• What will happen to TikTok? A look at the potential buyers.
    www.engadget.com
    TikTok may be back online, but the apps future in the United States is still far from certain. President Donald Trumps executive order delaying enforcement of the ban was only a temporary reprieve for the company.While ByteDance was once resistant to the idea of selling TikToks US business, that seems to have changed since Trump took office. A ByteDance investor said that striking a deal to keep TikTok in the US is in everybody's interest." Officials in China have also suggested they are open to a deal, according to The Wall Street Journal.A number of people and companies have signaled some interest in TikTok. Trump himself has said he would like to see a bidding war for the app and that the US government should own a stake in the company. What an eventual deal may look like, though, is unclear. These are the offers we currently know about. Trumps executive order gave the company 75 days to come to an agreement.OracleNPR recently reported that Oracle was working with Trump Administration officials on a plan to save TikTok that involves tapping software company Oracle and a group of outside investors to effectively take control of the app's global operations. Under this arrangement, ByteDance would retain a minority stake in the company but Oracle would oversee the app's algorithm, data collection and software updates.Headed up by Trump pal Larry Ellison, TikTok has an existing partnership with Oracle. The cloud company already hosts TikToks US user data and the company was a key part of TikToks original negotiations to remain operational in the US under a plan called Project Texas. (Those negotiations abruptly fell apart in 2022.)Trump also previously signed off on a deal for Oracle and Walmart to acquire a 20 percent stake in TikTok in 2020, when the president tried to ban the app during his first term. That deal never materialized. Now, Trumps position on Oracle is unclear. He told reporters that Oracle was not among the many people with whom he had discussed a deal for TikTok. (Ellison, notably, has been at the White House in recent days. He joined Trump and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for the announcement of the Stargate Project.)MicrosoftMicrosoft is reportedly also interested in playing a role in TikToks future, according to the same NPR story, which said Microsoft was among the other potential investors involved in the talks with Oracle. Trump seemingly confirmed this. When asked directly if Microsoft was interested in buying TikTok this week, Trump responded I would say yes.As with Oracle, this isnt the first time Microsoft has attempted to acquire the social media company. Microsoft was in talks to buy TikTok in 2020 and take over its US business, but the deal abruptly fell apart. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later described it as the strangest thing Ive ever sort of worked on.Perplexity AI (and maybe the US government)Just before TikTok briefly went offline, Perplexity AI threw its hat into the ring, offering a deal to ByteDance that would create a new entity combining Perplexity, TikTok US and New Capital Partners.Since then, Perplexity has reportedly tweaked its proposal. According to the Associated Press, the AI company is now floating a plan that calls for the U.S. government to own up to half of that new structure once it makes an initial public offering of at least $300 billion. Under this plan, ByteDance would keep a minority stake in the company and would contribute TikToks U.S. business without the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app.MrBeastYouTuber MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, joked on X about buying TikTok ahead of the initial ban. He later said that so many billionaires had reached out to him about making an offer that he was going to try to actually pull it off.Okay fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 14, 2025 At least one group has already confirmed his involvement, along with other high-net-worth individuals looking to make an all-cash offer. That group, led by employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley also reportedly includes Roblox CEO David Baszucki. According to Bloomberg, together they have put together significantly more than $20 billion for a bid, though its not clear how seriously their offer is being considered. Bloomberg notes that theres also a possibility that MrBeast may attach himself to other bids.Project LibertyAnother set of investors thats proposed a bid to buy TikTok is a group known as Project Liberty. Led by investor Frank McCourt, it includes Kevin OLeary of Shark Tank fame. The group initially came forward before the ban took effect. However, its not clear where they stand at the moment.This deal changes by the hour. ByteDance itself is a very successful company. It's worth about $250 billion, of which only 8.9% is TikTok USA. So while we're focused on TikTok USA, the company could abandon it, just turn it off if they wanted. There's been a lot of hype from pic.twitter.com/WRRSM224j5 Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) January 29, 2025 OLeary previously told CNBC that deals involving a government stake may not comply with the law. That 50/50 deal, I would love to work with Trump on, so would every other potential buyer ... But the problem with some of these ideas is they are inconsistent with the ruling of the Supreme Court, he said. I would love to do a deal, if the law provided for it, but I dont have the luxury of breaching the order of Congress.This week, he said that the deal "changes by the hour," writing on X that iIt's clear to me now that we're going to have to do a dance between the original owners, the founders of ByteDance itself, and interpreting the law of what Congress and Supreme Court has upheld."Whats next?So where does all this leave TikTok? For now, the company is in the same limbo its been in since it was briefly taken offline. The app is still not available in Apple or Googles app stores and it could go down again if the company is unable to reach a deal.For now, though, it seems both the government and ByteDance are much more willing to negotiate than they have been in the past. While these are all the semi-credible plans we know about now, the situation is likely to change over the next few weeks as the various sides attempt to hammer out a viable deal. Well keep this post updated as new details emerge.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/what-will-happen-to-tiktok-a-look-at-the-potential-buyers-000110723.html?src=rss
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·42 Vue
  • Lime announces $25 million action plan to help fix London's e-bike chaos
    www.engadget.com
    In November, Transport for London (TfL) announced new steps to regulate e-bikes, but a lack of legislation or power meant that most of the onus fell to e-bike services to do the right thing. Now, Lime CEO Wayne Ting has announced a 20 million ($24.8 million) five-point London Action Plan to help with overcrowding and poor parking, multiple publications report, including UKTN."The feedback weve received from London residents, community groups and elected officials is why were launching our London Action Plan," Ting stated. "We recognise the need for meaningful investments to accelerate change and improve parking, starting with more funding for dedicated e-bike parking, and additional operational capacity and processes."An investment of 5 million ($6.2 million) will go into creating 2,500 additional e-bike parking spaces. Part of the plan will also include expanding Lime's on-street team to 400 people and aiming to move or collect about 4,000 bikes daily. Plus, Lime intends to use improved AI to confirm proper parking in end of trip photos.The action plan directly responds to TfL's statement at the end of last year. "The new policy sets out that TfL will consider taking action against operators who allow their bikes to be parked outside of designated places on red routes and on TfL land, which includes areas such as station forecourts and bus garages," the organization said. "Operators are ultimately responsible for ensuring their bikes are deployed and parked bikes appropriately."As someone living in London, I can certaintly attest that Lime bikes are scattered everywhere around the city. Lime claims that 49 percent of 18 to 34 year olds in London rent an e-bike weekly. The company also states that 2024 saw an 85 percent increase in annual journeys.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lime-announces-25-million-action-plan-to-help-fix-londons-e-bike-chaos-141559309.html?src=rss
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·48 Vue
  • 0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·50 Vue
  • Quordle today my hints and answers for Saturday, February 1 (game #1104)
    www.techradar.com
    Looking for Quordle clues? We can help. Plus get the answers to Quordle today and past solutions.
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·45 Vue
  • How early adopters are using AI to transform therapy
    www.fastcompany.com
    Theres a growing trend in Silicon Valley where engineers are therapizing themselves with ChatGPT. Well, not exactly therapy, but using self-reflective prompts to unlock profound insights into their lives. Its like getting advice from a friend whos exceptionally skilled at active listeningexcept shes 300,000 years old and has lived over 100 billion lives (it doesnt quite make sense, but neither does the time were living in).I visited the Commons, one of the founding hubs of Cerebral Valley in San Francisco, where a community of Claude and ChatGPT superusers gathered to discuss AI for inner work. This mostly Gen Z group shared their unconventional tactics for using AI to catalyze personal growth and self-discovery.One participant explained how he uploaded all his journal entries from age 10 to Claude to analyze pivotal moments of growth. He hadnt realized the profound impact of his immigration to the U.S. until Claude pointed out how it still shapes his sense of home today. The host discussed how she uses it as a Jungian analyst to interpret her dreams, highlighting how effectively it uncovers unconscious patterns.Personally, I use large language models to enhance my relationships. After several failed attempts to truly hear each other during heated arguments with my partner, I recorded one of these discussions and uploaded the audio to NotebookLM. The AI revealed where we were misunderstanding each othershowing how wed talk past one another when triggeredand uncovered the unproductive patterns in our dynamic. This led to a breakthrough conversation where we genuinely listened. While the relationship ultimately didnt work out, I credit AI with helping us reach a deeper level of mutual understanding and respect.How to foster connections, not replace themWhile concerns about human-AI relationships altering dynamics are valid, AI is here to stay. The real question isnt whether AI will be part of our livesit already is. The pressing question is how we design systems that foster connection, not replace it. Used mindfully, AI can enhance our relationships, offering new ways to understand ourselves and each other, ultimately helping us grow.These methods may enhance how we deliver care in therapy.Therapy has long been about the delicate dance of self-understandingtherapists attuning to the unsaid, guiding clients toward truths both desired and feared. What if AI could sit in the wings, not as an observer but as a collaborator, capturing threads too subtle for the human mind to detect?This isnt about machines delivering platitudes or algorithms attempting empathy. Its about systems integrating into the therapists workflowoffering transcription, analysis, and even creative interventions based on psychodynamic or cognitive principles. AI can identify themes in client narratives, highlight emotional shifts, and provide therapists with data-driven insights that informnot dictateclinical judgment.For example, an AI assistant transcribing and organizing session notes might suggest that a clients recurring references to freedom coincide with ambivalence toward a career decision. Or it could flag a subtle shift in tone that hints at an underlying conflict the therapist might explore. Far from diminishing the therapists role, these tools enhance their ability to stay present, ensuring no vital detail is overlooked.The skepticism surrounding AI often stems from the fear that technology will replace human connection. But we, as a collective, have the power to decide. AI can honor the sanctity of the therapeutic relationship, staying in the background like a skilled psychometrist or note-taker, allowing therapists to fully engage in connection.Challenges and opportunitiesReal challenges remain. How do we ensure these tools are trained on diverse and representative data? How do we guard against bias? Most importantly, how do we design systems to stay humbleaware of their limits and deferring to the therapists expertise?What excites me most is the potential for AI to support somatic practices in therapy. Growing evidence shows the body plays a crucial role in processing trauma and achieving emotional regulation in ways that talk therapy cannot. With AI handling the cognitive load of administrative tasks, therapists can focus more on facilitating somatic therapiesapproaches that engage the body through techniques like grounding exercises, mirroring, and physical presence.In this vision, AI enables individuals greater access to self-understanding. Clients can individually identify patterns, process insights, and build awarenesswork that can be done outside traditional therapy. With AI managing these aspects at a low cost, therapists can focus on interventions requiring empathy, presence, and connection. The future of therapy could balance AI-driven self-discovery with somatic and relational work, ensuring transformative healing.In mental health, technology must follow humanity. The best AI systems amplify therapists capabilities without overshadowing them. This emerging era of augmentative AI could empower practitioners to go deeper, help clients feel more seen, and make healing more precise, without losing its art.The question to ask perhaps isnt about whether AI can do what therapists do. Its how AI can help therapists do what they do betterwith clarity, presence, and attunement. As these tools quietly find their place in therapy rooms, the possibilities for transformative growthfor both clients and cliniciansare just beginning.Angelia Muller is cofounder and CEO of Attunement.
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·52 Vue
  • Why RedNote is a Bad Idea
    www.fastcompany.com
    As of this writing, the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, and swaths of TikTok refugees are popping over to RedNote. RedNote is Chinas version of Instagram with around 300 million users.This is a bad idea. Ive been astounded at how cavalier people have been about it. I get a whiff of two distinct sentiments underlying this behavior:A defeatism around being farmed for data, resulting in a Who cares, what does it matter? attitude.A presumption that Americawith its corporate oligarchs, big tech monopolies, and titanic military industrial complexis just as bad as China, if not worse.These points are simply not rooted in the real world. It does matter for us as individual and as Americans who has access to our data at scale. Those adopting RedNote as an F-you the U.S. governments TikTok ban are cutting our countrys nose off to spite its face.I know, I knowBig Tech is predatoryIll be the first one to call out the predatory nature of Big Tech. Twitter/X selling user data to surveillance firms and law enforcement with zero oversight. Facebook manipulating users through their news feeds on top of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. YouTube becoming a pipeline for radicalizing young men. Instagram damaging the mental health of children, particularly girls.The buying, selling, and manipulation of our data and our minds has become so commonplace that its nihilistically accepted as a fact of life.Big Tech is almost always backed by Big Finance. ByteDance, which owns TikTok, is backed by Sequoia Capital China, General Atlantic, SoftBank, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, among others. RedNote itself enjoys backing from American-founded VCs like GSR Ventures, who, along with GGV Capital, Sequoia Capital, and Walden International, among others, have invested more than $3 billion in Chinese technology companies linked to the countrys military, surveillance, and human rights abuses.Are we cooked, as the kids say? Maybe, but thats no reason to turn up the temperature on ourselves.The frying pan is better than the fire. Care about yourselfUnlike TikTok, which stores American user data on U.S. servers owned by Oracle, RedNote would collect your data and send it straight to China.Why should you care your data is being harvested, and where its going? Firstly, this data can be used against you in phishing attempts and identity theft, ordeals that can impact you for decades. While criminals are doing the phishing and identity-thieving in the U.S., Id bet its being performed by more sophisticated, capable attackers in China. Your online content could be used to create deepfakes that fool other victims.Secondly, youve probably heard some version of TikTok is a psyop. I dont believe this is overblown. The Chinese version of TikTok restricts content under a certain age to educational, scientific, artistic, and otherwise more enriching content. It also limits how long minors under age 14 can use it40 minutes each day, only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.We are getting a more toxic version of TikTok. You may have at least a vague notion of how social media is diminishing your attention span, distracting you from meaningful relationships, or warping your worldview. This is intentional as part of TikToks cognitive warfare efforts.Thirdly, there is value in being able to perceive the world for what it actually is. China is notorious for censorship, and Im quite curious to see how Chinese RedNote users respond to content involving, say, Tiananmen Square or Chinas arbitrary detaining of Uyghur Muslims.If China will censor and manipulate its own people to this degree, imagine what theyll do to you.Care about the nationTheres a lot of f America going around these days, and I guess I get it. We live in a country united only by the vigilante slaying of a healthcare CEO. Trump, Palestine, school shootings, childcare costs, recession, Big Oil, military contractors, microplasticswe didnt start the fi-yer!We have to remember that our country is not any of these things. This country is We The People. The everyday folks grinding it out day after day. Were getting up in the morning and going to work. Raising our kids. Paying bills. Finding small ways to enjoy life and not let it drive us insane.Sometimes voting feels like pissing in the wind, but even though the lobbyists and corporations have huge sway over our government, our government is accountable to us. We can openly shout them down and vote them out. The administrators of our government are still subject to the law, unlike members of the CCP.At the end of the day, were all in this big American boat. Whether youre proud to be here (like I am) or not, this is your boat.Jumping ship to RedNote would only exacerbate the schisms and grievances were all so tired of already. Because thats what the Chinese government wants. They dont have to have a precise aim, only to make us more confused and fractured.Dont fool yourself about ChinaRedNotes Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, more directly translates to little red book. This name refers to Chinese dictator Mao Zedongs Little Red Book, which contains over 260 political aphorisms like political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Styled after philosophical texts like those from Sun Tzu and Confucius, Little Red Book was key to building a cult of personality around Mao and enacting his Cultural Revolution. His ministry of culture mandated every Chinese citizen own a copy and carry it with them.Mao would have loved RedNote, and TikTok, to be fair. Its safe to say that RedNotes name is more than a wink and a nod to the dictator, the personage of state power manifest.While many fresh American users are loving getting to know regular Chinese people, it isnt these people who are the threat. Its the fact that the Chinese government can use whatever data it wants for whatever purposes it wants. Thats just how their regime is set up.Most of what we complain about here in America, China is doing to a much greater degree, from the forced labor and even sterilization of Uyghurs to arresting monks in Tibet for their religious beliefs to silencing whistleblowers and journalists to harassing Taiwan with its military.That regime has been busy in regards to the U.S. over the past several years. Theyve infiltrated networks within Americas telecommunications, energy, water, and other infrastructure sectors. Theyve stolen our military technology. Theyve hacked U.S. government departments and targeted U.S. citizens who have been critical of ChinaChina is a clear and present danger. They arent playing nice, and we shouldnt play into their hands. No matter how much it might entertain us.
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·53 Vue
  • 10 (More) Iconic Cars That Still Dont Have Their Own LEGO Set
    www.yankodesign.com
    Theres a unique satisfaction in seeing an iconic car brought to life as a LEGO set. These builds capture the essence of automotive legends, blending intricate design with the hands-on joy of creation. Over the years, LEGO has celebrated some of the worlds most renowned vehicles, turning them into collectible masterpieces for enthusiasts young and old. Yet, many iconic cars remain overlooked, waiting for their moment to be immortalized in brick form.Its a curious omission when you think about itcars that defined generations, shaped automotive history, or simply made enthusiasts swoon, still absent from LEGOs lineup. In our earlier article, we highlighted 10 of these dream cars that have yet to make the leap from full-size to LEGO-sized. And now, the saga continues. From cult classics to cutting-edge marvels, here are 10 more iconic vehicles that deserve a spot on LEGOs drawing boardand on your shelf.01. Lamborghini UrusThe Lamborghini Urus took the automotive world by surprise, not because Lamborghini hadnt dabbled in SUVs before (remember the boxy LM002?), but because this time they nailed the concept of a super-SUV that was as much at home on the racetrack as it was on grocery runs. Its razor-sharp lines, aggressive stance, and 641-horsepower twin-turbo V8 didnt simply signal Lamborghinis entry into the luxury SUV marketit practically shook it up. In one fell swoop, the Urus became the go-to option for those who wanted Lamborghinis flair and ferocity paired with the practicality of a family hauler.A LEGO Urus set would highlight that audacious duality: capturing the sleek angles and scowling front fascia while maintaining enough room to hint at interior space for multiple minifigures. Itd be fascinating to see how the signature Y-shaped headlights and hexagonal wheel arches translate into studs and slopes, combining supercar aesthetics with SUV utility in a realm where even the wildest curves are conquered by little plastic bricks. This is the Lamborghini that refuses to be categorizedand in LEGO form, it could usher in a fresh perspective on how performance meets practicality, block by block.02. Audi TT (1998)The original Audi TT from 1998 still stands as one of the most striking examples of minimalist automotive design, pulling in clean lines and geometric forms reminiscent of Bauhaus principles. It was a shift in approach for a car brand known for its technical prowessa statement piece that quickly became an icon of late-90s style. The TTs compact silhouette and timeless circular cuesfrom the fuel cap to the wheel archesmade it an instant modern classic, turning heads and inspiring countless imitators across the industry.A LEGO TT would revel in those curvy lines and thoughtful proportions that set the car apart from the blocky, angular norms of the era. Translating the TTs smooth, dome-like roof and perfectly rounded wheel arches into little plastic elements would be an intriguing exercise in shape replication. The minimalist interiorhighlighted by purposeful vents and a simple dashboard layoutcould be conveyed with carefully chosen bricks, paying tribute to how the TT seamlessly combined form and function. It would be a refreshing reminder that sometimes less really is more, even in a LEGO set.03. BMW i8The BMW i8 always felt like a sci-fi concept that somehow escaped into the real world. Even after seeing it on city streets, theres something extraterrestrial about those flowing lines, scissor doors, and neon-blue accents that highlight its electric DNA. Its as if BMW said, Lets show everyone the future, and then actually built it. Unlike most sports cars roaring their way through highways, the i8 offers a kind of hushed, thoughtful powerboth literally and metaphoricallyby pairing a turbocharged engine with an electric motor.A LEGO i8 would capture that delicate dance between stealthy aggression and eco-conscious design, letting builders piece together its aerodynamic curves and puzzle-like door hinges. While a typical supercar set might revolve around V12 lumps and loud exhausts, an i8 kit could celebrate the quiet genius under its hoodthe union of performance and sustainability. And with LEGOs knack for engineering surprises into their models, imagining the i8s see-through panels and subtle LED strip illusions in brick form is enough to spark any enthusiasts imagination.04. Aston Martin VantageThe Aston Martin Vantage convertibleoften referred to as the Vantage Roadster or Volantechannels the brands British racing heritage into a sleek, roofless silhouette that turns even casual Sunday drives into grand tours. Underneath its refined exterior lies a spirit of athleticism, evident in the pronounced haunches that wrap around the rear wheels and that characteristic low nose pointing forward like a poised cat. With a powertrain that roars in classic Aston Martin style, this car seamlessly mixes sophistication and adrenaline, making it a favorite among those who appreciate both creature comforts and raw driving dynamics in one open-top package.Capturing the Vantages essence in a LEGO set would be a playful yet challenging endeavor: think carefully contoured panels meeting seamlessly in all the right places, and a convertible roof that flips back to reveal a surprisingly spacious cockpit (for minifigs, of course). Recreating the hallmark hunter grille and those muscular rear haunches would test any builders ingenuity, calling for creative use of wedges, slopes, and hinge pieces to mirror the Roadsters sophisticated shape. The result would be a testament to the Vantages balance of style and ferocitywrapped up in an undeniably British sense of refinement.05. Tesla CybertruckWhen the Tesla Cybertruck debuted, it felt like the day sci-fi finally became reality. From its angular, stainless-steel exoskeleton to its nearly apocalyptic stage reveal, every aspect of the Cybertruck screamed defiance against automotive norms. Some called it a design disaster, others hailed it as the future on four wheelseither way, it was all anyone could talk about. Given that buzz, youd think LEGO wouldve hopped right on board with an official set, but the Cybertruck remains M.I.A. (officially, at least) in the brick universe.A LEGO version of this vehicle would reinterpret the cars edgy silhouette perfectly. The steel trapezoidal panels and dramatically sloping roof lines arent just for looks; theyd transform into fascinating building challenges in LEGO form. And while the real Cybertrucks cold, industrial vibe might be divisive in metal, theres something undeniably enticing about replicating those hard edges with precise little plastic bricks. It would be the perfect homage to Teslas audacity: weird, innovative, and unapologetically futuristic.06. Tesla RoadsterThe second-generation Tesla Roadster, first unveiled in 2017 (with an official announcement in 2018), promised to be the ultimate electric supercarstaking claims of 060 mph in a mere 1.9 seconds, a top speed beyond 250 mph, and a range of 620 miles. Yet, despite the fanfare, the Roadster still hasnt begun shipping, overshadowed by Elon Musks recent pivot toward hard right-wing politicsmoves that have cost him a good deal of public favor. Even so, the cars design remains striking: a sleek silhouette, sweeping glass canopy, and muscular haunches that make it look every bit like the supercar Tesla always teased it would be.As a LEGO set, capturing that ultra-aerodynamic shape would be a thrilling challenge, with subtle curves morphing into defined, almost futuristic edges. The low-slung stance and pronounced front splitter could be replicated with carefully layered plates, while transparent pieces could simulate the massive panoramic windshield. For a car thats all about breaking conventionsfrom performance to aestheticsa brick-built Roadster would push boundaries too, challenging fans to combine sculptural elements with functional details that mirror the promise of Teslas elusive flagship EV.07. Lucid AirThe Lucid Air arrived on the scene not as a tentative newcomer, but as a polished statement of what electric luxury could become. With its glass canopy that stretches overhead and a design language that whispers elegance more than it shouts, the Air nudged its way into conversations normally reserved for the likes of Mercedes or Tesla. Touting a range that can exceed 500 miles on a single charge, it wove hyper-efficiency into a cabin thats all about spaciousness and understated opulenceproving that electric cars neednt be all about raw minimalism or jet-fighter aesthetics.Reimagining the Air as a LEGO set would mean capturing its sensuous sweeps and subtle aerodynamic contours, rather than relying on flashy flourishes or oversized spoilers. The challenge would be to reflect that floating roofline with precisely matched slopes and seamless transparent elementsgiving the model a sense of airy openness. And then theres the interior, which, if done right, would reflect the Airs blend of high-tech sophistication and indulgent comfort. In plastic brick form, the Lucid Air could serve as a delicate balance of form and function, much like the real car it pays tribute to.08. Alfa Romeo 8C SpiderTheres something unapologetically romantic about the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider. From the moment you see its sweeping fenders and that unmistakable V-shaped grille, you realize this car is entirely about seducing the senses. Every curve flows into the next with almost organic ease, like a living sculpture designed to make onlookers swoon. Underneath the bonnet, a Ferrari-derived V8 hums with an operatic growl that perfectly complements its alluring exterior. And while modern roadsters often chase the latest tech trend, the 8C Spider prioritizes passion above all else, bridging classic Italian design with contemporary performance.A LEGO rendition would have the tricky task of translating that emotional presence into tiny plastic bricks. Youd need precisely angled slopes to capture the 8Cs fluid form, clever engineering to mimic the convertible top, and perhaps a hidden mechanism to hint at that glorious engine note. Itd go beyond just aesthetics, tapping into the soul that Alfa Romeo poured into this limited-production masterpiece. Because the 8C Spider is ultimately a love letter to Italys timeless ability to make cars that stir hearts and quicken pulses.09. Tesla Model YThe Tesla Model Y might not be the wildest or fastest EV out there, but its arguably the brands most essential workhorsequietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) taking electric cars from novelty to necessity. It bridges that sweet spot between sedan agility and SUV utility, making it the Tesla for families, road trips, and everyday commutes. While the sports car silhouettes tend to hog the spotlight, the Model Y has been rolling off production lines and onto city streets in numbers that are hard to ignore, proving that electrification isnt just for speedsters and tech aficionados. As long as you can sidestep its CEOs political shenanigans, I guess.A LEGO Model Y would celebrate the unassuming brilliance of a design thats less about flash and more about function. Sure, the falcon-winged doors of the Model X or the wedge-shaped audacity of the Cybertruck might grab headlines, but theres a beauty in the Model Ys subdued curves and panoramic glass roof that deserves the brick treatment. Recreating its simplified interior with a single central display and minimal physical controls would be a fun twist for a LEGO build, steering away from the usual dials and vents. Its the EV that made Tesla feel almost normal, and that shift to mainstream acceptance is exactly what would make a LEGO set of the Model Y so fascinating.Jaguar Type 00The Jaguar Type 00 Concept arrived with a thunderclap of fanfareand no small dose of skepticism. Launched as the showpiece of Jaguars aggressive rebrand, the Type 00 was intended to propel the storied British marque into a daring new era of electrification and design language. Yet, the unveiling stirred controversy among purists who believed Jaguars heritage was being overshadowed by an ultra-modern aesthetic more akin to a spaceship than a classic grand tourer. The cars sharp, almost skeletal headlights and the dramatically sculpted rear put forth a radical vision that split fans down the middle, sparking debate over whether this was the inevitable next step or a betrayal of Jaguars hallowed legacy. Does the Type 00 fit among this hallowed list of iconic cars? Probably not, but it surely will go down in history as Jaguars most prominent car in recent times.A LEGO adaptation of the Type 00 would reflect that design ethos by capturing its razor-sharp lines, ultra-minimalist headlights, and distinctive silhouette. The challenge would lie in recreating its near-monolithic exterior using angular bricks and transparent elements for the coupe-like glasshouse. Inside, one could imagine a meticulously assembled cockpit that speaks to the concepts tech-focused cabincomplete with a driver-oriented console and futuristic displays. In LEGO form, this Jag wouldnt just be a nod to its heritage; it would be a snapshot of the controversial new direction the company is steering toward, for better or worse.The post 10 (More) Iconic Cars That Still Dont Have Their Own LEGO Set first appeared on Yanko Design.
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·64 Vue
  • The Federal Funding Freeze Will Cause Lasting Damage to Medical Research
    www.wired.com
    Clinical trials may have to be scrapped, research applications will be pushed back, and unpaid researchers will quickly leave the sectoreven if the Trump administrations funding pause is only temporary.
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·63 Vue
  • 5 Things the Nintendo Switch 2 Needs to Succeed
    www.wired.com
    Theres plenty of room for the upcoming handheld console to improve on the wildly successful original.
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·61 Vue
  • Sam Altman admits OpenAI was on the wrong side of history in open source debate
    venturebeat.com
    Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, admits the company was "on the wrong side of history" in the open source AI debate during a Reddit AMA, signaling a potential strategy shift as Chinese competitor DeepSeek disrupts the market with efficient, open models.Read More
    0 Commentaires ·0 Parts ·62 Vue