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    All Pokemon GO Events In February
    Pokemon GO has a very heavy and full schedule ahead going into February. Not only is the month packed with Spotlight Hours, Max Mondays, and Raids, but also, some of the Pokemon we normally only see around Valentine's Day season are making their return.
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    Best Ship Types In No Man's Sky
    No Man's Sky has transformed itself from a creative misfire to a redeemed masterpiece in one of gaming's greatest evolutions. What started as a limited space simulator has become an immersive RPG with endless exciting features. Alongside such additions have come a steady stream of ship styles and classes.
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    Riot explains why Arcane erased a League of Legends champion
    League of Legends is over 15 years old. The game is nearly old enough to drive or vote, and its developers at Riot Games havent been shy about applying retcons or reworks to champions or other aspects of the game as needed. Even longtime players can find themselves surprised by these overhauls. For instance, one champion was in the game for 11 years before he was suddenly replaced with someone completely new, but with the same name. The new Viktor has been taken from Arcane, which is much less confusing to new players but what happens to longtime fans of a champion when their beloved main character gets replaced with a better version?If youre an Arcane fan, this is a natural decision that makes sense. If youre a League of Legends veteran, it inspires questions as to the games greater canon. I reached out to Riot to learn more about the process of reinventing Viktor, and how Arcanes new lore fits into the greater League library.Polygon: How did the new Viktor come about? Was this a creative decision by Fortiche that Riot decided to adopt for League of Legends, or was the new design a collaborative effort?Paul Bellezza, executive producer of League of Legends: Lore-wise, we knew that we wanted Viktor at the end of Arcane to reach the Viktor we see in-game. But how he got there in the show was ultimately led by Christian [Linke, co-creator of Arcane] and the Fortiche team. And when his character development, both visually and narratively, started taking a slightly different course, we were all in and excited for this new iteration of Viktor to also be in-game rather than keeping them separate. So the adoption was definitely a creative decision by Riot and Fortiche. It began with a Viktor main who worked on League of Legends, who then joined the animation team, which led to the development of what the super form of Viktor could look like, and resulted in folks being very excited to adopt him into the game. It was very much a game-alumni led effort in collaboration with the Fortiche team.Arnaud-Loris Baudry, production designer: A long-time, influential illustrator on the League of Legends splash art team and Viktor main joined the animation team with his own idea of how super Viktor could look like. The human version of Viktor was already designed and he was joining when we were trying to imagine how wed take Viktor into this journey visually. And it took actually, I would say, four years of work to get from the initial ideas to the final design.Gem Lim, art director on champions (League of Legends): This was definitely a different perspective to champion updates. We had to keep things more under wraps than usual because we wanted to support Arcane and avoid spoilers in service of creating a major moment for players with his new look. It was risky not being able to show his progress and get as much input from the players, but one of the best things about Riot is that were not afraid to try something new. And I would rather we try something like this when the opportunity presents itself.At what point was it decided that the old Viktor would be removed in place of the Arcane version of the character? Were there any internal debates about keeping the original themes?Bellezza: Basically, once we knew what was going to happen in the show and the teams vision for Viktors story arc, we went all in on collaboration with the Riot animation team and Fortiche. We wanted to celebrate his story and this new version of Viktor in-game and said to ourselves, were going to make this an amazing moment for viewers and players. And so, this was an intentional decision that all of us made together because we were excited about the evolution of the character.Kiahna Manker, creative producer of film/TV: Also, Id say Arcane season 1 had released at this point and so, we were seeing a resurgence of Viktor as a character that players really, really were gravitating towards. So there was a lot of trust that the game team had put into Arcane, as well as the trajectory that this character would have in the future.Are Arcane Viktor and new League Viktor the same character? Is Arcane canon in the Welcome to Noxus storyline currently being set up? If so, is League Viktor technically dead in the current canon?Bellezza: The Noxus storyline that League is doing and the CG we did for Season One 2025; its all one universe. So yes, Arcane Viktor is the Viktor you see in-game. And we directly tied together the end of Arcane to the beginning of our Season One 2025 cinematic, Welcome to Noxus, with Mel arriving on the shores of Noxus to flesh out this universe. For this particular video too, we were really excited to partner with Fortiche and felt it was an especially natural fit given some elements are a follow on from Arcane.Is League Viktor technically dead in the current canon? We dont know what definitively happened to Viktor in Arcane; so like the audience, we have to interpret what the show showed us of Jayce and Viktors conclusion. Ultimately, the game is a representation of the IP.There are a couple of design elements from the original Viktor (the hair out of the back of the mask, the third arm), and Im curious why the team decided to keep those particular pieces?Lim: Something we know from doing visual updates in the past is that players (especially mains) feel very strongly and passionately about the original design of their champion. So, even as the story for Arcane was developing, the teams intuitively understood that the Viktor you see in Arcane should at least start off, visually, with whats currently in the game. While they might not have known which specific elements they were going to keep initially, it was always planned to ensure that some of the original design would stay. There is also a champion silhouette readability consideration when updating champions in-game. We dont want to deviate too far from what players are familiar with, otherwise, you might as well be making a new champion.Baudry: With that in mind, when we looked to explore the redesign of Viktors final form in the show, we wanted to show his transformation through the evolution of his physical aids: the braces, the crutch, etc. become actual elements of his newfound power. His crutch transformed into a staff and his braces on his torso actually became almost an armor. Visually, we wanted to depict the journey of someone whose physical challenges became symbols of strength and transformation, becoming an almost godlike being at the end. And fortunately, some of those original design elements really fit with this story we were telling through his transformation.There has been fan feedback that Viktor now shares some thematic overlap with champions like Malzahar and Lissandra. How did the team work to keep him distinct? Is there another champion who might take over the robot overlord thematic role?Laurie Goulding, narrative director of League Studio: When we talk about character themes, were not just thinking of our champions in terms of the MOBA, but the wider IP setting. I like the opportunities within a world like Runeterra to show that sometimes the same lessons are not learned and interpreted across thousands of years of in-world timeline. Just because somebody made a similar mistake in the past or followed a similar journey to another character somewhere else in the world doesnt mean that nobody else is ever going to make that same mistake, or try a similar course of action in the future. I like the kind of cyclical nature of some of the moral lessons that our characters fail to learn or take in similar, but slightly different, directions. Its not necessarily the same, but it rhymes. That feels authentic to me.Riot developers have spoken in the past about how champion reworks can cause the original mains of that character to express dissatisfaction or quit the game. What did Viktors player base look like before Arcane and the rework? Why was he eligible for this drastic change, and was it worth the backlash from longtime Viktor mains who preferred the original version?Bellezza: This year, not only will a champion be considered for an update based on age, readability, outdated gameplay, etc., but were considering thematic fit to a season so that players are seeing a cohesive drop of content. So similarly, prior to that official decision, Viktor was a champion that we thought would be a good fit for an update during the Arcane timeframe, like when we updated Caitlyn in the first season of Arcane. And he was obviously going through this big transformation in the show that we wanted to be able to put in the game, as well.Every champion update is bound to be risky and face backlash. We try our best to mitigate the risk, by trying to preserve the core elements that players love and ensuring we dont lose the essence of the original character while updating to our current standards. Sometimes that means we push further than some long-time fans are comfortable with, and its a fine balancing act to try to manage. While we are proud of the evolution of Viktor via Arcane and his new in-game appearance, we will continue to reflect on what components were resonant or not-resonant with our players and take the learnings along the way.
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    The classic horror remakes actually worth watching
    At this point, horror franchises are nearly as old as cinema itself. By the release of 1931s adaptation of Bram Stokers Dracula the first with sound there was already a history of terrifying films in the silent era, especially among the geniuses working within the German Expressionism movement.The roots of horror films draw heavily from folklore, religion, and literature, which has meant many of the most enduring horror franchises are ones that existed far before film became a mainstream art form Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Invisible Man. The Universal Monster franchise is a big part of this (and its many attempts at rekindling that magic), but horrors history is so present in human culture that it feels only natural the genre would develop this way in cinema.Thats not to say there havent been new entries to the canon of classic horror monsters the Alien franchises Xenomorphs, the Predator, Freddy Krueger, Ghostface. But theres something special about returning to the well of classic horror monsters, as weve seen recently with the success of Robert Eggers Nosferatu and the presence of Leigh Whannells Wolf Man.Inspired by those two recent releases, we thought it was a good time to run through some of the best remakes of classic horror movies. Were stretching the definition of classic a bit to include some of the latter additions to the horror monster canon, but we promise: All of these are a scary good time.The Thing (1982)Director: John CarpenterCast: Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, Keith DavidWhere to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWhere to watch the original: The Roku ChannelAny list of the best horror remakes is incomplete without The Thing. John Carpenters remake of 1951s The Thing from Another World eclipses the original in all respects, thanks to a terrific lead performance by Kurt Russell as a hardened helicopter pilot and practical creature effects by the legendary makeup effects artist Rob Bottin. The film landed with a thud at the box office, due in no small part to its proximity to the premiere of Steven Spielbergs E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but has since been vindicated as not only one of Carpenters best, but one of the best sci-fi horror movies of its era. Toussaint EganInvasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)Director: Philip KaufmanCast: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard NimoyWhere to watch: AMC, MGM PlusWhere to watch the original: MGM Plus, The Roku ChannelPhilip Kaufmans 1978 remake of Don Siegels Invasion of the Body Snatchers transplants the films premise from the outskirts of rural California to San Francisco, following a small, unsuspecting group of scientists as they attempt to resist a mysterious extraterrestrial invasion that has abducted countless humans and replaced them with malicious duplicates. Starring Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, and Jeff Goldblum, the film is an eerie and unsettling drama with taut tension, captivating twists, and a chillingly memorable finale. As much a paranoid treatise on the perils of groupthink as it is a chilling sci-fi horror story, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a rich and layered movie that sticks with you from start to finish. TEThe Invisible Man (2020)Director: Leigh WhannellCast: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm ReidWhere to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWhere to watch the original: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWolf Man wasnt director Leigh Whannells first effort at remaking a classic Universal Monster movie. That honor goes to The Invisible Man, a tense reboot of the 1933 movie led by an unsurprisingly powerful performance from Elisabeth Moss, playing a woman stuck in a nightmare of a relationship with a tech CEO. The adaptation uses new technology in very interesting ways to amp up the scares, aided by Whannells tight direction as a writer of the first three Saw movies, all five Insidious movies, and the director of Upgrade, he certainly has the bona fides for this kind of project. Pete VolkThe Fly (1986)Director: David CronenbergCast: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John GetzWhere to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWhere to watch the original: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduIn the 1980s, David Cronenberg dared to ask one brave question: What if a man was a fly who could fuck? The 1986 remake of Kurt Neumanns 1958 original casts future Jurassic Park star Jeff Goldblum in the role of Seth Brundle, a brilliant scientist on the verge of perfecting teleportation technology. After accidently splicing his DNA with an errant fly that gets caught in the middle of one of his experiments, Seth becomes increasingly more violent and erratic in his behavior. The practical makeup and special effects that go into depicting Seths gradual transmogrification into a grotesque human-fly hybrid are extraordinary and worth watching the film alone. TEThe Ring (2002)Director: Gore VerbinskiCast: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian CoxWhere to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWhere to watch the original: AMC Plus, Criterion ChannelThe early 2000s were a fascinating time when studios were spending tens of millions of dollars on horror blockbusters. Among the best of these is the American remake of Ring, a Japanese movie about a haunted videotape that kills the viewer seven days after they watch its strange montage of images. While the remake lacks the empathy and scares of the original, The Ring is a wholly unique and worthwhile experience on its own and feels completely different from the horror movies of any other era. With a blockbuster budget and gorgeous direction from Gore Verbinski, this remake is somewhere between a ghost story and a mystery-thriller and relies more on its worlds excellent sense of haunting dread than direct scares. Austen GoslinSuspiria(2018)Director: Luca GuadagninoCast: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia GothWhere to watch: Prime VideoWhere to watch the original: PlexEvery remake on this list is transformative to one extent or another, but few of them approach that transformation as thoroughly as director Luca Guadagninos 2018 remake of Suspiria. The original film is a classic of 70s Italian horror cinema. Directed by the legendary Dario Argento, Suspiria is a bloody, colorful, and absolutely gorgeous film about a young American dancer who moves to Freiberg, Germany, to attend a dance school, only to discover that its run by an ancient witch whos feeding off the youth of the students. Each student slowly falls victim to various horrors inside the school one by one, all set to one of the most incredible and vibey soundtracks of all time.Guadagnino takes this supernatural slasher-ish premise and turns it into something far darker and more profound. His remake of the film still follows a dancer who moves to Europe from America to attend school, but this time the school is set in divided Berlin immediately after World War II. He uses this setting to engage directly with questions about arts relation to tragedy, and whether its the responsibility of an artist, in a time of tragedy, to create pleasant art that stands against the times or art that reflects the pain of its contemporary moment back at the world. The Suspiria remake is as thematically ambitious as any movie made so far this century. Guadagnino uses the springboard of Argentos classic as a shorthand way of establishing this universe of dancing and witches, and turns it into something larger and more complicated that stands beside its predecessor as an equally excellent but very different film. AGFright Night (2011)Director: Craig GillespieCast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Imogen PootsWhere to watch: Prime VideoWhere to watch the original: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduThe 2011 remake ofFright Nightstars Anton Yelchin as Charley, a nerdy teenager living in a suburb on the outskirts of Las Vegas with his single mom, Jane (Toni Collette). When Jerry (Colin Farrell), a handsome and brooding stranger, moves in next door, Charley soon learns that his new neighbor is in fact a vampire on a rampage and killing people all around town. Enlisting the aid of Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a flamboyant Vegas Strip magician with an interest in the occult, and his girlfriend, Amy (Imogen Poots), Charley is forced to face off with Jerry and his sired underlings in a desperate bid to save his town. Farrell delivers a fantastic and unsettling performance as Jerry, and the late Anton Yelchin is charismatic as the films leading man.TEDawn of the Dead (2004)Director: Zack SnyderCast: Sarah Polley, Jake Weber, Ving RhamesWhere to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWhere to watch the original: Available to rent on AmazonThis 2004 remake of George A. Romeros horror masterpiece about a group of people stuck together in a mall during a zombie apocalypse is as straightforward a remake as anything on this list. It borrows the same premise with almost no alterations, and only really adjusts the details of the story to keep the movie feeling thematically fresh 26 years after the original was released.And that was probably the right call. Romeros thinly veiled metaphor about the dangers of excess consumerism was no less relevant in 2004 than it was in 1978, all that really needed adjusting was the clothes. Of course, this being the feature film debut of director Zack Snyder also meant that the gore needed an update, too, but even in that regard, Snyder keeps the brutality of the film close to the spirit of Romero in a way that feels both like an homage and an evolution at the same time. And sometimes thats exactly what a reboot should be. AGNosferatu (2024)Director: Robert EggersCast: Bill Skarsgrd, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose DeppWhere to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and VuduWhere to watch the original: Prime VideoTheres no shortage of Nosferatu films, and the fact that the original story is just a thinly veiled version of Bram Stokers Dracula brings the tally up even higher. But what makes Robert Eggers 2024 version of the story so special is actually the way it positions itself in the modern landscape of movies not just how it relates to the previous versions of Nosferatu. In that context, Eggers film feels more like a demake than a remake.It isnt an attempt to modernize a classic, but rather to reemphasize that the horrors of yesteryear havent left us entirely. Everything about the film, from Eggers rigorous commitment to lighting scenes using only candles to his vision of Orlok as a mysterious, unknowable, but thoroughly human-adjacent evil, feels like it comes from another era of filmmaking. The remake resists the urge to distort the Dracula story into something vague and metaphorical, and instead forces us to confront it simply as a story of an ancient evil coming to haunt us. Hes perfectly willing to let you read into that evil however you please, which feels very casually revolutionary given how many horror films today are more metaphor than movie. AG
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    Everything new on Apple TV Plus in February 2025: The Gorge, Surface season 2, and more
    From new episodes of Severance season 2 to the first Apple Movie Original of the year, here's what's coming to Apple TV Plus in February.
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    NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, February 3 (game #603)
    Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.
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    The Clicks iPhone keyboard is as powerful as it is frustrating
    A funny thing happened after I stopped using Clicks, the keyboard case that effectively turns an iPhone into an oversized Blackberry: The phone by itself suddenly seemed punier.I mean that in terms of both size and mightiness. Because while Clicks four rows of physical keys stretch an iPhone to comical length, they also add a bunch of powerful shortcuts for getting things done. My typing hasnt gotten any faster with Clicks, but things like copying, pasting, and switching between apps has become more efficient.The first Clicks keyboard cases launched a year ago, with tech YouTuber Michael Fisher and Crackberry blog founder Kevin Michaluk co-founding the company to scratch a highly specific itch. The iPhone 16 versions, which just launched in January, have a more sculpted key design thats easier to type on, while also adding MagSafe accessory support and USB-C data transfer.They are no less niche, though. As before, the price is $139 for regular-sized iPhones and $159 for the Pro Max and Plus modelsnot the kind of purchase one makes without being super committed to the concept. But the most I used Clicks, the more I wished for a version that included everything but the keyboard.Not faster, but more satisfyingIve been using Clicks on an iPhone 16 Pro Max for the past few weeks now. While theres a learning curveespecially with using modifier keys for punctuationIve become pretty adept at thumb typing on Clicks physical keys. Still, every time I perform a typing test, the results are about the same with or without Clicks.The reality is that on-screen keyboards have become pretty efficient on their own. Between gesture typing and auto-correct, a practiced touchscreen typist can rattle off emails or text messages without having to scrutinize each letter, so theres little time gained from having physical keys beneath the thumbs.And while Clicks does free up screen space that an on-screen keyboard would normally occupy, the evolution of smartphone design plays against Clicks here as well: Our phones have gotten taller in large part to accommodate the on-screen keyboard, with apps becoming increasingly adept at keeping important details within view. Rarely did I feel like Clicks was freeing up essential space.At best, the typing upside with Clicks is vibes-based. While I never owned a BlackBerry and dont feel the nostalgia of using a modern-day homage, the tactile keys still feel substantial in a ways that software keys dont. On some level, writing with Clicks feels a little more like an accomplishment, even if its not any faster.Keyboard command centerThe Clicks keyboard is about more than just typing, though. The real utility is in its ability to execute commands.On the most basic level, Clicks supports the same keyboard shortcuts youd get by connecting your iPhone or iPad to a Bluetooth keyboard. Instead of shaking your phone or using the unreliable three-finger swipe gesture to undo, you can just click Cmd+Z. Instead of tapping the exact point of text insertion and waiting for the tiny paste button to pop up, you can just click Cmd+V. You can even use app-specific shortcuts, such as Cmd+T and Cmd+W to open and close new browser tabs in Safari.Navigational shortcuts are even better. Hitting Cmd+Space brings up Spotlight, where you can access apps, contacts, and Shortcuts just by typing a letter two and hitting Enter. Unlike the touchscreen version, which requires a return to the home screen, the keyboard shortcut works from anywhere, even inside other apps. Combined with some other navigational shortcutsCmd+H for Home, Globe+N for notifications, Globe+C for Command CenterClicks lets you quickly get around iOS without taking fingers off the keyboard.Theres also a hidden feature that goes a step further, letting you set up custom keyboard commands to run automations from the iOS Shortcuts app. It requires some rooting around in Accessibility settings, but in the end you can have keyboard shortcuts for things like launching a favorite app, taking a quick note, or opening your preferred AI assistant. Its kind of like having a bunch of iPhone 16 Action Buttons lined up on the bottom of your phone.\Unforeseen consequencesToo bad these extra capabilities come with some significant trade-offs.Obviously, theres the size of the thing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max with Clicks just barely fits in my pants pockets and isnt comfortable to sit with, so Ive been more prone to just plopping it onto the nearest table.Other annoyances are just inherent to using a physical keyboard instead of the on-screen one:If you use a third-party password manager like Bitwarden, theres no persistent bar above the keyboard for accessing passwords or two-factor authentication codes. You can auto-fill logins through an on-screen pop-up, but this doesnt let you select alternative logins and sometimes failed to work properly.One-handed typing takes more effort, especially with the phone being more top-heavy. While Clicks has a button to bring up the on-screen keyboard, its still more cumbersome to type on with a full row of physical keys under your palm.Clicks backlit keys dont light up until you press them, so a lot of times I had to guess at the first keystroke while trying to type in the dark. (I wish the keys lit up whenever you tapped on a text entry field, but Im not sure if iOS allows for that.)Clicks unusual shape can lead to some awkward charging and docking scenarios as well. Clicks doesnt fit at all in my cars wireless charging tray, and I have to flip the phone upside down to use the upright wireless charger on my nightstand. And while Clicks for iPhone 16 has MagSafe support, its too tall and heavy to fit on the MagSafe vent mount in my wifes car.The case for a keyboard-less ClicksIn the end, Clicks slightly more satisfying typing experience doesnt seem worth all those trade-offs to me. But when I went back to using my iPhone by itself, I missed having all of Clicks extra shortcuts under my thumbs.What I really want from Clicks, then, is everything but the thing for which its best-known. Instead of a full keyboard, give me a version with just a single row of shortcut keys, allowing me to efficiently manipulate text, navigate iOS and trigger my most-used Shortcuts. Take the iPhones Action Button, in other words, and multiply it by eight or 10 at the very bottom of the phone.Dispensing with physical keys for typing wouldnt slow me down at all, but it would sidestep Clicks biggest compromises while preserving its greatest strengths. Would a company founded by former Blackberry addicts countenance such a thing? I dont know, but Id probably buy one.
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    Productivity hacks that dont cause burnout
    Last week, in an article for Fast Company, author and tech executive Rebekah Bastian wrote about why she doesnt read productivity books. The vast majority of these books are written by men who dont shoulder the majority of parenting duties, she says.Like so many working women, I carry a substantial portion of the second shift at home: cooking, homework help, bedtime routines, and general emotional support, she writes. The big chunk of uninterrupted time that these authors count onwhether its a 5 a.m. stretch of sacred hours or a mini-sabbatical to reboot creativityjust doesnt exist in my life. If I tried to follow their advice, Id be setting myself up for failure or burnout.Bastian discusses some of the more sustainable habits that she incorporates into her life, including multitasking when appropriate. While fixating on maximizing productivity can lead to burnout, there are reasonable ways, such as this, to try to get more done in less time:Embrace NoSometimes the best way to make space for what you want or need to do is to decline opportunities that dont advance your goals. Of course this doesnt work for every situationsometimes we all have to take on projects that we dont want to do.But its still worth practicing pausing before agreeing to new assignments, writes Mikaela Kiner, founder and CEO of uniquelyHR. Its sometimes helpful to ask, If I dont do this, will it matter in three weeks, three months, three years from now? says Kiner. This way, youll get a more accurate picture of whether your lack of participation is genuinely critical.Prioritize creativity and restAs we race to our jobs, churn through never-ending to-do lists, and run from meeting to meeting, eyes glazed over from the frenzied nature of our daily lives, many of us believe that we need to work this way in order to deserve rest, writes Katina Bajaj, cofounder and chief well-being officer of Daydreamers.But downtime is critical to happiness and well-being, she says. The antidote to our productive nature is simple, but often overlooked. The key is to wake up a part of ourselves that weve numbed in order to exist on the hamster wheel: our naturally creative minds.Pursuing creative projects and prioritizing rest help make the time you spend working more productive, says Bastian. Creative hobbieslike aerial arts or art projectsare also productive, because they nourish my mental health. And rest is productive, because it replenishes the energy I need to show up fully in work and life.
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    Transform Your Living: Convertible Designs And The Future of Interior Design
    In todays fast-paced world, where space is often at a premium and versatility is key, convertible designs have become more than just a trendthey are a necessity. These ingenious creations are redefining how we use our living spaces and interact with products. From transforming furniture that adapts to our ever-changing needs to vehicles that seamlessly switch between energy sources, the appeal of convertible designs lies in their ability to offer flexibility without compromising on functionality or style.As urban areas continue to grow and living spaces shrink, the demand for innovative solutions that maximize utility while maintaining aesthetic appeal has never been greater. Convertible designs provide the perfect answer by offering multifunctionality in compact forms. Whether its a sofa that becomes a bed or a dining table that turns into an office desk, these designs are revolutionizing the way we think about everyday objects, making them indispensable for modern living.1. Flexible Design SolutionsIn the modern home, where space and functionality are often limited, flexible design solutions have emerged as indispensable tools for optimizing living environments. As urbanization continues to drive people into smaller apartments and homes, the demand for furniture and products that can serve multiple purposes is soaring. Flexible design solutions cater to this need by transforming spaces in ways that accommodate various activities without requiring additional square footage.For instance, a sofa that converts into a bed allows a living room to double as a guest bedroom, while modular shelving units can be reconfigured to adapt to changing storage needs. This versatility not only maximizes space efficiency but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of interiors by eliminating clutter and promoting clean, organized living areas. Furthermore, these adaptable designs contribute to sustainable living practices by reducing the need for excess furniture, ultimately leading to less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.NG Architects Spring is a remarkable example of convertible furniture crafted specifically for small spaces, embodying the perfect blend of form and function. This cylindrical marvel effortlessly transforms from a 500mm side table into a 900mm chair or centerpiece table with just the push of a button, utilizing sophisticated built-in compression springs.Constructed from high-quality oak wood paired with durable aluminum springs, Spring is available in both natural and white finishes to complement various interior styles. Its innovative design not only maximizes space efficiency but also introduces an element of elegance and adaptability to compact living areas. This versatility allows residents to seamlessly transition between different activities without the need for multiple pieces of furniture, thus promoting a clutter-free environment while maintaining aesthetic appeal.2. Modular FurnitureAs living spaces continue to shrink in urban areas and sustainability becomes a central focus, modular furniture design solutions are becoming increasingly important for the future of interior design. These adaptable pieces allow homeowners and renters alike to reconfigure their environments with ease, accommodating evolving lifestyles and needs without the hassle of purchasing new furniture.Modular furnitures inherent flexibility provides practical solutions for optimizing space in compact homes, enabling users to make the most of every square foot. This versatility not only supports a variety of activities within a single room but also promotes sustainable living by reducing the need for excess furnishings. As a result, modular designs contribute to decreasing waste and lowering environmental impact. Moreover, the ability to easily rearrange or expand these pieces ensures that they remain relevant and functional over time, catering to changing tastes and requirements while fostering creativity and personalization in home decor.The Tango Multifunctional Pouf, ingeniously designed by Ryszard Manczak, is a testament to the power of convertible design in maximizing functionality within limited spaces. Comprised of triangular pieces artfully connected by fabric hinges, these poufs can seamlessly transform into various seating optionsbe it benches, couches, lounging sofas, or even mattressescatering to the diverse needs of any living area.Crafted from sustainable materials such as recycled foam, coconut fibers, and wool fabric, they not only offer a stylish touch but also embody eco-consciousness. Their modular and foldable design ensures that they can be easily stored and transported, making them perfect for dynamic lifestyles. With the ability to adapt to numerous configurations, the Tango Pouf exemplifies how versatile furniture can enhance both practicality and aesthetic appeal in modern homes.3. Transforming Tech & DesignsIn the quest for adaptable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of future living, the easily transformative nature of convertible products stands out as a key innovation. Designers and engineers are investing significant effort into creating products that can be effortlessly adjusted, whether through manual mechanisms in furniture or advanced automated features in automotive technology. This dedication to user-friendly design ensures that convertible products not only provide seamless functionality but also enhance convenience for users.As spaces become more compact and demands for versatility increase, these transformative solutions allow individuals to maximize their environments without compromising on style or comfort. By enabling quick and easy transitions between different configurations, convertible designs support a variety of activities within a single space. This adaptability is crucial in promoting sustainable practices by reducing the need for multiple items, thereby minimizing waste and fostering a more efficient use of resources in future living environments.The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is a cutting-edge device crafted for professionals who require versatile and powerful digital tools. Its standout feature is a 360-degree hinge, allowing it to seamlessly transform from a traditional laptop into a tablet, thus supporting a wide array of tasks such as typing, drawing, and reading with ease. Additionally, the built-in stylus with a dedicated silo ensures that creative tasks can be tackled efficiently without misplacing essential tools.The laptop is powered by the advanced 13th generation Intel Core processors, delivering robust performance complemented by its impressive 14-inch WQUXGA 4K touchscreen. This device not only excels in functionality but also reflects Lenovos dedication to sustainability. It comes packaged in eco-friendly materials, including bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and recycled components, underscoring the companys commitment to reducing environmental impact while providing state-of-the-art technology solutions for modern professionals.The Celerina Table, designed by Damien Regamey for Reinhard AG Sachseln, is an innovative piece that brilliantly combines style and functionality, making it ideal for remote workspaces. Crafted from solid oak with sleek legs, this table initially serves as a sophisticated dining table. However, its true versatility shines when it transforms into a modern office desk.This transformation is achieved by lifting the tabletop via a hydraulic system, unveiling a host of features including built-in storage, magnetic boards for organization, and efficient cable management solutions. These elements not only enhance productivity but also maintain a tidy workspace, seamlessly integrating elegance and practicality in one adaptable design.4. Foldable DesignConvertible furniture often features a foldable design, making it ideal for compact living spaces. It can be expanded to maximize space as needed, ensuring excellent space efficiency.Natura Futura Arquitectura, a pioneering firm located in Babahoyo, Ecuador, has ingeniously developed The Ambulantitoa revolutionary mobile kiosk specifically designed to assist unhoused individuals. This adaptable structure is expertly constructed using robust metal and timber, ensuring its durability and effectiveness as both a protective shelter and a functional selling point. The Ambulantito features an innovative A-frame roof equipped with an expandable storage shelf, allowing it to serve as a secure storage unit during daylight hours.By night, it transforms seamlessly into a kiosk or a comfortable bed, providing essential flexibility for its users. Beyond addressing the urgent issue of poverty, this project seeks to raise awareness about the dire need for shelter and safety in urban environments. It offers a practical yet impactful solution to these challenges while actively promoting community engagement and support through its thoughtful design and multifunctional capabilities.5. Design AestheticsDesign aesthetics play a crucial role in the success of convertible designs, striking a balance between functionality and visual appeal. In the realm of multifunctional products, its not enough for an item to merely perform its primary and secondary functions effectively; it must also maintain an attractive appearance in each configuration. Aesthetics influence how users perceive and interact with these products, often determining their desirability and acceptance in various settings.Thoughtful design ensures that each transformation enhances the products overall appeal, seamlessly integrating into different environments without compromising on style. This attention to detail can transform a practical object into a statement piece, reflecting personal taste and sophistication. By prioritizing aesthetics alongside functionality, designers create versatile pieces that resonate with users on an emotional level, encouraging adoption and long-term use. Ultimately, aesthetically pleasing convertible designs enhance living spaces by providing adaptable solutions that are both practical and beautiful.Inspiration struck Timo Riemann, a gifted German design graduate, during a seemingly mundane moment of observing a traffic cone, sparking the innovative creation of Pylona convertible stool that doubles as a piece of interior artwork. At first glance, Pylon resembles an ordinary traffic cone, complete with its iconic shape and vibrant color. However, closer inspection reveals the presence of elegant brass hinges that subtly hint at its dual functionality.By unlocking these meticulously crafted clasps, the cone ingeniously unfolds to reveal a sturdy stool supported by four well-balanced legs. This transformation highlights not only Riemanns creativity but also his attention to detail in crafting a product that seamlessly blends art with utility. The Pylon serves as both a functional seating solution and a conversation-starting centerpiece, embodying the potential for everyday objects to be reimagined into extraordinary designs that challenge conventional norms in furniture aesthetics.6. Ergonomic DesignErgonomic design solutions are vital for the future, particularly as our lifestyles and work environments continue to evolve. In convertible product design, where multifunctionality is key, ensuring that ergonomics and comfort are not compromised is crucial. These designs must be meticulously crafted to promote user well-being, with a focus on reducing physical strain and enhancing usability. As we spend increasing amounts of time using technology and interacting with adaptable furniture in compact living spaces, ergonomic solutions become essential for maintaining health and productivity.Products should be durable and stable, constructed from premium materials that promise longevity while offering robust craftsmanship. This approach not only improves user experience but also supports sustainable practices by extending product lifespans and reducing waste. By prioritizing ergonomics, designers can create versatile solutions that seamlessly integrate into daily life, offering comfort and support while addressing the dynamic needs of future generations in both personal and professional settings.The CNVYR series, created by a visionary designer based in Seoul, offers a fresh take on traditional airport seating by infusing it with an artistic and modular twist. Drawing inspiration from the utilitarian design of metal airport chairs, these innovative pieces seamlessly incorporate the industrial look of conveyor belts into their aesthetic. The chairs are crafted with customizable steel components, allowing them to be rearranged effortlessly to suit various needs or even combined to form a cohesive couch.Available in sophisticated hues of dark blue and green, the CNVYR chairs deliver a minimalist yet striking industrial aesthetic that marries functionality with elements of modern art. This unique approach not only enhances versatility but also transforms everyday seating into statement pieces that redefine conventional notions of furniture design, making them suitable for diverse environments and adaptable to ever-changing spatial requirements.7. Innovative DesignInnovation in convertible design solutions is crucial as it propels the evolution of multifunctional products, turning them into dynamic platforms for cutting-edge advancements. In a world where space optimization and versatility are increasingly valued, innovation fosters a culture of experimentation and creativity, encouraging designers to reimagine traditional objects with fresh perspectives. This approach not only results in the development of novel mechanisms and technologies that enhance functionality but also tackles complex spatial challenges with inventive solutions.As industries aim to create products that are more adaptable, efficient, and user-friendly, embracing innovation becomes essential. It enables the integration of smart technologies and flexible features that cater to diverse needs while maximizing utility. Moreover, innovative convertible designs can significantly impact sustainability efforts by promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental footprints. Ultimately, innovation in convertible design solutions is vital for fostering progress, ensuring products remain relevant and effective in addressing future demands for adaptable living environments.The ANYWAYS multipurpose furniture stands out as an exemplary solution for maximizing versatility in compact spaces. Ingeniously designed to function as a lounge chair, dining table, or work desk, it also incorporates a convenient shelf for storage, making it an all-in-one piece perfect for modern living. Crafted primarily from high-quality wood, ANYWAYS combines minimalist aesthetics with practical adaptability, ensuring it complements various interior styles while serving multiple functions.Its unique design and functionality make it not only a practical addition to any home but also a conversation piece that invites admiration and curiosity. Created by Australian Industrial Design student Kshitij Gangurde, this innovative furniture piece addresses the growing need for space-saving solutions in increasingly smaller living environments, highlighting how thoughtful design can seamlessly blend form and function to enhance everyday life. By offering flexibility without compromising style, ANYWAYS embodies the future of convertible furniture design.8. User ExperienceThe importance of user experience in convertible design solutions cannot be overstated, especially as we look toward the future. Incorporating user feedback is essential for refining product designs and ensuring seamless transitions between multiple functions. This iterative process not only enhances the product but also aligns it with real-world needs and preferences.Prioritizing ease of use is crucial; designs must maximize utility while featuring intuitive mechanisms that are accessible to users of all ages. Such user-friendly approaches ensure that the products can be operated effortlessly, thereby broadening their appeal and usability. Emphasizing ergonomic comfort further elevates user satisfaction by reducing physical strain and promoting well-being during use. As living spaces become increasingly compact, convertible designs that excel in user experience will be pivotal in creating adaptable, efficient environments that cater to a diverse array of lifestyles and preferences.Maseratis GranCabrio Folgore represents a pinnacle of luxury in the realm of electric convertibles, marking the esteemed brands third venture into all-electric models. Built upon the robust GranTurismo Folgore platform, this vehicle boasts a powerful tri-motor setup that delivers an impressive 818 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque, utilizing advanced 800V Formula E technology. This enables the GranCabrio Folgore to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds, achieving a top speed of 180 mph and offering a WLTP range between 260 to 277 miles.Its rapid charging capability allows for an addition of 120 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a charging rate of 270 kW. The convertible top elegantly retracts within 14 seconds, even at speeds up to 31 mph. Inside, the car is outfitted with luxurious materials, adjustable seats with neck warmers, a comprehensive digital interface featuring a 12.2-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with a sophisticated heads-up display and an immersive 16-speaker sound system. Additionally, the GranCabrio Folgore is equipped with a staggered wheel setup20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rearoffered in multiple designs and finishes for personalized styling.The diverse features and innovative processes inherent in convertible designs underscore their practicality, comfort, and adaptability across various environments. As our living and working spaces evolve, these multifunctional products offer essential solutions that cater to dynamic lifestyles, blending seamlessly into different settings without sacrificing style or functionality. From enhancing space efficiency in compact homes to providing versatile seating options and integrating cutting-edge technology, convertible designs are redefining how we interact with everyday objects. By prioritizing user experience, ergonomic comfort, and sustainable practices, these adaptable products not only meet current demands but also pave the way for future advancements in design, making them indispensable in modern life.The post Transform Your Living: Convertible Designs And The Future of Interior Design first appeared on Yanko Design.
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    Product of the Week: Dream On Cloud Wall Art by Aureous
    Some pieces of art dont just decorate a spacethey transform it. And thats exactly what Aureouss Dream On Cloud Wall Art does. These elegant cloud prints, available in serene blue and sage green tones, add a dreamlike tranquility to any room. The type that gives you a moment of stillness in your busy day.Each piece is crafted with museum-quality gicle printing on premium matte art paper. As such, every one of these is incredibly high in quality, and has a soft yet striking presence.Whether styled as a focal point above a bed or incorporated into a gallery wall, these prints bring a sense of calm and sophistication to any setting. The deep emerald, muted neutrals, and timeless blues ensure theres a shade for every aestheticwhether your space is modern, classic, or minimalist.Additionally, these prints are available in multiple sizes. So you can easily find these piece that matches your space, both in terms of color and size.If youre looking for elegant, calming artwork that enhances your home, all while adding a touch of serenity and sophistication, this collection is a must-have. Itll make for a sleek addition to any space, from the foyer all the way to the bedroom.Find your perfect cloud print on Etsy now.
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