Caran d'Ache, the Swiss company known for their premium pencils, has been around since 1915. They designed their first pencil sharpener in 1933. The all-metal machine is still in production:Pinching the butterfly clamp causes the holding mechanism to protrude from the hole. You insert your pencil into it, then release the clamp, and the pencil is held securely for sharpening.If that's not fancy enough for you, the company makes a limited edition version called the Cosmic Blue Sharpening Machine. It's been lacquered in a pearlescent dark blue and features gold accents:It runs a whopping $295. (The original ain't much cheaper, at $195!)

Samsungs Galaxy S25 seriesthe S25, S25+, and S25 Ultrarepresents a thoughtful evolution in smartphone technology. It combines advanced AI integration, refined camera systems, and impressive performance capabilities. While it introduces meaningful upgrades, the series remains grounded in Samsungs mission to deliver reliable, user-focused devices.Designer: SamsungEach model in the lineup has been designed with specific users in mind. The S25 caters to those who value compact and efficient devices, the S25+ strikes a balance with its larger display and battery, and the S25 Ultra targets tech enthusiasts with its cutting-edge features and premium build. After spending time with the lineup, its clear that Samsung is refining the formula to appeal to a wide spectrum of needs without straying from its established strengths.Design and DurabilitySamsungs design refinement is on full display with the S25 series, showcasing slimmer edges, a lighter profile, and refined materials that make each device feel both premium and practical. With the S25 Ultra, weve focused on a design that feels lighter and also improves grip and usability, Charles Uptegrove, Samsungs product manager, shared during the demo. The titanium frame plays a huge role in achieving this balanceits lighter yet sturdier, giving users confidence in everyday handling.Galaxy S25 UltraThe flatter edges enhance grip and lend a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Uptegrove also highlighted the subtle lift in the frame: If you look closely, theres a slight elevation around the edge, ensuring that the display never comes into direct contact with a surface when placed facedown. Its a minor detail that offers major peace of mind. This thoughtful addition minimizes the risk of scratches, especially for users who prefer to go caseless.Galaxy S25 UltraThe S25 and S25+ are equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, providing excellent scratch resistance and durability. The S25 Ultra, on the other hand, steps up its toughness with enhanced Corning Gorilla Armor on the front and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. Adding to this, the Ultra incorporates a titanium frame, ensuring a premium yet rugged build.Galaxy S25 UltraThe titanium not only reduces weight but also adds to the overall feel of durability, Uptegrove explained. At 218 grams, the Ultra strikes a balance between a solid, premium feel and comfort in hand. Its slimmer, lighter, and more ergonomic, thanks to the redefined edges and materials. These adjustments make the Ultra easier to use for extended periods without any fatigue, he added. At the same time, the smaller size doesnt compromise its usability, with the S25 offering a compact design that weighs only 162 grams.Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 UltraThe combination of premium materials and subtle ergonomic improvements showcases Samsungs attention to detail. We wanted to create a device that feels effortless to handle while still exuding that premium Samsung quality, Uptegrove emphasized. For users seeking a balance between aesthetics and functionality, these design updates are sure to resonate.Display and Visual ExcellenceThe display is where Samsung continues to shine. The Galaxy S25s 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen offers vivid colors, excellent brightness levels, and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for users who value smooth scrolling and lifelike visuals. The S25+ steps up with a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ display that enhances sharpness and delivers deeper contrast, ideal for watching movies or editing photos. Meanwhile, the S25 Ultras expansive 6.9-inch QHD+ screen offers an immersive viewing experience that is unrivaled in clarity and detail, ensuring even the smallest on-screen elements remain crisp.During hands-on time, I found the Ultras ProScaler feature particularly transformative. Borrowed from Samsungs premium TV lineup, ProScaler intelligently upscales lower-quality content to QHD+ resolution in real-time. Even older videos or low-resolution social media images gain impressive sharpness, providing a visually satisfying experience regardless of the source content. Charles Uptegrove highlighted the real-world value of this feature: Even if the original content is far from 4K, it will look vibrant and crisp on the Ultras QHD+ display. This capability bridges the gap between source quality and display potential, enhancing every viewing experience.AI Features and InnovationsSamsungs integration of artificial intelligence across the Galaxy S25 series enhances everyday functionality to unprecedented levels. During the hands-on demo, Charles Uptegrove emphasized the thoughtfulness behind the Galaxy AI Platform and its seamless integration into One UI 7. Weve spent years ensuring that these features not only feel intuitive but actually make life easier for users, he noted, setting the tone for a deep dive into the devices AI capabilities.Samsung Galaxy AI Agent Now BriefCentral to this is NowBrief, described by Uptegrove as a curated AI that learns and adapts to the users daily routines. Its like having a personal assistant that knows exactly what you need, he explained. For instance, NowBrief consolidates data from various apps to create a personalized dashboard. You might wake up and see the weather, your energy score from your Galaxy Watch, reminders of friends birthdays, and even playlists for your commuteall in one place, Uptegrove added. Demonstrating the drawing assist feature, he showcased how AI generates creative designs, such as a birthday card complete with a chocolate cake image, which can then be sent directly to contacts.Another highlight is AI Select, which transforms traditional Smart Select into a smarter, context-aware tool. If youre watching a video, it might suggest creating a GIF, summarizing the content, or translating subtitles, Uptegrove explained. This feature consolidates over 30 tools, making complex tasks remarkably simple and accessible.The Circle of Search feature introduces multimodal search capabilities, allowing users to identify songs in videos or find specific photos using natural language commands. Say something like, Find pictures of wine bottles in Suwon, and the AI will filter through your gallery using tags and location data, he demonstrated, illustrating the precision of this feature. Uptegrove emphasized how this functionality simplifies navigating vast photo libraries, making it easier for users to locate exactly what they need.Personalization is another area where AI shines. Uptegrove detailed how the Personal Data Engine securely learns user habits, suggesting actions like automating thermostat settings or enabling the blue light filter at night. For example, if you use your TV as a sleep aid, the device can detect when youve fallen asleep via your Galaxy Watch and turn off the TV to improve your sleep quality, he explained. This level of personalization extends to managing health metrics, such as sleep scores and energy levels, and integrating them into daily routines.One of the most innovative features is the audio eraser, which isolates and removes specific background sounds from videos. During the demo, Uptegrove showcased how AI can identify up to six sound types, including wind, crowd noise, and voice. You can completely remove the wind or adjust the voice volumeall in real time, he shared, underscoring the features utility for content creators and everyday users alike.The Galaxy S25 Ultra also features generative editing, allowing users to seamlessly remove unwanted objects from photos. If theres someone in the background of your shot, the AI can identify and erase them, along with their shadow, with a single tap, Uptegrove explained. These enhancements cater to photographers and casual users who want professional-grade results with minimal effort.Camera Systems and PhotographySamsungs camera systems in the S25 series deliver major enhancements across all three devices. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ share a solid camera setup: a 50MP wide sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. These cameras are perfect for everyday photography, delivering impressive results whether youre shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-ups.Galaxy S25 Camera System: 200MP Ultra-Wide, 50MP Wide, 10MP and 50PM TelephotoThe Galaxy S25 Ultra takes mobile photography to another level with a 200MP wide sensor that captures stunning levels of detail, even in challenging conditions. This is complemented by a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, which supports both 3x and 5x optical zoom, enabling users to achieve up to 100x Space Zoom. Imagine capturing intricate architectural details or wildlife from a distance with remarkable clarity. Additionally, the Ultra includes high-resolution macro photography capabilities, making it perfect for close-ups of small objects like flowers or jewelry.The Ultras virtual aperture stands out as a transformative feature. Charles Uptegrove aptly described it as painting focus, highlighting how it lets users fine-tune the depth of field to accentuate either the subject or the background for a professional-grade touch. This flexibility provides a DSLR-like bokeh effect, allowing photographers to craft their images with precision and creativity. This software-based tool allows users to adjust the depth of field and background blur for photos, mimicking the effects of a physical aperture in a DSLR. For example, while shooting portraits, the virtual aperture enables precise control over the bokeh effect, allowing the subject to stand out against a beautifully blurred background. During the demo, Charles Uptegrove explained, Its like giving users the ability to paint their focuswhether they want sharp details in the background or a dreamy, isolated subject. This feature enhances creative flexibility and makes portrait mode feel more like a professional-grade camera.AI advancements like Samsungs Pro Visual Engine further refine photography. The Ultras cognitive lens technology adjusts settings based on the scene, ensuring optimal brightness, contrast, and color balance. For group photos, the cognitive lens identifies individual faces and applies adjustments for each subject, delivering professional-quality results. In low-light conditions, the Ultras double-analysis noise reduction ensures clearer images and videos by analyzing every pixel and correcting artifacts in real time. Video capabilities also differ: the S25 and S25+ record in 4K at 60fps and 8K at 30fps, while the Ultra supports 4K recording at 120fps for smoother, more cinematic results.For professional photographers, the Ultra offers log video and advanced exposure controls, including zebra patterns and false color modes. These features cater to users who want precise post-production capabilities, enabling them to fine-tune color and lighting. Combined with the virtual aperture, these tools empower users to push creative boundaries, whether capturing stills or video.PerformanceUnder the hood, all three models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which Charles Uptegrove described as a tailored processor that ensures unparalleled efficiency and responsiveness. This 3nm chipset boosts performance and optimizes AI-driven tasks like NowBrief and AI Select, seamlessly integrating advanced capabilities into daily use. a 3nm processor that sets a new benchmark for efficiency and power. With a 40% improvement in AI task efficiency, the chipset ensures that resource-heavy operations like multitasking, gaming, and media editing run smoothly. For gaming enthusiasts, Samsung has partnered with the Vulkan Engine to enhance real-time ray tracing capabilities, achieving an 18% improvement in frame rates while reducing GPU and CPU workloads by 23% and 10%, respectively.To support this leap in performance, Samsung has implemented a significantly upgraded cooling system. The vapor chamber, now 40% larger than its predecessor, works in tandem with a new thermal interface material (TIM) that eliminates air gaps around the chipset. This design efficiently dissipates heat, maintaining peak performance during intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video rendering.Samsungs ProScaler, borrowed from its premium TV lineup, further enhances the viewing experience by intelligently upscaling standard-definition content to QHD+ resolution in real time. Even older videos or low-resolution social media images gain impressive sharpness, providing a visually satisfying experience regardless of the source content. Charles Uptegrove highlighted the real-world value of this feature: Even if the original content is far from 4K, it will look vibrant and crisp on the Ultras QHD+ display. This capability bridges the gap between source quality and display potential, enhancing every viewing experience.The Samsung Galaxy S25 series delivers a compelling blend of innovative AI capabilities, enhanced camera systems, and premium design refinements. With features like NowBrief, ProScaler, and advanced photography tools, these devices set a new benchmark for what smartphones can achieve in 2025. Each model is thoughtfully crafted to meet the diverse needs of users, whether they prioritize compact functionality, immersive displays, or cutting-edge performance.Stay tuned for our upcoming unboxing experience and in-depth review, where well dive deeper into the everyday usability, real-world performance, and unique details that make the Galaxy S25 series stand out.The post Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Launch: A Hands-On Look at the New Features and Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Studio Wok recently gave a disused technical building at QuatroDesigns headquarters in northern Italy a remarkable makeover. They transformed it into an artist residency, armed with living and sleeping areas, and a unique-looking roof. The Milan-based studio redid the headquarters for QuadroDesign in 2022 and then handled this second phase as well, which involved fixing an abandoned building. The main attraction of the project is a small cabin, that was initially used to accommodate electrical infrastructure for the production facility in Italys Piedmont region. The structure adopts the same pared-back style and neutral palette as QuadroDesigns other redesigned offices and showroom.Designer: Studio WokThe cabin is placed in one corner of the property, with some lovely greenery surrounding it. It is equipped with a flexible space that will be used for commercial events, and to host resident artists. The original structure and shape of the cabin were untouched, but the footprint was a bit small for a residence. Hence, Studio Wok extended the space upwards into the existing roof, to make the cabin more suitable for hosting residents. The internal space, narrow and developed in height, is not usual for a home in fact, it was designed to accommodate other functions, said architect Nicola Brenna. It was very stimulating to implement a domestication process and make it suitable for living.The small cabin was freed of pre-existing partitions to create a versatile and free-flowing open-plan room on the ground floor. Different openings were added throughout this space, to form a bond with the outdoors, creating a surreal indoor-outdoor connection. It features newly installed sliding metal doors, which can be retracted to let the outdoors inside.The rooms rear wall includes built-in joinery which offers support to a sofa, and integrates two steps that link with a metal staircase offering access to the upper floors. The opposite end of the room holds a wall of cabinets, which cleverly hide the entrance to the shower room and WC. The bathroom was added to make the space more worthy of being a full-time residence.The building includes two mezzanine levels which contain intimate and personal spaces such as a sleeping area. This area is placed on a wooden platform right above the kitchen. Another set of stairs offers access to a seating area, situated in a pre-existing concrete walkway near the upper section of the roof. This space contains a simple wooden bench, with light streaming in from a window. It serves as a quaint and relaxing space to unwind after a long day.The entire cabin showcases a minimal material palette, to create something that is an almost sacred space, according to the founders. Outdoor spaces were also added to the project, and a pergola was placed with space for an outdoor kitchen and dining area. A partly sunken small pool was integrated as well, adding another thoughtful and comfortable element to the property.The post This Minimal & Quaint Artist Residency Was Once A Deserted & Disused Electrical Building first appeared on Yanko Design.

A deluge of AI slop is making it harder to find decent images.

The three flagship Android phones debut new ways to interact with Googles Gemini and, yes, Samsungs Bixby.

The Mexico Embraces You program provides 2,000 pesos for deported migrants who cannot afford to return home.

Apples innovative self-branded credit card, Apple Card, was expected tooverturn the existing retail banking industryand transform relationships between bankers and customers. Equipped with generous benefits and unique integration between Apples ecosystem and a users financial relationships, the card quickly generated many thousands of US users afterits 2019 introduction.With such a great start, how could it fail?And yet, somehow it found a way.To be fair, the six-year-old card hasnt really failed. It still exists and many enjoy itsperks and benefits, including cash-back deals and a savings account offering some of the best interest your money can buy. They enjoy it very much. In fact, the Apple Card ranks highest in customer satisfaction among co-brand credit cards,according to JD Power.But all is not wellBurned by its foray into retail banking during a period of global instability and pandemic, Apple Card partner Goldman Sachs wants out, and while it and Apple will continue working together for the duration of the existing contract, the open secret is that the iPhone maker is seeking a new card partner. That the two partners got fined $89 million for negligence and mismanagement by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau didnt help. As recently as last week, Goldman Sachs CEOwarnedthat the arrangement between the two firms could end early, so it looks as if that company is eyeing a rapid exit from the deal.Right now, Apple is reportedly in conversation with Barclays on the matter,Reuters claims. Barclays is no stranger to taking on existing credit card services; it recently replaced Goldman Sachs as credit card partner for General Motors. Talks between Apple and JP Morgan Chase and Synchrony Financial have also been alleged in recent months.Despite these chats, nothing has been announced, which suggests Apple is encountering challenges finding a new partner.Whats in the way? Holiday season speculation told us potential retail banking partners just dont want to deliver on the features and benefits Apple Card currently provides.I think Apple is at a disadvantage here. Its important when thinking about the nature of those closed-door negotiations to ponder the power balance in these chats. After all, while Apple drives legendarily hard bargains, when it comes to negotiation, banks are banks, and they know that when it comes to real unearned wealth creation, the financial system they own always works in their favor.After all, when it doesnt, we bail them out.Look at it this way, while Apple has to sell and invent real products and services to make its money, banks just need to increase property values to charge interest on mortgage money they notionally lend which doesnt actually exist. A little like artificially manipulated crypto value spikes, its a lot easier to create scarcity than to meet it with what people need. In this scenario, the banks have the upper hand.Theres a certain irony to that. When it was introduced, Apple Card posed a titans challenge to the industry.Eating with the enemyThe features, including app-driven features, were second to none. The business proposition tilted hard toward customer convenience, and Apples foray into the financial system (in conjunction with even deeper stabs at retail bankings most profitable markets by other challenge banks) arguably helped force established financial institutions to get their act together and improve their customer offerings.(If that proposition were correct, youd see evidence of it and you can find that evidence in all the new features suddenly added to banking apps and services after Apple Card arrived.)Most people deeply resent the banking industry. Many millions continue to experience hardships following the 2008 crash. The idea that Apple Card and other challenge banks would somehowundermine the status quo remains quite attractive.Unfortunately, this doesnt seem to be happening. Instead, established banking services (such as Barclays) will now do the Big Fish, Little Fish predator tango and assimilate the competitor, neutralizing the threat.Was Apple Card too good? It was so good an established vendor may yet buy it, you might say.If that happens, Apple Card customers will be OK. (Theyll also be OK if the card fades away as their interests will be protected.) Apple will still make a profit. But the challenge will be defanged, and the industry will carry on its own sweet way while occasionally raising arguments about competition when vendors like Apple invent something they want to extract wealth from, such as Apple Pay.Everybody knows that the dice are loaded, as Leonard Cohen once sang. Thats how it goes.Even at Apple.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn,Mastodon, andMeWe.

Apple's iPhone 16 lineup is shaking up buyer trends, with recent buyers favoring affordability and practicality over flashy upgrades.iPhone 16 Pro MaxIn the last month or so, more buyers have been opting for value-focused options instead of splurging on premium models. Data from the 2024 holiday quarter shows that while new Pro models perform well, base and older iPhones are gaining popularity.According to data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) for the December 2024 quarter, the iPhone 16 models collectively held a 68% share of U.S. sales, slightly surpassing the 65% share of the iPhone 15 models in the previous year. However, a closer look reveals notable year-over-year shifts in model preferences. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple Miami Worldcenter is opening on January 24, with the unique storefront designed for accessibility and the environment, complete with a plant-covered roof.The outside of Apple Miami Worldcenter - Image Credit: AppleApple Stores often offer designs that incorporate the retail outlet aesthetic into interesting buildings and structures, beyond the typical mall locations. With Apple Miami Worldcenter, Apple is taking a very outlandish approach.Photographs shared days ahead of its January 24 opening reveal Apple Miami Worldcenter to be an unusual store design, even for Apple. For a start, while it is a store that is surrounded by skyscrapers, it's a ground-level retail space without stairs or any additional height. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The newAIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for the month of December has recorded a decline to 44.1 following two consecutive flat readings in October and November. For December, inquiries into new projects continued to increase at a relatively slow rate, while the value of newly signed design contracts was shown to have decreased overall."While there were signs that the design cycle was bottoming out in the fourth quarter, the December reading indicated a step back," Kermit Baker, the Chief Economist for the AIA, shares. "There remains considerable uncertainty as to the feasibility of many planned construction projects, so the wait-and-see period is extending into 20-25."Key ABI highlights for December include:Regional averages: West (52.2); South (47.2); Midwest (46.4); Northeast (41.7)Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (46.5); institutional (49.8); commercial/industrial (44.1); mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in an...