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.

MacworldWhile the new M4 Mac mini has impressed us all with its small size and processing prowess, a USB-C connectivity problem has been baffling many early adopters.As spotted by AppleInsider, posts on several different forums by people who bought the Mac mini but have issues with connected USB-C devices. In many instances, the devices stop working or dont work at all. Posts have appeared in the Apple Support Community, MacResource, and Reddit. The issue doesnt appear to affect any of the other M4 Macs that were released at the same time.One pattern that appears from the various postings is that users are connecting USB-A devices by using a USB-C adapter on a rear Thunderbolt/USB-C port. They experience inconsistent connectivity, but once they switch to a front USB-C port, the devices work properly. Some users report problems with devices that draw power from the rear ports. In some cases, disconnecting the device and then reconnecting it fixes the problem. The M2 Mac mini had a pair of USB-A ports but Apple removed them when it redesigned the Mac mini with a smaller design, hence the need for USB-C-to-USB-A adapters.The problems seemingly dont affect the Mac minis front ports, which are USB-C only and not Thunderbolt ports. This could be a sign of a problem between adapters communicating with the multi-purpose nature of the rear ports. The adapters could be inadequate at maintaining the signal that the rear ports require for making a connection.Apple has yet to comment on the issue. If you do need to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter to connect a device to a Mac, rely on products made by reputable companies, such as Apples own offering. Its easy to find cheap adapters on Amazon from companies with nonsensical-sounding names, but in our experience, its worth the few extra dollars to invest in products from known companies. Check out our guides on the best USB-C hubs and adapters and the best Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations.Mac Mini M4Price When Reviewed:699 EuroBest Prices Today: RetailerPrice0.01View Deal649View Deal689View Deal699View Deal649,00 View Deal659,99 View Deal659,99 View Deal677,61 View Deal757.77View Deal758,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket0.01 at idealo649 at notebooksbilliger.de689 at AlternateApple Mac mini (M4 Pro)Price When Reviewed:1.649 EuroBest Prices Today: RetailerPrice0.01View Deal1499View Deal1527View Deal1649View Deal1475.6View Deal1.460,30 View Deal1.477,48 View Deal1.479,00 View Deal1.479,00 View Deal1.509,00 View Deal1.509,00 View Deal2.278,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket0.01 at idealo1499 at Alternate1527 at notebooksbilliger.deRead our full Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro) review

In a few years, every new employee entering the workforce will already have become accustomed to using AI to solve problems and help with tasks and theyre going to want the same tools at work as those they use at home. Thats the important take-away from new research that shows about a quarter of US teens have used ChatGPT for schoolwork.We know, because weve seen it already; once powerful technologies take hold in the school room, they tend to proliferate across business markets later. Weve seen it happen before with the Mac, the PC, iPad, and iPhone. Weve seen it happen in the evolution of photo-sharing sites and social media.Were going to keep seeing this happen in the future. You dont have to like it, but you have to accept that once a technology reaches critical mass in the schoolroom, it appears in business later.Tomorrows worldTomorrows employees have grown up with that tech, meaning Gen Z is also set to be Generation AI. This is going to become increasingly important to business users, who will need to make the right investments today to ensure they have appropriate tech (including experience and policy) in place.This is something thats evidently important to device, service, and operating system vendors, as each and every one of them is now engaged in a rapid sprint to deploy AI in their offerings. Apple, of course, is a little unique in that it is attempting toweave privacy into the systems it provides,including Apple Intelligence, something that will be seen as of increasing importance to business users as they seek to lock down their information, both in competitive terms and also to meet data protection requirements.For digital natives, privacy is a currency they want to controlIts interesting to see how Generation Z sees privacy. These digital natives want to control the digital narrative concerning their lives, have grown up with the internet, and are more likely to digest information in video than written form.They also understand how things work. That means theyknow about the privacy settings on their devices and are more likely than older generations to use them.They are prepared to share personal information in exchange for personalized services, but areconcerned about misuse, abuse, or tracking of them or their data and dont have much faith in the ability of companies to protect that information.This implies that, when they begin their working lives, they will prefer workplace solutions that provide both convenience and privacy. But as the digital transformation experience accelerated by the iPhone-led smartphone revolution showed, they will still use AI even if companies dont approve the services they prefer.This is why it is important today to test and rate existing AI systems against your own business security and privacy policies.Invest in infrastructureBy the time your next generational employee intake takes place, youll want to ensure the use of AI across your organization has been tested, verified, and has become mature. Otherwise (and not for the first time), current generations will be leaving it to subsequent ones to figure out how to shave the corners off the wheel, giving those whove already figured out how to build better roads for those circular objects the edge when it comes to supporting any kind of customer journey.It remains to be seen the extent to which AI will either unleash the creativity and innovation itsproponents promise us, or confine human endeavor to an Overton window defined by the people who build the AI systems we use. But we already seem unable to leave the vehicle.There is one more thing for business users planning their AI deployments to consider, and thats Apple. You see, despite Siri, Apple already has astrong grip on Generation Z its market share among US teens continues to grow. Theylike Apple and its services.While they dont see Apple Intelligence as aparticularly big draw yet, in the fast-moving long game of AI deployment, so long as Apple focuses on things they care about such as privacy and delivers AI that does what it says it does, the companys resurgence in enterprise markets will continue. That means demand for Apple in the workplace will continue to grow, and it will remain essential to open things up with employee choice schemes and consider Mac, iPad, and iPhone deployments across US business.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn,Mastodon, andMeWe.

This article first appeared in The Checkup,MIT Technology Reviewsweekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and read articles like this first,sign up here.Over the past few months, Ive been working on a piece about IVF embryos. The goal of in vitro fertilization is to create babies via a bit of lab work: Trigger the release of lots of eggs, introduce them to sperm in a lab, transfer one of the resulting embryos into a persons uterus, and cross your fingers for a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes it doesnt work. But often it does. For the article, I explored what happens to the healthy embryos that are left over.I spoke to Lisa Holligan, who had IVF in the UK around five years ago. Holligan donated her genetically abnormal embryos for scientific research. But she still has one healthy embryo frozen in storage. And she doesnt know what to do with it.Shes not the only one struggling with the decision. Leftover embryos are kept frozen in storage tanks, where they sit in little straws, invisible to the naked eye, their growth paused in a state of suspended animation. What happens next is down to personal choicebut that choice can be limited by a complex web of laws and ethical and social factors.These days, responsible IVF clinics will always talk to people about the possibility of having leftover embryos before they begin treatment. Intended parents will sign a form indicating what they would like to happen to those embryos. Typically, that means deciding early on whether they might like any embryos they dont end up using to be destroyed or donated, either to someone else trying to conceive or for research.But it can be really difficult to make these decisions before youve even started treatment. People seeking fertility treatment will usually have spent a long time trying to get pregnant. They are hoping for healthy embryos, and some cant imagine having any left overor how they might feel about them.For a lot of people, embryos are not just balls of cells. They hold the potential for life, after all. Some people see them as children, waiting to be born. Some even name their embryos, or call them their freezer babies. Others see them as the product of a long, exhausting, and expensive IVF journey.Holligan says that she initially considered donating her embryo to another person, but her husband disagreed. He saw the embryo as their child and said he wouldnt feel comfortable with giving it up to another family. I started having these thoughts about a child coming to me when theyre older, saying theyve had a terrible life, and [asking] Why didnt you have me? she told me.Holligan lives in the UK, where you can store your embryos for up to 55 years. Destroying or donating them are also options. Thats not the case in other countries. In Italy, for example, embryos cannot be destroyed or donated. Any that are frozen will remain that way forever, unless the law changes at some point.In the US, regulations vary by state. The patchwork of laws means that one state can bestow a legal status on embryos, giving them the same rights as children, while another might have no legislation in place at all.No one knows for sure how many embryos are frozen in storage tanks, but the figure is thought to be somewhere between 1 million and 10 million in the US alone. Some of these embryos have been in storage for years or decades. In some cases, the intended parents have deliberately chosen this, opting to pay hundreds of dollars per year in fees.But in other cases, clinics have lost touch with their clients. Many of these former clients have stopped paying for the storage of their embryos, but without up-to-date consent forms, clinics can be reluctant to destroy them. What if the person comes back and wants to use those embryos after all?Most clinics, if they have any hesitation or doubt or question, will err on the side of holding on to those embryos and not discarding them, says Sigal Klipstein, a reproductive endocrinologist at InVia Fertility Center in Chicago, who also chairs the ethics committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Because its kind of like a one-way ticket.Klipstein thinks one of the reasons why some embryos end up abandoned in storage is that the people who created them cant bring themselves to destroy them. Its just very emotionally difficult for someone who has wanted so much to have a family, she tells me.Klipstein says she regularly talks to her patients about what to do with leftover embryos. Even people who make the decision with confidence can change their minds, she says. Weve all had those patients who have discarded embryos and then come back six months or a year later and said: Oh, I wish I had those embryos, she tells me. Those [embryos may have been] their best chance of pregnancy.Those who do want to discard their embryos have options. Often, the embryos will simply be exposed to air and then disposed of. But some clinics will also offer to transfer them at a time or place where a pregnancy is extremely unlikely to result. This compassionate transfer, as it is known, might be viewed as a more natural way to dispose of the embryo.But its not for everyone. Holligan has experienced multiple miscarriages and wonders if a compassionate transfer might feel similar. She wonders if it might just end up putting [her] body and mind through unnecessary stress.Ultimately, for Holligan and many others in a similar position, the choice remains a difficult one. These are very desired embryos, says Klipstein. The purpose of going through IVF was to create embryos to make babies. And [when people] have these embryos, and theyve completed their family plan, theyre in a place they couldnt have imagined.Now read the rest of The CheckupRead more from MIT Technology Reviews archiveOur relationship with embryos is unique, and a bit all over the place. Thats partly because we cant agree on their moral status. Are they more akin to people or property, or something in between? Who should get to decide their fate? While we get to the bottom of these sticky questions, millions of embryos are stuck in suspended animationsome of them indefinitely.It is estimated that over 12 million babies have been born through IVF. The development of the Nobel Prizewinning technology behind the procedure relied on embryo research. Some worry that donating embryos for research can be onerousand that valuable embryos are being wasted as a result.Fertility rates around the world are dropping below the levels needed to maintain stable populations. But IVF cant save us from a looming fertility crisis. Gender equality and family-friendly policies are much more likely to prove helpful.Two years ago, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a legal decision that protected the right to abortion. Since then, abortion bans have been enacted in multiple states. But in November of last year, some states voted to extend and protect access to abortion, and voters in Missouri supported overturning the states ban.Last year, a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that embryos count as children ignited fears over access to fertility treatments in a state that had already banned abortion. The move could also have implications for the development of technologies like artificial uteruses and synthetic embryos, my colleague Antonio Regalado wrote at the time.From around the webIts not just embryos that are frozen as part of fertility treatments. Eggs, sperm, and even ovarian and testicular tissue can be stored too. A man who had immature testicular tissue removed and frozen before undergoing chemotherapy as a child 16 years ago had the tissue reimplanted in a world first, according to the team at University Hospital Brussels that performed the procedure around a month ago. The tissue was placed into the mans testicle and scrotum, and scientists will wait a year before testing to see if he is successfully producing sperm. (UZ Brussel)The Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk makes half the worlds insulin. Now it is better known as the manufacturer of the semaglutide drug Ozempic. How will the sudden shift affect the production and distribution of these medicines around the world? (Wired)The US has not done enough to prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle. The response to bird flu is a national embarrassment, argues Katherine J. Wu. (The Atlantic)Elon Musk has said that if all goes well, millions of people will have brain-computer devices created by his company Neuralink implanted within 10 years. In reality, progress is slowerso far, Musk has said that three people have received the devices. My colleague Antonio Regalado predicts what we can expect from Neuralink in 2025. (MIT Technology Review)

Apple may not have donated directly, but CEO Tim Cook joined other big tech companies in donating $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund, and senators have concerns about corruption.Apple didn't donate to the inauguration directly. Image source: AppleIt's been no secret that tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are concerned about how the incoming administration will view so-called "big tech." Many major tech companies have contributed at least $1 million to the Trump inauguration fund, and many CEOs and billionaires will be present, which is a departure from previous inaugurations.According to a report from The Verge, the significance of unusually large donations for this presidency isn't lost on US Senator Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet. They question the motive behind the donations and worry that it is a sign of corruption. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

If you're in search of new, exciting architecture and design competitions, take a look at the latestcurated picksof challenges listed on Bustler. Featured below are four briefs seekingtransformative projects across architecture, interiors, and unbuilt work, exceptional works from recently graduatedarchitects, urban planners, and landscape architects, proposals for the transformation of a historical heritage site into a start-up hub in Busan, South Korea, and exceptional designs for a new arrivals terminal at the Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania.For the complete directory of newly listed competitions, clickhere.

Binary Hazes Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist exits early access on January 22nd for PC, launching alongside the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch versions. Before that, a new launch trailer is available and packed with its share of emotions. Check it out below.Set much after the events of Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, the story centres on Lilac, an Attuner in the Land of Fumes. While its known for magical and technological advancements, including the Homunculi, things take a turn when mystery fumes after the latter. As an Attuner, Lilac can harness different Homunculi and use their abilities to survive.Of course, her long-term goal is restoring her memories and discovering her connection to the Homunculi. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist promises 35 hours of content with Version 1.0, though progress from early access sadly doesnt carry over. Stay tuned for more details en route to its launch next week.