger cultural ties with other countries in response to the sudden influx.Known in China as Xiaohongshu and as a platform to find lifestyle recommendations on areas from beauty to food, the app has in recent days been transformed into an unexpected bilateral channel for U.S.-China exchanges, with users swapping photos and questions about pets, favourite foods and their lives.Not everyone was happy, though, with some grumbling that their platform was being taken over and nationalist bloggers warning against American influences.The influx of more than 700,000 new users has been driven by a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, on national security concerns.Many Chinese users on Wednesday posted selfies and messages saying welcome TikTok refugees, and responded eagerly to questions from U.S. users on topics such as popular Chinese dishes, city tourist sights and even Chinas birth policies.Among them was Jacob Hui, a translator in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, who said he joined a live chat co-hosted by Chinese and American influencers on the platform and posed questions such as what video games were popular in the U.S. to the new users.There were not many such opportunities to directly interact with Americans in the past, he said.Chinese state media has also cheered the trend, with state broadcaster CCTV saying that the TikTok users had found a new home. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, asked at a regular press briefing, said the use of social media was a personal choice.China has always supported and encouraged strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of all countries, Guo said.China has for years tightly controlled cyberspace through its Great Firewall censorship architecture and blocked foreign social media networks such as Instagram and X.While many Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo allow foreign phone numbers to register, they usually limit such users to the international versions. ByteDance restricts TikTok to foreign users and runs a separate version for mainland Chinese residents called Douyin.RedNote, in contrast, does not require users to have such a number and maintains only one version of its app. The company did not respond to Reuters request for comment on Wednesday.In the past, other Western social media platforms, such as Clubhouse, have enjoyed a similar trend of Chinese mainland users joining in swathes before being blocked by Beijings censors.Propagandists from the United StatesThe newcomers to RedNote have not been universally welcomed, however, with criticism from some Chinese users unhappy with how they were changing the content of the platform and from some nationalist Chinese bloggers.Ren Yi, the Harvard-educated grandson of a former Chinese Communist leader who runs a popular WeChat blog under the pen name Chairman Rabbit, warned his followers against being unsuspectingly influenced.Propagandists from the United States can easily achieve their goals by following a simple routine first praise you a few words to make you relax your vigilance, and then bring their own goods to subtly influence you, he said in an article first published on Wednesday morning that was later deleted.Beijing-based independent industry analyst Liu Xingliang said he believed the sudden popularity of RedNote among TikTok users would be short-lived, though the current atmosphere was very warm and joyful.American netizens are in a dissatisfied mood, and wanting to find another Chinese app to use is a catharsis of short-term emotions and a rebellious gesture. You can see that Xiaohongshu is also caught unprepared, the experience on it is not very good for foreigners, he said.There were also signs that some new foreign users were testing the platforms censorship limits, with some posting on social media network X that they were unable to post about topics known to be sensitive in China such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two sources familiar with the company, that the platform was scrambling to find ways to moderate English-language content and build English-Chinese translation tools.(This Jan. 15 story has been corrected to clarify that registration is allowed with a foreign phone number, and not require users to have a Chinese phone number, in paragraph 11)Brenda Goh, ReutersAdditional reporting by Sophie Yu and Laurie Chen.

The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features Honda's first major logo redesign since the 1980s.Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.Car brand Honda revealed an updated logo for the brand's future electric cars. The redesign simplified the logo by removing the distinctive H from the thin square that previously encircled it.Los Angeles mayor issues executive order for "residents to rapidly rebuild"This week's newsletter also featured news about an executive order from the Los Angeles mayor urging residents to rebuild quickly, twin skyscrapers in Instanbul by architecture studio KPF and American retailer Walmart's updated logo.Dezeen AgendaDezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Thursday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Dailyis our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours andDezeen In Depthis sent on the last Friday of every month anddelves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.The post Dezeen Agenda features Honda's revamped logo for electric vehicles appeared first on Dezeen.

The Core77 Design Awards Emerging Technologies category features systems, services, hardware, or software products created with the aid of recently created or developed software and hardware technologies. Examples include projects that incorporate the use of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), blockchain technologies, robotics, biometrics, advanced materials, or new production processes.Hussain Almossawi has spent his career testing the boundaries of possibility. As the Design Director of Mossawi Studios (which he founded in 2019), Hussain devotes himself to exploring "the limitless potential of design to create impactful change, driven by our imagination and insights." Prior to founding his multi-disciplinary design studio, the industrial designer, visual effects artist, and bestselling author built a portfolio of clients ranging from Nike, Apple, and Adidas to Intel and Ford Motor Company. He enjoys "blurring the lines between product design and CGI" and designing futuristic experiences, and this creative, forward-thinking mindset has made Hussain a sought-after keynote speaker and teacher on innovation and design. Hussain describes design as the place "where the worlds of imagination and science converge, enabling us to transform creative visions into practical solutions." He finds discovery and growth in all aspects of the design journey, from exploring ideas to prototyping and refining solutions. Throughout, Hussain balances the desire to "dream big" with the practical need to solve "real-world" problems. As he describes it: "Each step, from the initial concept to the final design, reflects the balance of creativity and logic. It's fulfilling to see how thoughtful design can shape meaningful outcomes and push the boundaries of what's possible."If Hussain holds any concerns about the state of the design industry, they center on designers' tendency to "play it safe." This tentative approach, in his opinion, leads to "the oversaturation and repetitiveness of identical ideas, where there's a reluctance to push boundaries or rethink what already exists." Hussain believes that a designer who hesitates to move beyond the status quo limits their opportunities for creativity and "meaningful progress." As he explains, "True innovation requires a willingness to improve, adapt, and take even small steps toward reimagining what's possible, yet too often, opportunities to elevate designs are overlooked in favor of familiarity."Hussain's advice to Core77 Design Awards entrants? "Embrace failure as an essential part of the journey and focus on enjoying the process." In his experience, approaching setbacks as valuable learning opportunities can ultimately lead to breakthroughs. He also encourages designers to keep the experience fun and engaging. "[That] will breathe life into your project, fueling your creativity and keeping you fully invested. When you approach challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to grow, your passion and dedication will shine through in the final outcome, making your project stand out."2024 Core77 Design Awards Emerging Technologies winner Elroy Air for the Elroy Air Chaparral.The 2024 winner in the Core77 Design Awards Emerging Technologies category was Elroy Air for the Elroy Air Chaparral, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of delivering 300 pounds of cargo across a 300-mile range. The Chaparral's ability to retrieve a full cargo container from a loading dock and fly it directly to a destination without transferring between trucks, trams, or airplanes can improve shipping logistics by increasing tempo and reducing cost and human risk.If you have an emerging technologies design that pushes the boundaries of possibility, submit it to this year's Core77 Design Awards. Enter your work in the Core77 Design Awards today.

Many of our electronics today rely on batteries, from laptops to phones to smart home appliances to even cars. Its almost ironic, then, that these critical batteries are also one of the most dangerous things we keep near our bodies, not to mention a hazard to the health of the planet as well. From the way they are made to the unsustainable metals and chemicals they contain, batteries, by nature, seem opposed to life itself.Green energy like solar and wind can go only as far as recharging batteries, but we still need these volatile objects to power devices directly. This innovative battery, however, attempts to reinvent batteries from the ground up to provide true sustainable power to the point that they can even be broken down as compost. Even more intriguing, theyre made of materials youd least expect to find in batteries: paper and water.Designer: FlintTechnically speaking, the batteries arent made of the same kind of paper you write on or read from. It actually uses cellulose as the structural backbone and separator of the battery, an abundant material derived from plants and also used in paper, hence the name. As for water, its used as the foundation for the electrolytes that actually carry the electrical flow between the zinc-based anode and the manganese-based cathode, both of which are non-reactive, safe, and commonly found everywhere.This unusual composition for a battery yields many benefits beyond simply being made of sustainable materials. For one, the battery has unbelievable resilience and can still output power even when cut in half, let alone not explode in your pocket when punctured. Its also impervious to fire since it uses water-based electrolytes. This practically removes the need for those fancy but complicated and expensive cooling systems in phones and laptops, presuming they get used in those devices. The batteries can also be folded and bent safely, finally realizing the dream of flexible batteries.The Flint Paper Batteries are advertised to have the same performance in terms of output and longevity as typical toxic rechargeable batteries. And yes, theyre rechargeable as well. They wont live forever, though, and when theyve finally lost their charge for good, simply removing the vacuum-sealed casing starts the natural degradation process that breaks them down into harmless components.It all sounds idyllic but the technology is not completely ready for mass consumption just yet. One of the biggest hurdles that still needs to be overcome is mass production, and Flints creators are planning on using currently existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes in order to minimize production and adoption costs. When that happens, we could finally take a major step forward in running not only on green power but also on safe and recyclable batteries as well.The post Rechargeable paper batteries promise safe, flexible, and compostable power first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Honor X Porsche collab is setting the way for new tech trends.

Following weeks of leaks and wild speculation, Nintendo gave fans a first look at its new slightly bigger, Switch on Thursday. The company also teased a new Mario Kart game.