• The UNs annual climate conference isnt for 9 monthsbut hotel rooms in the Brazilian city are $15K a night
    www.fastcompany.com
    Nine months ahead of this years annual U.N. climate summit, known as COP30, lodging prices in the Brazilian host city of Belem are turning headsand may soon turn off would-be attendees from the first such meeting in the Amazon rainforest.With a shortage of housing and high interest, property owners and rental companies are feeling emboldened to charge five-digit rates, even for cramped rooms with shared bathrooms.On Booking.com, one of the last available hotel rooms listed, a flat apartment, is going $15,266 for one person, up from $158 for the same category currentlya 9,562% increase. A 15-day stay during the conference in November would total $228,992, enough to buy a four-bedroom apartment in one of Belems top neighborhoods.On Airbnb, a room with a shared bathroom in Ananindeua, a poor city near Belem, is listed at $9,320 per day. A comparable room today could be rented for as little as $11 per day. In more upscale neighborhoods, renting an apartment that accommodates eight people costs up to $446,595 for a two-week stay.This one scared me, joked local architect and digital influencer Renato Balaguer about a dilapidated apartment listed at $10,000 for an 11-day stay.This is like putting gringos in captivity. False imprisonment is a crime! said Balaguer in a post that went viral.President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who champions himself as a protector of the environment, has boasted about hosting the event in the Amazon, which helps regulate the climate by storing large quantities of carbon dioxide, a gas that causes climate change.This is also a landmark year in the annual process because countries must come forward with updated commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Whats more, civic groups are particularly interested in attending because Brazil allows for protests and free expression, which are sharply restricted in the previous three host countries: Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.Brazil, Latin Americas largest and most populous nation, has hosted other world events, such as the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the 2014 World Cup, with games played in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Manaus, Belo Horizonte, and several other cities. Belem, an Atlantic port city that is on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, doesnt have the same infrastructure as other big cities, which has led to many questions about its ability to host COP30.Officials estimate that about 50,000 people will attend the summit, scheduled to take place Nov. 1021. Last year in Baku, Azerbaijan, the official tally was 54,148. Before that, in Dubai, attendance reached a record 83,884.Neither the federal government nor the Para state government responded to questions about the number of rooms currently available in Belem, a bustling and impoverished metropolis of 2.5 million people and the median income is $920 per month.Those who booked more than a year in advance secured lower prices, but many of those reservations have already been canceled without explanationa common practice in the hospitality business ahead of major events. Another issue is the increasing prices of accommodations already booked. One European nonprofit reserved a room for $2,000 in December, only to see the price rise to $7,200 two weeks later.Various groups that often attend the annual summit, including environmental nonprofits, activists, scientists, journalists, and businesses, are having to rethink whether they go as the prices rocket up.Planning for COP30 in Belem has been challenging due to limited and expensive accommodations, creating barriers for our participation, said Roberta Alves, deputy director of communications at Mercy Corps. The international humanitarian nonprofit has participated in several COPs, focusing its advocacy on financing a transition to green energy, adapting to climate change impacts, and how climate change exacerbates conflict.We are awaiting alternative options from the COP30 organizerscritical to ensuring that all voices, especially those from the frontlines of the climate crisis, are included in global conversations, Alves added.Owners and property managers offering rentals say the prices are a question of supply and demand, and besides, they also have high costs.Just the electricity and water for my house cost 5,000 Brazilian real ($860) per month, said Gisleno da Silva, who posted the ad for the Ananindeua room for $9,320 per day.At this price, I already have someone interested, he said, while adding he was open to negotiate.In the face of mounting criticism, the Brazilian government has said it will provide an additional 26,000 bed spaces. Those will include accommodations in docked cruise ships, public schools, new hotels, and military facilities. In a social media post published Friday, COP30 organizers said accredited participants would soon be able to book accommodations on an online platform.We have observed a disproportionate increase in rental prices, which we attribute to real estate speculation. This should stabilize as the government increases the availability of accommodations, Valter Correia, the special secretary for the event, said in the statement.Plenty of advocates are defending Belem, saying its challenges are minor compared to the significance of hosting the most important annual climate meeting in the worlds largest rainforest. In an article published in Valor Economico newspaper in December, environmentalist Priscilla Santos, cofounder of the Amazonians for Climate Network, said criticism of Belem not only reveals colonialist biases but also undermines an event that could be transformative for the region. Everyone wants to save the Amazon, but no one wants to discuss it in the territory?Meanwhile, worried about their reputation, some property managers are distancing themselves from the speculation. In an Instagram video that went viral, Fabrcio de Menezes compared the daily rental price of an apartment in Belem, charging $21,800 during COP, to the much lower rates of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai, which markets itself as the worlds only seven-star hotel.I hope this is a joke by the owner, he said.Another local property manager, Carlos Netto, said he would never advise a property owner to charge such high prices.Do you think that gringos are clueless? Where in the world is a 20-day rental more expensive than the property? he posted.___The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APsstandardsfor working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas atAP.org.Fabiano Maisonnave, Associated Press
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  • Rethink Softly seating creates comfort without foam
    www.dezeen.com
    Sustainability-driven designers including Richard Hutten and Lilian van Daal have contributed to Rethink Softly a project by Rianne Koens dedicated to creating seating that doesn't rely on polyurethane foam.Hutten, van Daal, Koens and British studio Jones & Partners all created foam-free or mostly foam-free chairs and stools for the project, with the successful prototypes being produced and released by Turkish manufacturer Deberenn.Koens, who is both a designer and a circularity consultant, began Rethink Softly to inspire the furniture industry to move away from using polyurethane foam as a padding and structuring material.The Rethink Softly project includes seating designs by Lilian van Daal (top image) and Rianne Koens (above)Koens originally visited Deberenn to do a sustainability assessment focused on waste and recycling but ended up asking the brand and its owner, architect Mustafa Kadioglu, to consider a shift in direction."After he took me through the soft seating factory, I asked the owner to give me half an hour to brainstorm," she told Dezeen."And after half an hour I said: 'I can only shake your hand about waste management. Congratulations on that. But if you want to make a difference in soft seating, you just have to stop using foam'."All the chairs are made with minimal fixings to enable disassemblyThis suggestion was not immediately embraced by Kadioglu, whose brand services the contract market with foam-based sofas, armchairs, task chairs and pouffes."Half of his production facility was filled with foam," said Koens. "He was looking at me like: 'Why? We're using it in such an efficient way, with less waste'. But the whole problem is the material itself."As well as being made from crude oil like all traditional plastic products, foam is considered particularly concerning for environmental sustainability and public health because it is nearly impossible to recycle and high in toxic additives.Richard Hutten's contribution to the Rethink Softly project is the Biota chairTo Koens' surprise, Kadioglu was swayed by her argument and ultimately suggested developing and releasing the Rethink Softly range under the Deberenn brand. Previously, it was a project she was going to undertake herself through her company Otura.The project involved bringing together eight teams of designers and material suppliers, who were given a strict sub-brief based on a material, process or seating type.Several of the investigations did not yield a successful prototype in time including one based on mycelium but five of them did and are going into production.Rianne Koen's Harvest stool creates a good level of warmth through corkHutten, who has long advocated for a ban on plastic, was challenged to make a chair from Wastea a Turkish plant-based leather alternative made from tea waste.The material comes in square sheets and the desire to use it efficiently with minimal wastage informed the chair's design, which sees boxy Wastea segments fixed to the timber frame with six screws.Koens herself wanted to target bar stools, which often include a small amount of foam within an upholstered seat. There, Koens noted, the foam is used both for softness but also warmth, so our legs don't meet cold metal or wood.Koens worked with Lilian van Daal on the Tensil chair, which features stretched fabricFor this reason, Koens chose natural cork for the top of her Harvest stool, as the material retains heat while also having a bit of give.Van Daal was given the brief to pursue one of her specialities, biomimicry, by exploring what lessons about comfort could be drawn from spiderwebs.The resulting chair, titled Tensil, is light and minimal, with a textile seat stretched over a metal frame. But according to Koens, it gives just the right angle and support for comfort.Read: The "knotty problem" of polyurethane foamRounding out the collection are Jones & Partners' Koza chair, with backrests made from 3D-knitted recycled PET bottle yarn in a zero-waste process, and Koens' Reviv chair, made from Dutch brand Planq's Rezign recycled textile veneer.All of the chairs are designed without glues or staples to enable disassembly for renewal or recycling, with Harvest's cork top being held in place only by the stool's legs and the Tensil fabric simply pulled over the frame.These types of chairs would not conventionally use as much foam as, for instance, a modern-day sofa.Jones & Partners' Koza chair gives comfort through 3D knittingBut Koens stresses that this iteration of Rethink Softly was all about targetting the contract market, which she argues should be approached very differently to residential interiors."The clients of Deberenn are mostly projects," she said. "Projects do not need fluffy, bulky soft seating. There we can go very minimalistic. A product giving you enough comfort for 50 minutes is doing a perfect job."She hopes to take on the bigger challenge of domestic seating with the next iteration of Rethink Softly. For this round, she was able to avoid using any bio-based alternative foams, which she thinks are still too expensive to offer a true substitute.Koens' Reviv chair was made using the Rezign veneer by Planq"Many companies are trying now to replicate or to work with alternative foams in the same traditional way we're creating our soft seating now," Koens said. "But if you're going to be much higher in price, you can't compete and it's not a solution."One of the Rethink Softly chairs, Koza, still includes foam in its seat cushion, but Koens admits that this was a compromise after their preferred seat prototype failed.Koens' previous work has included the Otura stackable drawer system, which she created during her time at Design Academy Eindhoven and now produces through her Otura studio.The post Rethink Softly seating creates comfort without foam appeared first on Dezeen.
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  • Nanoflowers: A Blooming Revolution in Wound Care and Antibiotic Treatment Through Smart Design
    www.yankodesign.com
    Medical science constantly seeks innovation, but the most profound breakthroughs often come from the intersection of technology and design. Nanoflowers are one such example, where function and form converge to create an elegant yet powerful tool in wound care and antibiotic treatment. Their intricate structure enhances drug delivery, combats antibiotic resistance, and accelerates healing more effectively than traditional antibiotics and treatments. While nanotechnology has long been a driving force in medicine, the introduction of nanoflowers brings a new level of bio-inspired design thinking that aligns with Yanko Designs vision of intelligent, purposeful aesthetics.What Are Nanoflowers and Their Natural Components?Nanoflowers are tiny, flower-shaped structures made from metal oxides or a combination of materials. They are created through chemical processes such as hydrothermal reactions, which allow them to form their intricate, petal-like designs at the nanoscale.This nanoflower enhances electrospun nanofiber bandages by providing antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties, improving wound healing and infection resistance.Adapted from ACS Applied Bio Materials 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00788In wound care, nanoflowers play a crucial role in breaking down harmful substances that slow healing. Their unique shape provides a large surface area, which helps them deliver medicine more effectively. This means they can carry drugs to the exact location where they are needed, ensuring better absorption and treatment.The petal-like structure of nanoflowers also helps them attach more securely to infection sites. This allows the medication to stay in place longer, making them more effective than traditional treatments in fighting bacteria and promoting faster healing.Natural Components Used in Nanoflower SynthesisNanoflowers can be synthesized using a variety of natural components, ensuring biocompatibility and environmental sustainability:Plant Extracts: Certain plants help create nanoflowers in an eco-friendly way. These include neem (Azadirachta indica), wild hop (Dodonaea angustifolia), mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana), holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), and Indian rennet (Withania coagulans).Enzymes: Scientists use natural enzymes like -amylase to help form ZnO nanoflowers, making them more stable and effective in medical treatments.Amino Acids: Natural amino acids interact with metal ions, such as copper, forming hybrid organic-inorganic nanoflowers with enhanced structural integrity.Proteins: When combined with inorganic components like copper ions, proteins contribute to the stability and enzymatic activity of nanoflowers, making them ideal for biomedical applications.Microbes: Microbes can also help create nanoflowers in a way that is good for the environment. This natural process mimics how nature efficiently builds structures, making it a smart and sustainable method for production.Nanoflowers self-assemble through a bottom-up design process, similar to how architects and product designers refine materials and form to achieve functional efficiency. The synergy between inorganic and organic components creates an intricate framework that enhances their effectiveness, a principle often seen in contemporary industrial design where material choice directly impacts functionality. This self-assembling capability also mirrors the philosophy behind modular designelements that can adapt, optimize, and scale based on need.How Nanoflowers Help Wounds Heal FasterNanoflowers are being researched for their potential applications in treating chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, where traditional treatments struggle to achieve consistent healing. These nanostructures improve wound care through multiple mechanisms:Antibacterial Properties: Nanoflowers, particularly those made from tannic acid and copper(II) phosphate, demonstrate strong antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial infections often complicate the healing process, making these properties crucial in wound care.ROS Scavenging and Oxidative Stress Reduction: Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wounds can delay healing. MnO2-Au nanoflowers have shown superior catalytic activity in decomposing hydrogen peroxide, reducing oxidative stress, and creating a healthier wound environment.Healing Diabetic Wounds with NanoflowersGold-coated MnO nanoflowers help heal diabetic wounds by reducing harmful molecules (ROS), improving oxygen levels, and supporting skin cell growth for faster recovery.Tissue Regeneration: These nanoflowers enhance dermal fibroblast migration and collagen expression, accelerating wound closure and improving tissue quality.Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory effects of nanoflowers, particularly those composed of tannic acid and copper(II) phosphate, help reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in promoting healing.Smart Drug Delivery Systems: Nanoflowers can be integrated into hydrogel-based wound dressings, allowing for controlled and sustained drug release at the wound site.Biocompatibility and Cost-Effectiveness: Nanoflowers, particularly those made from natural compounds like tannic acid and copper(II) phosphate, are biocompatible and cost-effective, making them strong candidates for widespread clinical use in wound care.Bringing Smart Material Science Into MedicineYanko Design frequently explores the future of smart materials in consumer products, but the same principles apply to medical advancements. The emergence of nanoflowers suggests a future where wound dressings and medical treatments integrate responsive design elements. Imagine a bandage embedded with nanoflowers that releases antibiotics only when bacterial activity is detected, similar to self-healing materials in consumer tech that repair minor damage without external intervention.Material science has long played a role in wearable technology, from breathable fabrics to temperature-regulating textiles. The transition of these ideas into healthcare means nanoflowers could eventually be incorporated into flexible, biocompatible materials that seamlessly integrate into everyday lifeturning treatment into an unobtrusive, natural process.Future Directions in Nanoflower-Based Wound HealingResearchers are exploring innovative ways to integrate nanoflowers into advanced medical applications:Nanoflower-Coated Bandages: Scientists are investigating how bandages embedded with nanoflowers can enhance healing and prevent bacterial infections, including strains like E. coli.Combination Therapies: Future studies may explore combining nanoflowers with nanofibers or lipid nanoparticles to create multifunctional wound care systems.Personalized Medicine: The composition of nanoflowers can be tailored for patient-specific infections, ensuring targeted treatment with reduced side effects.The Future of Nanotechnology and Medical DesignAs nanotechnology advances, the lines between biology, material science, and design will continue to blur. In the same way, that cutting-edge product designs prioritize user experience, nanoflowers are shifting medical treatments toward more targeted, effective, and minimally invasive solutions. Their ability to function in harmony with biological systems hints at a future where healthcare tools are no longer separate interventions but integrated, intelligent elements of the bodys own healing process.This evolution mirrors what Yanko Design has consistently highlightedgood design goes beyond aesthetics. It focuses on creating intuitive, efficient, and forward-thinking solutions. Whether in architecture, consumer electronics, or now, microscopic medical innovations, the principles remain the same: form must enhance function, and technology should work in harmony with nature.Nanoflowers embody this philosophy, offering a glimpse into a future where medicine isnt just about treatmentits designed for efficiency, sustainability, and seamless integration into daily life. Just as we appreciate the design of an exquisitely crafted object, its time to recognize the unseen beauty in medical advancements that harness intelligent design thinking at the molecular level.The post Nanoflowers: A Blooming Revolution in Wound Care and Antibiotic Treatment Through Smart Design first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Saudi Arabias Architectural Revolution And How it is Making a Global Impact
    www.yankodesign.com
    In recent years, Saudi Arabia has carved out a global presence by honing in on key sectors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, tourism, energy, and IT. The country is putting a spotlight on modern urbanization, innovation, and sustainable growth. Through groundbreaking projects, it aims to establish new landmarks that promote economic diversification and environmental sustainability. As the worlds third-largest oil producer and leading oil exporterboasting the second-largest oil reserves and sixth-largest natural gas reservesSaudi Arabia has been a dominant energy force since discovering petroleum in 1938. Furthermore, the kingdom is significantly impacted by forging partnerships with global leaders, especially in tech and renewable energy.As part of its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia is reducing its reliance on oil and diversifying its economy. The country is opening up to international tourism, positioning itself as a major tourist destination, and using sports as a tool for global visibility. Heavily investing in solar and wind energy projects, it aims to become a global powerhouse. These efforts are transforming Saudi Arabia into a dynamic economy with an impressive international presence. We have showcased some of Saudi Arabias ambitious projects that highlight its significant contribution to iconic buildings and urban developments making a mark on the global stage, lets take a look.1. Worlds Largest SkyscraperSaudi Arabia is constructing the Mukaab, an ambitious skyscraper in Riyadh that is set to become the worlds largest building. With a height of 1,312 feet, the cube-shaped structure will have equal length, width, and height and will have the capacity to fit 20 Empire State Buildings inside, according to the Saudi Governments Public Investment Fund. Inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, its intricate exterior will contrast with a vast interior that covers 2 million square meters.A twisting tower will be at the heart of the Mukaab, while the building will feature a holographic system displaying underwater and otherworldly scenes. This cutting-edge project is set for completion by 2030. Also, a temporary bridge is being built to connect the site, crossing King Khalid Road, to support construction. This will enable piling work to begin and reduce around 800,000 truck movements for earthworks, positively impacting surrounding infrastructure. The project is progressing rapidly and is set to transform Riyadhs skyline, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 goals of modernization and economic diversification.2. Future CityThe Line is a groundbreaking megastructure that is being developed as a part of the larger Neom project a futuristic city being built in Saudi Arabias Tabuk province. This futuristic city will stretch 170 kilometers, standing 500 meters tall and 200 meters wide, and is designed to house 9 million people. The city will feature a unique vertical layout with mirrored facades, creating a blend of residential, retail, leisure, and educational spaces, as well as parks and green areas. This design, known as Zero Gravity Urbanism, aims to offer an alternative to traditional urban living by fostering a closer connection to nature.In addition to its innovative design, The Line will also incorporate a rapid transportation system, that allows residents to travel from one end of the city to the other in just 20 minutes. The entire development will be powered by sustainable energy and is part of Saudi Arabias strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil. While still under construction, The Line represents a bold step toward building the cities of the future.3. Largest Sports StadiumSaudi Arabia has announced the King Salman Stadium and Masterplan which is a monumental project set to become the worlds largest stadium upon completion. Designed by Populous, it will be located in Riyadh, near an under-construction park. The stadiums unique design mimics a seed germinating in the desert, featuring a circular structure with segmented sections, green walls, and walking paths on the roof. With a capacity of over 92,000 seats, it will be the largest in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest globally. It will also offer royal boxes, hospitality suites, 2,200 VIP seats, and 300 VVIP seats.Some of the additional facilities include an aquatics center with an Olympic-sized pool, climbing walls, gardens, and a running track to name a few. The design is inspired by Saudi Arabias natural landscapes, and it symbolizes the nations commitment to nurturing sports participation. The stadium is set to be completed by the year 2029 and it will serve as the headquarters for the national soccer team and is part of a larger stadium development plan.4. Worlds Longest Driverless Metro SystemSaudi Arabia is upgrading its transportation to an international level with the launch of the Riyadh Metro which is set to become one of the longest driverless metro systems in the world. The transportation system will span 109 miles, it will connect key districts, business centers, and cultural landmarks in Riyadh. Once the project is complete, it will carry 3.6 million passengers daily, reducing road traffic and cutting CO2 emissions by 12.5 million tons annually.The network will feature 85 stations, including the striking King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The fleet will consist of 69 Alstom Metropolis and 47 Innovia Metro electric trains, offering three classes with ergonomic seating, LED lighting, air-conditioning, and a passenger info system. The trains shall be fully automated, and equipped with advanced signaling, ensuring safe, smooth operations. Air-conditioned stations will have platform screen doors for added safety, and real-time updates will be available for passengers on board and at stations.5. Luxurious Vacation SpotsGidori, a groundbreaking project emerging in Saudi Arabias desert, offers a visionary escape blending modern luxury with stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation. Designed by Aedas, the development features 200 villas and homes seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings, embracing the deserts beauty. At the heart of Gidori lies the Monolith, an impressive beachfront complex with 190 cantilevered apartments, inspired by natural rock formations. The structure combines futuristic aesthetics with organic elegance, offering residents dining, retail spaces, and lush gardens.Gidori blurs the line between architecture and nature and also promises a luxurious experience with a boutique hotel, an 18-hole championship golf course, and top-tier amenities. The architecture integrates with the surrounding landscape and the development encourages outdoor activities with hiking and cycling trails, water sports, and serene observation platforms for stargazing. This ambitious project also reflects Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, positioning the nation at the forefront of architectural innovation and sustainable luxury in the desert.6. Superyacht MarinaSaudi Arabias Neom project has introduced Jaumur, a luxurious marina designed for superyachts which is set in a sophisticated community. The standout feature is the aerofoil shelter, shaped like an arrow, providing year-round sun protection. The marina will accommodate up to 300 superyachts, each up to 492 feet in length, with a gravity-defying cantilever forming a striking entrance. The space will also feature a vibrant promenade filled with entertainment, cultural events, retail stores, and world-class dining.In addition to the marina, Jaumur will house 6,000 residents with 500 apartments and 700 luxury villas offering waterfront access and private moorings. The development will include green spaces, an international boarding school, two luxury hotels, and a deep-sea research center. The project is located in Saudi Arabias Gulf of Aqaba region and Jaumur aims to be a premier destination for yachting enthusiasts and luxury living. The project is designed by architects Liam Roberts and Terry McQuillan.Saudi Arabias architectural ventures are reshaping its skyline and global image. Projects like the Mukaab in Riyadh symbolize the kingdoms commitment to blending tradition with innovation. These monumental structures not only redefine urban landscapes but also fuel economic diversification and modernization in line with Vision 2030. As Saudi Arabia invests heavily in cutting-edge designs, renewable energy, and tourism, it opens up new avenues for international collaboration and cultural exchange. The nation is not just building iconic landmarks; its crafting a future that harmonizes heritage with progress, positioning itself as a dynamic player on the global stage of architecture and design.The post Saudi Arabias Architectural Revolution And How it is Making a Global Impact first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Pronouns Are Being Forcibly Removed From Government Email Signatures
    www.wired.com
    WIRED confirmed various automated efforts to remove pronouns from both email and Slack at USAID, the EPA, the GSA, and more.
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  • Apple kicks off Super Bowl LIX with 6 months of Music for just $3
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldApple on Monday announced a special deal for the Apple Music streaming service. New and eligible customers can get six months of Apple Music for $2.99/2.99. Thats $8 off the regular price of $10.99 per month, which kicks in at the end of the six-month trial.To sign up for Apple Music, launch the Music app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and go to the Home section. This offer is available in the U.S., U.K., and Canada until February 27, 2025. Apples press release doesnt explain what eligible means, however.The Apple Music deal is part of Apples promotion tied to Super Bowl LIX and its sponsorship of the halftime show starring Kendrick Lamar (who won multiple Grammy awards on Sunday night). The company offers several related promotions, including a section of Apple Music for Kendrick Lamars Road to Halftime, an interview on Thursday, February 6 at 10 a.m. Central with Lamar on Apple Music, Super bowl-related Apple Music Radio programming, and more.Apple Music subscriptions are also part of Apple One, a bundle of six iCloud services for one monthly price. Plans range from $19.95/19.95 for an Individual plan to $37.95/37.95 for a Premier plan. Learn more about Apple One.
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  • How to clear Safaris cache and cookies on Mac
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldThere are a handful of situations when clearing Safaris cookies or cacheone of the places where Safari stores website data to avoid having to download it afresh each time you access a sitecan help improve your browsing experience.The first is when websites simply stop working when you access them on Safari. Perhaps Facebook stops updating with new posts, for example, or the images on a site dont appear as they should. If this happens, its likely the cache has become corrupted.Alternatively, if you find that personal info automatically completed on sites isnt correct, deleting cookies can help. These are small files sites use to save data about you and what you do on the site.Even if none of these problems affect you, periodically cleaning browser data can help protect your privacy from snoops who want to discover what youve been up to online. Therefore, this article explains how to clear Safaris cache and cookies on Mac.We also have an article that explains How to clear cache on a Mac.How to clear Safari cookies and cache for websitesCleaning cookies and the cache data for individual sites can be done via Safaris Settings/Preferences. Open Safari Click on Safari in the menu at the top of the screen. Click on Settings or Preferences (depending on the version of macOS you are running). Go to the Privacy tab. Click on Manage Website Data.Choose Remove All or select websites individually to remove. FoundryAfter the data is loaded youll probably see a long list of websites. You can choose to Remove All or just select individual websites you want to remove from this list. If you want to select several different sites, you can click on one and then press and hold the Command key to select a second, third, fourth, and so on. We recommend that you dont select hundreds this way; its better to delete in batches just in case you have to start over.If you would prefer to select all and then deselect the ones you want to keep you can do so. Use Command+A to select all, then press and hold Command while clicking on any website you are happy to keep in this list. Just click Remove afterwards, not Done, as that will just undo all your hard work. Theres also a search field you can use to track down individual sites.Bear in mind that deleting cookies might remove autocompleted login usernames and passwords for sites, and will almost certainly log you out of that site if youve configured it to automatically log in each time you visit.How to clear Safari cacheThe hidden Safari Developer menu can be used to clear just the cache, leaving cookies and the browser history in place. This is a very useful diagnostic step to take before removing those two items if a website behaves badly.If you just want to clear all your cache you can do so by following these steps: Open Safari. Click on Safari in menu bar at top of screen and select Settings/Preferences (depending on the version of macOS you are running). Click on the Advanced tab. Check the box beside Show Develop Menu in Menu Bar or Show features for web developers. Now there will be a new Develop tab in the menu at the top of your screen. Click on this. Click on Empty Caches. Alternatively click on Option+Command + E.Close any open Safari windows and select Empty Caches on the Develop menu. Then click File > New Window to start Safari with a clean cache.FoundryHow to remove autocomplete data from AutoFillSafaris AutoFill tool can fill in username and password details on websites as well as credit card details and other elements like your address and email details. This can be really useful, but it can also be annoying if the data it fills in is incorrect or out of context. Its also a problem when AutoFill enters old or incorrect passwords or emails and addresses.You can change this data, or delete it by following these steps: Open Safari. Click on the Safari menu.Click on Settings/Preferences.Choose the AutoFill tab.Here you can edit contact information, usernames and passwords, credit cards and other data. Click on Edit beside the category you want access to. Youll need to enter your password or use Touch ID to gain access. FoundryDelete incorrect data: If you are finding that Safari is autofilling incorrect data about you (your address, for example), click Edit beside Using information from my contacts. This will open up your Contacts app. Your card will be at the top or under My Card. You can add and amend data about yourself here.Delete incorrect passwords and site logins: In versions of Safari before 18.2, you can manage site passwords within Safari. If you want to delete incorrect passwords, you can click on the Passwords tab. If you know which password you want to remove search for the website or service and then find the older password option (if there is more than one) and select it and then click on the - below the column to remove it. You can then select Delete Password. If that means there is no password saved for that website, you can then recreate the entry for the site by clicking the Add button. Youll first need to provide the URL of the site (that is, something like https://facebook.com), and then type the username and password alongside (hit the Tab key to move from field to field).If you are using macOS Sequoia or later, website passwords are now managed in the new Passwords app. You need to open this app to delete incorrect passwords. Learn more about the Passwords app (the linked review is about the iPhone version, but it is the same as macOS). Well also cover the Passwords app in the section below.See: How to autofill passwords, bank cards, names and addresses for more. Delete logins and passwords system-wideIf you are using a version of macOS before Sequoia, site logins can also be accessed via the Keychain Access app, which youll find in the Utilities folder of the Applications list in Finder, although you should be very careful using this app because it pretty much controls the entire security operation of your Mac! However, by removing errant username and password entries here youll stop virtually all of your Mac apps using them, and not just Safari.Just type the name of the site into the Search field, and look in the list of results for entries of the kind Web Form Password. Right-click the entry and select Delete.FoundryFor macOS Sequoia or later, Apple introduced a new Passwords app. You can find it in the Applications folder. (The Keychain Access app still exists, but it is hidden. You can find it by doing a Spotlight search for Keychain Access but when you open it, youll get a notification stating that Passwords is the preferred way to manage passwords.)Type the name of the site in the search field, and look at the list of sites that appear. Click on the one you want to modify and click Edit in the upper right to modify the password, or Control-click the website and select Delete in the pop-up menu to delete it.FoundryIf you want to delete your Chrome or Firefox cache, cookies or browsing history read: How to delete your Mac browsing history. For alternative web browsers take a look at: Best web browser for Mac.
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  • IT budgets unlikely to suffer full effect of Trumps 10% tariff on Chinese goods
    www.computerworld.com
    US President Donald J. Trumps tariffs on Chinese-made computing equipment are slated to go into effect tonight but at a much lower rate than he initially threatened.The 10% tariff will do much less damage than the 100% version that had been touted and there are other factors that will mitigate its impact on enterprise IT budgets.Ranjit Atwal , Gartner senior director analyst, has been modelling the likely evolution of PC prices this year. Even without the tariffs, he was forecasting average PC prices would rise by around 4% because of inflation and a move to AI PCs; those models typically include more expensive processors with neural processing units (NPUs) and a minimum of 16GB of memory to support generative AI (genAI) models running locally.Effect of the tariffs on enterprise PC pricesThe planned tariff is unlikely to add a full 10% to prices on top of the inflationary increase, he said. The supply chain is likely to absorb some of the increase in the form of narrower margins and still more by offering new PCs with lower specifications at lower price points. Without those kinds of measures, some have forecastdemand for laptops in the US could fall by as much as 68%.Overall, Atwal said, he expects average PC prices to rise by between 9% and 9.5% this year after taking into account inflation, changes in typical specifications, and the new tariffs.Timing of the increasesGoods imported into the US or released from bonded warehouses there before 12:01 a.m. ET on Feb. 4 or loaded aboard a ship bound for the US before 12:01 a.m. ET on Feb. 1, are exempt from the tariff. But anything arriving or shipping from China after those dates will be hit by the new tariff, according to TrumpsExecutive Orderand afact sheet published by the White House.Inventory already in the sales channel in the US is unaffected, but price increases on PCs will likely soon flow through to enterprises.Thats because PC inventories are low at the moment, as sales have been slow and risk-averse resellers are reluctant to hold large stocks in case the introduction of newer models makes them obsolete, according to Atwal. He estimated there are perhaps 30 days PC inventory in the US channel.Small share of IT spendWhen the tariffs do start hitting IT equipment deliveries, the effect on already-stretched enterprise IT budgets might not be as pronounced because companies are now spending less on hardware and more on software and services.Three quarters of enterprise and government tech spend in the US comes from software and IT services, said Michael OGrady, a forecast analyst at Forrester Research.Computer and communication equipment together make up just 13% of US technology spending, he said, so although tariffs will impact the price of imported goods, most of the software and IT services spend would not come from China.Consequences for the rest of the world, tooWhile Trump can only impose tariffs on goods imported into the US, his order could have repercussions on IT equipment prices globally, too.China produces about three-quarters of the worlds PCs, Atwal said, and there is little room for vendors to move production capacity away from China to avoid the tariffs at least in the short term. There has been a steady shift to other countries, but trying to rebuild that on the same scale somewhere else has not been straightforward, he said.There wont necessarily be bargains available from vendors already making PCs and components in countries not subject to the tariffs, as the temptation for them will be to increase their prices across the board, just behind those hit with tariffs.The US represents about 27% of the global PC market by units sold, Atwal said, so if demand here falls due to the tariffs, vendors will be looking to make up lost revenue from sales in other countries. How exactly they do that is one of the many unknowns: Will they raise prices to lift revenue, or cut them to boost sales volumes?The tariffs Trump has imposed on Chinese, Mexican, and Canadian products could upset global trade ba;ances in other ways, too, Atwal suggested: The move could cause currency swings that will influence the cost of imported goods, including IT equipment in other countries.With so many variables, he said, Were calculating this through. Its not a straightforward exercise.
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  • Apple just rolled out iOS 18.3 -- for just the iPhone 11 family
    appleinsider.com
    Apple has rereleased iOS 18.3, but this time it's specifically for an iPhone lineup that is more than five years old.The iPhone 11 familyNo, you aren't experiencing deja vu Apple has released iOS 18.3 again. But this time, the update arrives solely for the iPhone 11 family.While iOS 18.3 build 22D63 was released for other iPhone models last week, a new build, build 22D64, has been rolled out to address issues that seemingly only affect the older model. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Apple has officially launched the 2025 Swift Student Challenge
    appleinsider.com
    Apple's Swift Student Challenge is officially open, with participants vying for the top prize an all-inclusive three-day trip to Apple Park.Swift Student Challenge 2025 is now openJust as it did in 2024, Apple will select 350 winners in total and, recognize 50 of them as Distinguished Winners for their "outstanding submissions." Distinguished Winners will need to demonstrate "excellence in innovation creativity, social impact, or inclusivity."All 350 Challenge winners will receive a year of membership in the Apple Developer Program, a complimentary voucher to take the App Development with Swift certification exam, and a special gift from Apple. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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