Car makers are apparently still trying to figure out how to build well-designed controls. Early in the rise of EVs, Tesla was considered the North Star of design, offering a cool new look and efficient performance. But over the years, that novelty has worn off a little, and some of the design choices Tesla has made, and still sticks to, clearly arent where we want to go. Case in point: car climate controls.Cars are increasingly getting bigger and bigger tablet-like displays that are designed to control every aspect of the vehicle, including the climate. But is that really the right choice?Software Isnt All BadIm not fully against software-based climate controls in cars, and to be clear, some automakers have been building better ones for their vehicles over the past few years. Early on, car makers started packing these options into their infotainment systems, and removing physical controls.The only problem with that is they didnt really think about how to best design their software to ensure easy access to things like fan speed and temperature. The end result? Drivers have to tap on multiple on-screen buttons just to change the basics. When combined with poor performance that meant a tap could take seconds to even register, this was not only annoying but plain dangerous.But recently, things have been getting better. Car makers have started putting higher-performing processors into their vehicles, ensuring that the software is much more responsive. Not only that, but their design has been improving, and many now offer persistent climate controls that allow for quick and immediate access to basic things like fan speed and temperature, always on the screen.BMW is a good example of this, as it has begun putting its climate controls in a menu bar at the bottom, both for the driver and the passenger. Basic controls can be changed with a tap, and while you still need to dive into menus for more advanced controls, this isnt necessarily a huge deal.Tactile Hardware ControlsBut even in the best-designed cases, theres still something missing from software-based controls. Hardware controls like knobs, dials, and buttons offer a tactile experience that allows a driver to control climate without having to take their eyes off the road. Plus, they often simply look cooler.Car makers are starting to realize this, and there are at least a few cases of manufacturers switching back to physical controls after building vehicles with software controls only.Of course, this certainly presents a design challenge. Sure, manufacturers have been building hardware-based climate controls for decades now, but an absence of physical controls would allow manufacturers to make things look more minimalistic and less busy. That can be a good thing, though at times it can certainly get a bit over the top.The Right Way(s) To Do ThingsMaybe were still headed toward a future of software-based controls, but until car makers can actually design good software, hardware climate controls are simply the way to go. Theyre easier to use, much safer, and take some of the complexity out of learning how to use a cars infotainment system. Sure, it means that manufacturers still have to figure out how to actually make them look good, but thats up to them to figure out, and up to us to criticize.

The enduring design legacy of QWERTY in modern UXContinue reading on UX Collective

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The latest iPad mini 7 was released in Oct. of last year, bringing a smaller and more compact design with Apple Intelligence features. Although it was recently released, the iPad Mini already has a hefty $100 discount. You can get it for $399 (originally $499), the biggest discount it has received to date, according to price-tracking tools. Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 The iPad mini 7 comes with the A17 Pro chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro, and one A-series less than the iPhone 16 series uses. It's only a year old and will be supported by Apple for many years. In comparison to the iPad mini 6, it is 30% faster than the iPad mini 6's A15 Bionic chip, but more importantly, it runs Apple Intelligence, including new AI features like notification summaries and AI-powered writing tools. You'll also be able to use the new Apple Pencil Pro with it, have Wi-Fi 6E support, and it starts with 128GB of storage (twice what the iPad mini 6 base model offers).True to its name, the mini 7 is Apples smallest tablet, measuring 7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inches and weighing 1.1 lbs. The screen is an 8.3-inch screen with a 2,226 by 1,448 pixels resolution. According to PCMag's "excellent" review, you can expect to get about 7 hours and 23 minutes of juice on a full charge. Other than Apple Intelligence and supporting the Pencil Pro, there is not much difference to warrant upgrading if you have the 6th generation iPad mini. But if you're looking for a smaller iPad or just need to upgrade to a newer one that has the latest features, this new iPad mini is currently cheaper than the previous version and is a great deal for its price.

I am the first to admit that I am quite clumsy, so I always buy extra care protection for my devices. However, I'm still always shocked by the price of fixing whatever inevitable water damage or cracked screen I bring in. So, it's nice to see that Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss has updated its plan to include $0 same day repairs for cracked screens and back glass. Samsung's most expensive protection plan also includes unlimited repairs at authorized locations, so you don't have to worry if it breaks again.Previously, same day repairs cost $29 a pop. Care+ plan customers (the next tier down) have to pay $29 for cracked screen repairs and $99 for back glass repairs.However, even with the update, these "free" repairs don't come cheap. The price of all Samsung Care+ plans vary based on the specific device, with each product broken into tiers. For example, a Galaxy S23 or S24 Ultra is currently in Tier 4 and would cost $18 per month or $349 for two years of Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss. Whereas, a Galaxy A15 is in Tier 1 and would cost $8 per month or $129 for two years of the same plan.Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss is only available for phones, tablets and watches though watches will still cost $29 per repair or replacement. It also includes same day replacement and set up, Knox Guard Security and a max of three "lost, stolen, and/or unrecoverable claims" during a consecutive 12 months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/samsung-care-now-offers-0-screen-repair-but-it-will-cost-you-160016109.html?src=rss

We're here to give you the rundown of all the last-minute rumors and tips ahead of Galaxy Unpacked where we expect to se the Galaxy S25 family.

Nearly a day after TikTok was restored to U.S. users in a dramatic game of chicken with the federal government, another popular service owned by China-based ByteDance is still dark. CapCut, the video-editing app used by many TikTok creators, has remained inaccessible in the United States as of Monday morning. Instead, visitors are greeted by a message explaining that CapCut has been swept up in the same law that required ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban, which went into effect on Sunday.Screenshot via CapCutAlthough the law doesnt force ByteDance to shut down, app stores in the United States face serious penalties for hosting ByteDance apps, which lawmakers say pose a national security threat due to influence from Beijing. In response, ByteDance appears to have decided to block U.S. users from its apps altogether. Even so, TikTok reemerged on Sunday afternoon just hours after the block took effect and following social media posts from President-elect Donald Trump, who said he plans to sign an executive order that would give TikTok more time. Upon TikToks return, a new greeting for users credited President Trumps efforts with bringing it back.Where does all this leave CapCut?Even if Trump is able to grant an extension after he is sworn in as president today, its hard to say exactly what will happen next. Should TikTok ultimately find a buyer in a way that complies with the law, its unclear if such a move would even include CapCut. In the short term, CapCut users in the United States have been left wondering if theyll ever be able to use the software again. The apps message currently says CapCut is working to restore our service, but it does not offer timeline or say if CapCut will offer refunds to customers who have paid for subscriptions.Fast Company has reached out to ByteDance for comment and will update this post if we hear back.To make all this drama even more nail-biting, TikTok competitor Instagramowned by Meta Platformsjust announced a new video-editing tool called Edits, which is being described as, well, a CapCut clone.In addition to CapCut, other ByteDance apps and services remained dark for U.S. users as of Monday, including the digital card game Marvel Snap.

Humanitarian architect and post-disaster reconstruction expert Cameron Sinclair, who lost his house in the ongoing wildfires in LA, shares practical advice for people in a similar position.The week before last, I was in London for meetings with our Ukraine rebuilding team but paying close attention to wildfire alerts coming from Southern California. Within hours, friends and neighbors' homes were up in flames and the Palisades were ablaze.The next day, our land was engulfed and everything on it is now ashes. By the weekend, my social media was a stream of friends posting what was left of their homes. It has been heartbreaking to watch from afar.It's crucial to address the aftermath with integrity, transparency and vigilance against opportunistic practicesThe devastation in Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of the challenges all climate-vulnerable communities face. It's crucial to address the aftermath with integrity, transparency and vigilance against opportunistic practices and government inefficiency.In advocating for ethical rebuilding practices, it's essential to guard against disaster capitalism. Corruption, self-serving interests and profiteering must not overshadow the genuine efforts to restore and uplift affected communities.The number one question I've received is: so what do we do now?This week, it falls on the incoming Trump administration and governor Newsom to put politics aside and work for the greater good. It is my hope that the same division that sits inside the architecture and construction industry can put aside grievances to come together for those in need.After 30 years of working in post-disaster reconstruction, the number one question I've received is "so what do we do now?". Below is an attempt to answer that question in three stages. Special thanks to additional input from friends and former rebuilding colleagues:Immediate responseDon't wait for help: buy sturdy shovels, masks (to protect from dropped retardant), boots and gloves.Figure out your loss: write a personal property list, writing down anything and everything you remember in notes. Organize by each room.Save receipts: beyond the big things, insurance companies may cover incidental loss too phone chargers, etc.Create an important documents list: if any were lost, prioritize getting replacements (IDs, insurance cards, passports, wills, safe deposit keys).Kindness of strangers: when you buy things, tell the store owner your situation. Humans are inherently kind and will help where they can.Kindness of friends: let your friends help you. This one is hard as we all have pride, but this is going to be an overwhelming process.Stop the charging: call all of your utilities and either freeze or cancel service. They will continue to bill you regardless!Get storage: chances are you'll end up with a bunch of things before transitional housing or permanent housing is available.Register for emergency housing: Airbnb.org, American Express and Hilton are working with 211LA to provide shelter for displaced families.Short-term challengesRegister with all the agencies (FEMA and state) and large aid organizations.Call homeowners' insurance to trigger Loss of Use. This will also get the ball rolling for the insurance claim on your home and rebuilding process.Contact your mortgage holder to look into forbearance while you deal with insurance and rebuilding plans.Search for a long-term rental. Insurance companies can make payments directly using your Loss of Use money. Plan on renting for two years, not months. Don't settle for the cheapest or easiest as insurance companies should cover "like property". Make sure that the insurance company doesn't try to reduce your settlement by subtracting the rent.Get a PO box and use the address on the many, many, many forms you will fill out.Figure out permits for debris removal, erosion control, temporary power, trailer on site (yes, you need all of them!).Find your tribe: this is going to be a stressful, gut-wrenching, anxiety-inducing experience. You'll need others who are also going through the same process.Beware of fake contractors, insurance scam artists and agency representatives.Long-term challenges (mostly relevant for built-environment professionals)Support a locally developed coalition for long-term reconstruction. Los Angeles will need more than a handful of well-meaning architects; the affected cities (and unincorporated areas) need a highly coordinated coalition of building professionals that can dedicate their time and expertise to a myriad of projects. Associations, institutions and academia need to work together to ensure that there is equitable and highly distributed support for all affected communities. Japan did this very well, allowing groups like Home for All to be independent and work alongside national efforts. Fortunately, I have heard of at least three local groups forming. Hopefully a galvanizing force and strong philanthropy can bring these teams together.Create community-based anchors: In affected regions, organizations should partner with building professionals to set up rebuilding resource centers that will supply architecture and engineering services to community groups, NGOs, and social entrepreneurs on the ground.Provide building expertise: provide teams of architectural and construction professionals to develop and build community facilities, including schools and medical centers. These teams should be local and regional, with some international support. The full-time staff must also have a unique knowledge of disaster mitigation and long-term sustainable development.Build a construction workforce: train and educate incoming volunteers and community members in building safely, emphasizing the need for sustainable materials and construction techniques. It's not about just building homes, but jobs.Develop a resilient housing manual and distribute lessons learned: develop and distribute a simple and concise rebuilding manual. If we only share "best practices" we never really adapt and learn. We should also include sections on "what not to do" and materials to avoid.Build schools: in long-term rebuilding, we work with coalition partners to design, develop, and implement community and civic structures. Beyond the basic human right to give children access to education, if they don't have a place to go, parents can't work, and there is no economic stability. Schools are the focal point in community recovery.Safe, secure, and sustainable housing: it is our job to build homes that are not only safe but incorporate the needs, desires and dreams of the families that will live in them. Additionally, we are not just building a roof over someone's head, we are building equity. Through the reconstruction process, we can support better building codes by building tangible examples of what the future will look like.There is no single solution to responding to crises or prescribed answer to a community need. By designing and building highly adaptable solutions that are relevant to the context and involve the community as a partner, we can build a strong resilient future.The fires in LA give a unique opportunity. Given the broad range in wealth, unlike other disasters, there is a chance to invest in innovative immediate, transitional and long-term sustainable housing. Natural building, passive housing, shotcrete domes, monolithic cast prefab, concrete panel domes, 3D-printed housing and earth-bermed housing are all ideas worth exploring when coupled with a design review board process.Support social entrepreneurs and job creation: in many of our previous post-disaster programs we worked with women's empowerment groups and artisans to help rebuild their facilities, speeding up job creation and the ability to distribute micro-loans. LA is the same. There are a myriad of small home businesses, artisans and artists that fall through the cracks.Share everything: if your focus is social change not financial gain, it is only truly innovative if it is shared. By connecting with other NGOs and open sourcing construction documents, we can influence many building programs in the region. We can leave a legacy of innovative, locally appropriate solutions to protect from future disasters.Be alert for disaster capitalism: It will take a decade to rebuild LA and there will be a litany of insurance scams, contractor scams, speculative real estate vultures and self-serving institutions. For professionals in the design and building sphere, I urge a very cautious approach regarding support for the national office of the American Institute of Architects. Direct contributions to local chapters and grassroots initiatives are a more impactful and transparent assistance to those in need. Working closely with the community and supporting local efforts can make a significant difference in the rebuilding process.Cameron Sinclair is an adjunct professor teaching about post-disaster reconstruction at the University of Buffalo and founder of the Worldchanging Institute, an Arizona-based research organisation focused on architectural and design solutions to humanitarian crises. He also advises family foundations and NGOs on responding to disasters.The photo is by Cameron Sinclair.The post Practical advice for victims of the LA wildfires appeared first on Dezeen.

Mobile gaming has evolved over the years primarily because of the processing power at hand on these devices. This has led to brands coming out with dedicated gaming controllers for both iOS and Android-powered phones. Razer Kishi series, GameSir, Backbone One and 8BitDo all offer good options for mobile gaming without breaking the bank.8BitDo in particular has portable and compact gamepads for gaming on the go. In fact, they are so compact they can fit easily in the pocket of your pants. Yes, Im talking about the Micro and Zero 2 gaming controllers that are tailored for 2D games on your Android device. Now the brand has released another accessory compatible with Micro and Zero 2 tailored for gaming with emulators or gaming titles that have on-screen controls at the bottom of the screen.Designer: 8BitDoThe Mobile Clip clamps onto your mobile device, so that you can use it in a more ergonomic playing positioning. This is a unique idea for a mobile gaming accessory and should do good with gaming emulators that mostly have the controls set up at the bottom of the screen with the remainder of the screen real estate reserved for the in-game action. It should be great for playing retro 2D games as the Micro/Zero 2 controller sits pretty snugly on the display of any Android or iOS phone.Priced at $10, this clip-on accessory is a no-brainer if you own any of the two compact gamepads. It comes as a three-part bundle with a clip-on clamp that attaches to your device, and the other two are shells for the respective controllers. You just have to hook together the combination and attach it to your phone. Even if you are planning to buy any one of these two compact gaming controllers, it would be a wise choice to bundle it up with this mobile clip to open up the possibilities for a set collection of gaming titles on your phone.The post 8BitDo Mobile Clip for compact gamepads hooks to your phone for retro gaming like never before first appeared on Yanko Design.

Why and how I moved from Adobe, to DaVinci Resolve