Much has been written about the lack of trust in todays workplace. And no wonder: A 2023 Gallup study found that only 21% of U.S. employees strongly trust the leaders at their organization. Without that trust, there are real and detrimental outcomes: Employees disengage, innovation slows, and turnover increases.But trust is a nebulous thing, and restoring trust once it has been eroded is a massive undertaking. Instead of talking about and attempting to build trust as if it were a new product, something external to the leader or a company, [leaders] should concentrate on building trustworthiness, writes Fast Company contributor Ludmila Praslova.Consider a genuine, long-term friendship. It cant be produced by telling someone you must like me. she explains. It comes from the experience of genuinely supportive behavior. Similarly, long-term trust, psychological safety, loyalty, and other desired employee or customer psychological outcomes cannot be commanded into existence. Trust must be earned, and this starts with trustworthiness.If one of your goals as a leader this year is to improve your trustworthiness and increase employee engagement, here are some areas to focus on:1. Get honest about your weaknessesHave employees expressed feedback about workplace frustrations or challenges, whether in-person, via an employee engagement survey, or in exit interviews? Being receptive to feedbackand articulating how you plan to act differently in the future is a key first step. Will you communicate more transparently? Prioritize employee wellness by offering new benefits? Hire more support for overextended workers?There are four elements that comprise trust: competence, reliability, sincerity, and care, writes contributor and executive coach Sara Sabin. Doing an audit in each of these four areas and seeing where you might be falling short is a start. Then, you can set some action steps you can take to improve.That said, building trust requires more than just making a public commitment, and theres a real risk to promising change and then not following through. The best way to show that employee input is valued is by using it to improve processes, writes Praslova. When employees see that the leadership operates with honesty and integrity, trust grows organically. On the other hand, if input-seeking is simply a checkbox exercise or worse, a trap, trust is crushed.2. Delegate moreTrust is a two-way street. Bosses too often have trouble trusting their reports to carry out a vision and get caught in the weeds, stunting their teams growth and derailing progress.Some leaders are hesitant to delegate the details, writes Chris Lipp, author and professor of management communication at Tulane University. These leaders get stuck in micromanaging. The inability to delegate and the desire to micromanage are often states of disempowerment because they derive from fear. This fear saps our personal power, and it saps the power of those below us to contribute creatively.3. Plan before a crisisProfessional crises are bound to arise, and its important to have a plan before they do, writes behavioral scientist and contributor Art Markman. Part of that includes developing the outline of a communication strategyto both clients and staff.Your communication plan must include the key audiences who will want information, writes Markman. Employees will want to know that key issues are being addressed, whether there is risk to their jobs, and any effect a crisis is likely to have on their daily work life. External stakeholders will want communications about any service disruptions or other influences a crisis may have on their experience.Its also important to think critically about who you want on your team when a problem arises. Playing out different potential scenarios can help you respond more effectively when the real thing occursand give you a distinct advantage when it comes to maintaining trust among your team.

As we start with a new era, Generation Alpha, a millennial such as me seeks comfort in the nostalgic touch of retro design. Retro for me is the era of rebellion, polka prints, Andy Warhol and the comfort of knobs and tactile interfaces over touch screens. Retro design effortlessly blends nostalgic elements with modern aesthetics, creating a refreshing yet familiar atmosphere. Inspired by vintage styles from the 1950s to the 1980s, it fosters comfort and a connection to history.By using iconic shapes, vibrant colors, and distinctive materials, retro design reconnects us with cultural references and pays homage to the past. This approach not only produces timeless pieces that resonate across generations but also enriches our contemporary experience. Lets dive into the elements of retro design we can use to add to touch of nostalgia to our modern product design and some examples that show how brands are incorporating this trend seamlessly into their work.1. Bold Color PaletteRetro design thrives on the use of bold colors to evoke a sense of nostalgia and vibrancy. Drawing inspiration from the vivid palettes of the 1950s to the 1980s, it incorporates hues like mustard yellow, teal, burnt orange, and avocado green. These striking colors are often used in combination to create eye-catching contrasts that capture attention and energize spaces. Whether applied to furniture, textiles, or accessories, bold colors in retro design serve to highlight iconic shapes and patterns, making each piece a statement of personality and style. This dynamic use of color bridges past and present, creating timeless appeal.The Analogue Pocket Classic brings a vibrant twist to retro gaming with its striking palette of bold colors, including indigo, red, green, blue, yellow, pink, orange, and silver, all meticulously color-matched to the original Game Boy Color. This sleek product has a playful aesthetic that appeals to gamers of all ages, making it a standout piece in any collection. Perfectly blending vintage charm with contemporary flair, the Classic edition is a colorful celebration of gaming history.Serhan Yenilmezs Cat Eye glasses draw inspiration from the iconic cat-shaped librarian frames of the 50s and 60s. Featuring added layers for a bold, chunky look, these glasses blend classic elegance with modern sophistication through details like leather pads and mix-and-match materials. All parts of the glasses are designed to be detachable, allowing for customizable styles to suit the wearers preferences, imparting a distinct appearance. Go from sleek to chunky, to attention grabbing prints to a minimal tone its all upto your customization for that day.2. Large PrintsThe retro era is vividly remembered for its bold prints, florals, and striking motifs, which became hallmarks of the time. These design elements were ubiquitous, gracing everything from home interiors to fashion. Bold prints, often featuring geometric shapes and vibrant colors, captured the spirit of innovation and optimism.Florals, with their oversized blooms and lush patterns, added a touch of nature-inspired elegance and whimsy. Striking motifs, such as paisleys and abstract designs, reflected the eras experimental and free-spirited ethos. Together, these elements created a visually dynamic aesthetic that was both expressive and timeless, leaving a lasting impact on design history.During the mid-20th century, such designs adorned everything from wallpaper and upholstery to fashion and accessories, infusing spaces and wardrobes with a lively, playful energy. The use of large prints in retro design not only adds a touch of whimsy but also emphasizes the eras experimental spirit. These bold patterns continue to inspire modern design, blending past influences with contemporary tastes. Big geometric patterns provide a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. The combination of bold colors and geometric prints is essential to retro design, making a vibrant statement that speaks volumes.3. Iconic MotifsIconic motifs like polka dots played a significant role in defining retro design, adding a playful and timeless charm to various elements of style. Originating in the mid-20th century, polka dots became synonymous with the eras fashion, appearing on dresses, accessories, and home decor. Their simple yet bold pattern, often featuring evenly spaced dots on contrasting backgrounds, created a lively visual appeal that resonated with the eras spirit of fun and creativity. Polka dots brought a sense of whimsy and lightheartedness, making them a favorite choice for those looking to infuse their spaces and wardrobes with a touch of retro flair.The use of bold, large polka dot prints in vibrant colors to upholster this armchair infuses it with old-world charm and nostalgia. It is characterized by evenly spaced, small, medium, or large circular shapes placed on a contrasting background to make them stand out. This striking contrast enhances its visual appeal and evokes a sense of timeless elegance. Whether polka dots are used in clothing, accessories, or home decor, their simple yet bold pattern infuses a sense of vintage charm and nostalgia.The polka print of this sofa chair is a statement piece, with polkas ruling the retro era. The polka also brings to mind iconic designers like Yayoi Kusama who have elevated the use of this humble pattern to a whole new level, amplifying its cult status. Adding such a print to your room makes it a eye-catcher and a discussion starter for fellow retro-lovers.4. Classic TypographyTypography during the retro era was characterized by bold, expressive fonts that mirrored the dynamic cultural shifts of the time. From the elegant serifs of the 1950s to the psychedelic scripts of the 1960s and the chunky, geometric typefaces of the 1970s, each style reflected the prevailing aesthetic trends and societal mood. Retro typography was not just functional but also an art form, used extensively in advertising, posters, and packaging to capture attention and convey messages with flair. Its impact is enduring, as these distinctive fonts continue to influence modern design even today.The Semetor K8 CD player captures the charm of retro design with its playful aesthetic, featuring classic typewriter-inspired fonts on its translucent buttons. This adorable player pays homage to 1950s European appliances, boasting an open top that lets you watch the CD spin, reminiscent of vinyl on a gramophone. It combines vintage style with modern features, including Bluetooth connectivity, an FM radio, and a warm ambient lamp, making it a delightful addition to any space. The K8 beautifully merges nostalgic typography with contemporary functionality, perfect for late-night listening sessions.This concept design reimagines the classic beeper as a modern power bank, seamlessly blending retro design with contemporary functionality. Embracing the nostalgic aesthetic, it features a translucent shell and vibrant colors, along with a minimalist interface that includes few chunky buttons. This playful nod to the past not only enhances usability but also appeals to younger generations who may be unfamiliar with traditional pagers, celebrating the charm of retro design in a modern context.5. Natural WoodNatural wood played a pivotal role in retro design, infusing spaces with warmth and authenticity. During the mid-20th century, wood was a favored material for its versatility and timeless appeal. Iconic furniture pieces, like those from the Scandinavian and Mid-Century Modern movements, showcased clean lines and organic forms, highlighting the beauty of natural grains and finishes. Wood paneling was also popular in interiors, adding texture and depth to walls and ceilings. This emphasis on natural materials reflected a desire to bring the outdoors in, creating harmonious environments.Embracing the retro revival, the Retio is an all-in-one radio, Bluetooth speaker, and clock that harmonizes nostalgic design with modern technology. Handcrafted in California, it features a walnut wood body that highlights the timeless appeal of wood in retro aesthetics, complemented by brass accents and stunning vintage Nixie tubes. Retio supports Bluetooth 5.0 and boasts a powerful 10W Class-D amplifier for exceptional sound quality, offering up to six hours of playback on a 6800mAh battery. Each unit is unique, celebrating the beauty of natural wood while delivering contemporary functionality, making it a perfect embodiment of retro design.6. Plush FabricsPlush fabrics were integral to achieving the cozy, inviting ambiance characteristic of the retro aesthetic. Velvet, chenille, and corduroy were popular choices, adding texture and a sense of luxury to furniture and decor. Upholstered sofas, armchairs, and drapery in plush fabrics not only provided comfort but also contributed to the visual warmth of a space. The tactile quality of these fabrics invited relaxation and social interaction, embodying the retro focus on creating welcoming, lived-in environments that are both stylish and functional.The Easy Yukata is a stunning Japanese garment that simplifies tradition with its innovative hook and loop fastener system. Made from 100% breathable cotton and featuring a durable polyester obi, the Easy Yukata combines the ease of a bathrobe with the elegance of a kimono. Its traditional design incorporates soft, plush fabrics that invite comfort, allowing one to enjoy the beauty of Japanese culture with every wear.7. Product PackagingPatterns and prints in packaging are key elements that emphasize retro designs, evoking nostalgia and capturing the essence of bygone eras. During the retro period, packaging often featured bold geometric shapes, whimsical illustrations, and vibrant color palettes, creating eye-catching and memorable visuals. These designs were not just about aesthetics; they also conveyed the products identity and brand story in an era when consumer culture was booming.Stripes, polka dots, checkered patterns and stylized florals were commonly used to create a distinctive look that stood out on store shelves. Today, these retro-inspired packaging designs continue to appeal to consumers by offering a sense of familiarity and charm, bridging the gap between past and present while celebrating the timeless appeal of vintage aesthetics. These cake boxes showcase a timeless black-and-white pattern that adds an old-world charm to the Christmas festival. It is perfect for presenting your festive cakes and the simplicity of black and white allows the patterns to stand out without the complexity of bright and contrasting colors.8. CraftsmanshipCraftsmanship is integral to retro-inspired design, celebrating the meticulous attention to detail and artisanal techniques of past eras. This focus on quality and authenticity is evident in the careful selection of materials and the skilled work that goes into each piece. Lighting, furniture and accessories incorporate hand-blown work on materials such as glass, metalwork and more, adding unique character. This emphasis on craftsmanship honors traditional methods and connects us to the past, ensuring that retro-inspired creations are both timeless and enduring, appealing to those who value history and innovation.Bomma beautifully connects retro aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship in their glass crystal light fixtures, reviving the classic Czechoslovakian glassmaking heritage. Each piece reflects a whimsical elegance, inspired by natural forms while embracing the charm of bygone eras. With a series of collections, Bomma showcases the artistry of hand-blown glass, ensuring each item is a unique work of art. Collaborating with sister brand Rckl, the Metamorphosis collection merges exquisite hand-cut crystal with innovative lighting designs, embodying the timeless beauty of craftsmanship and the beauty of retro design.9. Cultural RelevanceRetro design holds significant cultural relevance and evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, as it captures the essence of past eras that many people cherish. By incorporating elements from the 1950s to the 1980s, retro design taps into collective memories, reminding us of iconic styles and trends that shaped those decades. This design approach resonates with those who experienced these eras firsthand and appeals to younger generations intrigued by vintage aesthetics. Ultimately, retro design bridges the past and present, offering a comforting familiarity and timeless appeal.The Sukhtara is a modern reinterpretation of the Ektara, a string instrument from East India with origins over a thousand years old. While the Ektara has remained largely unchanged since its emergence between 1700 B.C. and the 7th century C.E., Arnab Patra, an Indian design student, has updated its structure to revitalize this classic instrument for contemporary use. Retaining its retro wooden build, the Sukhtara is crafted from a coconut or gourd shell, bamboo, metal strings, wood, and goatskin, elegantly blending traditional craftsmanship with a fresh, modern approach that celebrates its rich heritage.10. Vintage DesignRetro and vintage design, while often used interchangeably, have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Retro design refers to the revival or imitation of styles from the past, particularly those from the mid-20th century, like the 1950s to the 1980s. In contrast, vintage design involves original items or styles from a specific time period, typically over 20 years old. Vintage pieces carry the authenticity and history of their era, often showcasing aged materials and craftsmanship. While both evoke nostalgia, retro is a reinterpretation, whereas vintage is a preservation of the past.The Nikon Zf seamlessly blends retro design with modern performance, evoking the classic SLR aesthetics of Nikons early cameras through its sleek all-black body, brass dials, and leatherette covering. Featuring a 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and an advanced Expeed 7 processor, it excels in subject recognition and autofocus. The Zf delivers stunning images with precise color accuracy, 8-stop in-body image stabilization, and 4K video recording, making it a versatile choice for photographers who appreciate the charm of vintage design alongside contemporary functionality.This innovative camping lantern concept reimagines traditional gas lanterns, bringing retro design into the modern era with rechargeable LEDs instead of hazardous fuels. Inspired by historical aesthetics, it features a modular candle design that can be stacked for increased brightness or used independently for a softer glow. Both the light tubes and candles emit a warm yellow light, evoking a nostalgic ambiance perfect for reading. Along with this, the lanterns battery can charge other devices, making it a versatile companion for outdoor adventures while celebrating the charm of classic design under the stars.Together, these elements create products that celebrate history while remaining relevant in todays design landscape.The post The Top 10 Retro Design Elements to Add Nostalgia to Modern Products first appeared on Yanko Design.

When it comes to furniture, the right hardware can make all the differenceand these High-End Gold Long Handles prove just that. Designed with sleek lines and a luxurious finish, these handles can give your furniture an instant upgrade. Whether its a wardrobe, drawer, or kitchen cabinet, these elegant pulls turn everyday pieces into sophisticated showstoppers.These gold handles easily transform simple cabinets into high-end, bespoke designs. The minimalist design is enhanced with a touch of gold, making them suitable for a variety of aestheticsfrom contemporary to modern glam.Plus, they come in many different sizes (from 7 inches to 39 inches). So you can use them for your bedside tables, wardrobes, etc. and tie the space together. Theyre lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable to grip.Each handle comes with screws so you can easily install it. This means its a great project for DIYers as well as professional design projects. These handles are great for updating old pieces or designing something new.With their clean lines, brushed gold finish, and exceptional quality, these handles elevate any furniture piece. A small change like this can have a big impactyour cabinets, drawers, or wardrobe will feel as if theyve stepped out of a luxury design catalog.Available now at Etsy.

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Apple has the finances to buy just about anything, but with TikTok there are more reasons than money that mean it won't buy the social media platform.TikTok on a smartphoneFor a company that has so much success, Apple is far from immune to failure and sometimes repeated failures. For whatever reason, Apple seems incapable of launching a social media platform, despite trying, so buying one should be a possibility.Right now TikTok isn't exactly up for sale to the highest bidder, but it's close - as long as that bidder is America. No question, if Apple wanted to buy TikTok, it could even though Bloomberg estimates on Sunday that it would cost up to $60 billion. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

After a series of 13 robberies at different Apple Stores in the London area, police made several arrests. Meanwhile, a Pennsylvania man has been jailed for an Apple gift card "draining scam."Manchester Arndale Apple StoreThe latest in an occasional AppleInsider series, looking at the world of Apple-related crime. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Whenever Netflix raises its prices which seems to happen roughly as often as Ben Affleck falls in love with an A-list celebrity the company always gives the same reason. It needs the extra money, you see, in order to keep investing in the kind of programming and product its 302 million subscribers demand. Thats how the standard monthly price of ad-free Netflix jumped from $7.99 to $17.99 over the course of the last 13 years, including a $2.50 jump just announced during the companys recent earnings report. Theres still a $7.99 monthly plan, of course, but that one includes ads and its a dollar more expensive than it was a week ago.But lets be real with each other. You want to know why Netflix keeps raising its prices? Because it can. Because Netflix won. The rest of the streaming industry is competing ferociously over a finite pool of money, dealing with carriage disputes because of dwindling subscriber numbers, and panicking over the future of TV. Netflix is the future of TV.Over the last couple of years in particular, Netflix has gone from a solid streaming service to a practically unavoidable, virtually uncancellable part of mainstream culture. It has developed a slate of hit originals Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, The Night Agent if were being really generous that give it at least something approximating HBO-style appointment TV. It has proven, through things like the Paul / Tyson fight and the Tom Brady roast, that it can manufacture cultural events more or less out of nothing. It pulled off a day of NFL games without a hitch and spent billions of dollars to get WWEs Monday Night Raw, one of cables biggest ongoing hits, onto the platform. And underneath it all, it has built a massive library of reality shows, cooking competitions, and the other filler TV that makes up most of our TV viewership.Netflix has gone from a solid streaming service to a practically unavoidable, virtually uncancellable part of mainstream cultureNow, for the price of your Netflix subscription, you get a bunch of expensive movies, high-end TV shows, sports, and low-budget reality programs all in one place. You dont want it all, but you pay for it anyway. That, my friends, is called a cable bundle. And its still the best business the entertainment industry has ever devised.The average price of a basic cable subscription in 2006, the year before Netflix started streaming content over the internet, was between $40 and $50. People watched something like four hours of TV a day, which meant they probably watched about an hour of ads every single day. Today, services like YouTube TV and Comcasts new sports and news bundle are $70 or more and only provide live programming. Meanwhile, Netflix subscribers watch two hours of the service every day, across all those categories, and are paying as little as a tenth of the price. Many of them see no ads at all. Think of the savings!Netflix sure sees it that way. Greg Peters, the companys co-CEO, said on this weeks earnings call that hes optimistic about Netflixs long-term monetization opportunity. We earn, right now, only 6 percent of the revenue opportunity in the countries and segments that we currently serve, he said. And as long as we continue to deliver on improving the variety, the quality of our TV and film slate, we gradually expand the offering with newer content types, we believe well be able to increase that share progressively every year.Translation: Netflix is coming for your entire entertainment diet. And your entire entertainment budget.As it looks at price increases, Peters also said, Netflix considers signals like engagement, retention, and acquisition. All that amounts to one simple question: do you keep using Netflix when the price goes up? The answer, so far, has almost always been yes. And so the prices keep going up. Its really just that simple. Its clear to Netflix that it could charge more maybe a lot more and hardly anybody would leave. So of course its going to push the limits.The other way to understand the specifics of the pricing strategy is that Netflix would very much like you to have that ad-supported plan. The company has said repeatedly that it makes more money on the combination of a smaller monthly fee and advertising than it does from the larger subscription price alone. A large percentage of new subscribers are choosing ads about 55 percent in the latest quarter and Netflix is beginning to test exactly how much its existing subscribers will pay to keep their Netflix ad-free. Its no accident that the ad-free price just jumped two and a half times as much as the base price did. And remember: even if we all switch to the ads plans, the prices might still go up. Cable TV is expensive and filled with ads, after all, and Netflix sure likes that business model.Netflix would very much like you to have that ad-supported planNetflix continues to signal that its ambitions are only growing, too. Ted Sarandos, the companys other co-CEO, indicated on this weeks earnings call that the company is more open to live sports than ever, after the success of the Christmas NFL games and the Paul / Tyson fight. The company is increasingly getting into video games, too, which accounts for another huge chunk of many peoples entertainment budget. Netflix is even starting to borrow tactics from YouTube and TikTok, bringing creators like Ms. Rachel onto the platform.Reed Hastings, Netflixs co-founder and former CEO, famously said that Netflixs main competitor is sleep. Sleeps still a pretty powerful market force, to be fair. And YouTube continues to be an even more dominant force in peoples video-viewing experience. But Netflix has ascended above practically everybody else even its ostensible competitors are now licensing their shows to Netflix because thats where the viewers are, and where the culture is.The streaming wars have been messy, and theyre certainly not over, but Netflix already won. The only question left is exactly how rich the spoils of victory will be. And you better believe Netflix is going to find out.

Heres the scene: Im wearing Metas latest Ray-Ban glasses with a new feature called Live AI, which can answer questions about the world around you. Im preparing for a four-hour road trip to my in-laws for the Christmas holiday. Im preplanning the next days breakfast because Im 99.9 percent certain I will have no brain cells to concoct an edible one at 5AM. I dont even know if I have anything to make a meal with. I open the fridge door and say, Hey Meta, start Live AI. Suddenly, John Cenas voice is in my ear telling me that a Live AI session has begun.What breakfast can I make with the ingredients in my fridge? I ask.The inside is a sad sight with month-old Thanksgiving leftovers, a carton of eggs, soda, condiments, a tub of Greek yogurt, and a big jug of maple syrup. Meta-AI-as-John-Cena replies that I can make a variety of breakfast dishes, such as scrambled eggs, omelets, or yogurt parfaits.RelatedTo be clear, there is not a single fresh fruit with which to make a parfait. The egg carton has two eggs in it. My spouse put an empty milk carton back in the fridge, meaning scrambled eggs and omelets are also out. My stomach rumbles, reminding me I skipped lunch. I bail on the breakfast idea and instead open the freezer door and ask what kind of dinner I can make with the ingredients inside. Its mostly a bunch of frozen pizzas, an assortment of frozen veggies, and hamburger buns. Im told, frozen meals, stir-fries, and casseroles.I decide to order in for dinner. Itll be a drive-through breakfast on the road.This is the issue with Live AI. More often than not, I dont know when to use it. When I do, the answers I get are too obvious to be helpful. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The VergeThe pitch for Live AI is it allows you to speak to an AI assistant as you would a friend. While its similar in function to the glasses multimodal AI feature, you dont have to constantly prompt the AI. It (supposedly) knows when youre talking to it. You can also string together multiple queries and follow-up questions. If youre in a cooking class and something looks a bit off, youd flag the instructor and theyd look at the mess in your pan and tell you what you did wrong and how to fix it. This is kind of meant to be a version of that but with an incorporeal AI that lives in your glasses. It sees what you see and can help you out in real time.Its a cool concept. But I was stumped when it came time to use Live AI without guardrails. Whenever a question pops into my head, I automatically reach for my phone. Thats what Ive been trained to do for over 10 years. The first and biggest hurdle to using Live AI was remembering it was an option.Damn, I wouldve never thought of reading a book on my TBR list. Screenshot: MetaThe second problem was knowing when Live AI might be more useful than a quick Google search. Meta suggested I try scenarios involving fashion and cooking. I already told you how my cooking queries went. So, I asked the AI what color combinations I should try with a set of multicolored pastel press-on nails. The AI suggested a combination of pastel colors would complement the pink nails nicely. I asked which of the books on my shelf I should read. The AI reminded me it doesnt have personal preferences or opinions but that I should read a book that interests [me] or one that [Ive] been meaning to read for a while. Dissatisfied, I asked which of the books was most highly acclaimed. It suggested I look that up online. I tried a few more scenarios and was left wondering: why would I ever talk to AI if all it does is restate the obvious and tell me to Google things myself?The most useful experience I had with Live AI was when I asked it how to zhuzh up my home office. At first, I got another milquetoast answer add artwork, plants, and rearrange the furniture to create a more cozy atmosphere. Annoyed, I asked it what type of artwork would look good. Again, it told me that a variety of artwork could look good depending on [my] personal style. Had I considered adding posters, prints, or paintings that reflected my interests or hobbies? I wanted to scream, but instead, I asked what style of poster would look good based on what was currently in the room. To that, I got my first somewhat useful answer: a colorful and playful poster with a fun design or cute character that would complement the stuffed animals in the room. I asked for artists to look into. It suggested Lisa Congdon, Camille Rose Garcia, and Jen Corace for their playful and whimsical styles.1/4Journey with me as I figure out how to ask Meta AI the right questions to get the answer I wanted.1/4Journey with me as I figure out how to ask Meta AI the right questions to get the answer I wanted.And herein lies the biggest recurring problem I have with AI: you have to know how to ask the right questions to get the answer you want.I couldve saved myself some grief if Id just told Meta AI, I want to hang artwork in my room. Based on whats currently here, what artists should I look into? This skill comes naturally to some folks. My spouse is a whiz at prompting AI. But for the rest of us, its a skill that has to be learned and few people right now are teaching us AI noobs how to rewire our brains to best make use of this tech. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The VergeAfter Googling the artists Meta AI suggested, I was left back at square one. I liked their art, but none of them felt like my style. I relayed the experience to my best friend, who rolled her eyes and promptly sent me three artists on Instagram. I loved all of them. In a chiding voice, she said I shouldve just asked her and not bothered with a bot. Because, unlike Meta AI, she said, she actually knows me.Live AI has other issues outside of the philosophical ones. It struggles to differentiate when youre talking to it versus someone else in the room. At one point, it straight up lied and said itd witnessed me feed my cat when I hadnt. (Itd been confused by my spouse saying theyd fed the kitties.) It also only works in 30-minute windows before the battery runs out. That means you have to be intentional in how you use it a hard thing to do when there are few obvious use cases.Im not against Live AI. The overarching vision is for all of us to be like Tony Stark, wearing cool glasses with their own little Jarvises in them. When youre being hand-held through controlled demos, that future feels both inevitable and magical. Its just that the fantasy starts to crack when youre left to explore on your own. And once that happens, nine out of 10 times, youre going to reach for your phone.

As of now, the Chinese-based TikTok app remains unavailable in the United States App Store on iPhone, as the company failed to sell itself to a US owner, before last weeks ban came into effect. However, there is apparently ongoing negotiations to get TikTok under new ownership, which would give it a path back to the App Store. No deal is close to being finalized, yet, though.NPR is reporting that the White House is directly involved in talks that would see Oracle and a group of outside investors take control of TikTok. Current owner ByteDance would retain a minority stake.Notably, it seems this deal would see TikToks global operations fall under predominantly US ownership, rather than TikTok bifurcating into separate US-based and non-US businesses.Oracle is already intimately familiar with TikTok and has shown prior interest in partnership. The cloud giant already provides fundamental web infrastructure for TikToks backend, and four years ago under the previous Trump presidency was in talks for a TikTok takeover in a partnership with Walmart.Working out the details of the financials is one major roadblock. TikTok is said to be seeking a valuation in the hundreds of billions of dollars, a hefty sum that almost no company can raise the capital for on its own. Trump has previously indicated that the government itself may take a stake, making TikTok a partially nationalised entity. However, its unclear whether that is currently a serious proposition. Regardless, heres the state of play right now. For US users of the popular social media shot-form video app, if the app is already downloaded on your phone, iPhone or Android, the app is currently working as normal. However, as it is not available in the App Store, the app cannot be updated, and if deleted, cannot be reinstalled. That also means anyone buying a new phone cannot get TikTok on it.TikTok remains freely available in all other geographic regions. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel