The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features plans for a residential tower in Paraguay by Architecture firm Estudio AMA. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.Estudio AMA unveiled designs for a 90-metre-high residential tower in Asuncin, the capital of Paraguay. The tower, which will have a gridded concrete facade, will contain apartments, street-level restaurants and shops.Read Dezeen Dispatch online now!This week's newsletter also featured the launch of Dezeen's first newspaper, Populous' plans for a brick stand at Wrexham AFC's stadium and a portable phone keyboard by designer Justin Mitchell.Dezeen AgendaDezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Thursday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Dailyis our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours andDezeen In Depthis sent on the last Friday of every month anddelves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.The post Dezeen Agenda features a gridded skyscraper in Paraguay appeared first on Dezeen.

Local studio SHED Architecture & Design has created a house clad in vertical wood siding and a sloped roof in in Seattle, Washington that evokes the steep peaks of Swiss mountains.The 2,714 square-foot (252-square metre) house sits in West Seattle stands out from its context with two roof forms sloping in different directions.SHED Architecture & Design has completed a house in SeattleOur clients spoke fondly of their years living in Switzerland, so we leaned into the idea of designing a home whose form evoked a jagged peak," Prentis Hale, SHED Architecture & Design principal, told Dezeen. "The intersection of the peaked upper volume with a low front range of a porch connects the house to the street and to the sky."The relationship between the two roof forms serves as the focal point of the design. The primary shed roof faces south to maximize solar exposure on the photovoltaic array, while the lower-standing seam metal form folds down to cover the deep front porch and wraps around the garage and north side of the house, serving as a mediator between the residence and the adjacent property.The sloped roof of the house is inspired by the peaks of Swiss mountainsLocated on a dead-end street where close-knit neighbours gather regularly, the front yard and porch become a social space for the residents.In addition to the porch, which is set off the sidewalk by a small stoop, a covered deck on the upper level allows residents to communicate from a distance, while enjoying views of the Olympic mountains.Reminiscent of Swiss mountain structures, stained, rough-sawn vertical siding climbs up the exterior and allows for natural weathering that compliments the metal siding and flashing. Hella exterior blinds are integrated and concealed behind the siding for a seamless finish.A covered deck on the upper level allows the residents to socialiseThe plan which was informed by a foundation that already existed on the site was driven by the design to have multiple living spaces on the interior and exterior.The front porch leads into an entryway and office space, while the kitchen and staircase comprise the centre of the main level. The open dining and living rooms share a wall of windows with built-in benches, divided by a piece of custom millwork. A lightweight metal staircase extends off the side of the kitchen, stepping down to an outdoor dining space behind the garage.Read: Schwartz and Architecture updates Silicon Valley house by Frank Lloyd Wright protgUpstairs, the primary suite takes up the east side of the floor while the west side is divided between a media room and a deck that connects to the upper porch that runs along the front of the house. Below the main level, a guest suite leads out to the sloping rear garden, and storage and a sauna sit under the front side of the house."Interior materials were drawn from a limited palette for simplicity and economy," the studio said. "Rift white swan oak was chosen for all wood trim, paneling, and casework, in conjunction with drywall and accent tiles to create an elegant yet understated backdrop for the clients' furnishings and art."The dining and living room share a wall of windows with built-in benchesEach space was designed to be used throughout the day whether that be drinking a cup of coffee on the window seat in the morning or watching the sunset from the upper deck."The clients were very involved in the design process, from a detailed program to sketches about how they wanted to live," the studio said. "The transparency in the design process was a success, and certainly something weve brought to current and future projects."The kitchen sits at the centre of the main levelPreviously, SHED Architecture & Design overhauled a mid-century adult living facility into a family home in Shoreline north of Seattle and created an indoor-outdoor play space for a preschool in Pike Place Market.The photography is by Rafael Soldi.Project credits:Architect: SHED Architecture & DesignStructural Engineer: Todd PerbixThe post SHED creates wood-clad house with "jagged peak" in Seattle appeared first on Dezeen.

ASUS has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Zenfone 12 Ultra, a device that represents a big advancement in the companys mobile technology. While the Zenfone series has consistently introduced new features, the 12 Ultra differentiates itself with a refined design, powerful performance, and an increased focus on artificial intelligence. Notably, ASUSs decision to exclude the US market from its initial launch raises questions about its broader global strategy.Designer: ASUSDesign and Display: A Premium Aesthetic with Thoughtful RefinementsMoving beyond the gamer-focused aesthetic of the ROG Phone 9, the Zenfone 12 Ultra adopts a more polished and professional design. Its sleek and minimalist form maximizes screen real estate with ultra-thin bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The front houses a subtle hole-punch camera, while the rear features a clean, understated design with the Zenfone logo positioned above the streamlined camera module.The device is available in Blush Pink, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black, with each color carefully selected to appeal to a broader audience. At 8.9mm in thickness and weighing 220g, it balances a premium in-hand feel with comfortable handling. The frame is made from recycled aluminum, highlighting ASUSs focus on sustainability while maintaining durability.The 6.78-inch Samsung Flexible AMOLED display is at the core of the user experience, featuring an FHD+ resolution and LTPO technology. This allows the refresh rate to dynamically shift between 1Hz for static content and 120Hz for everyday use, with an optional 144Hz mode for gaming. This adaptive refresh system extends battery life while delivering smooth visuals. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, offering increased resistance to scratches and impacts. ASUS has opted for a high-quality panel known for accurate color calibration and strong visibility in bright conditions.Performance and Hardware: A Powerhouse Engineered for EfficiencyThe Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an eight-core processor capable of clock speeds up to 4.32GHz. This ensures rapid performance across demanding applications. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device is equipped for seamless multitasking and storage-heavy tasks. Advanced thermal management helps maintain performance during extended use.The 5,500mAh battery is designed to support extended usage without frequent recharging. It supports 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, allowing for rapid power replenishment when needed. The inclusion of IP68 water and dust resistance adds durability, while the retention of a 3.5mm headphone jackan increasingly rare featurecaters to wired audio enthusiasts. With WiFi 7 support, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is optimized for the next generation of wireless connectivity.Camera System and Stabilization: Precision in Every FrameThe Zenfone 12 Ultras camera system is a highlight of its feature set. The primary 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor delivers impressive image quality and dynamic range. What sets it apart is the 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer, a system that enhances video stability by combining hardware-based stabilization with advanced software correction.Supporting the primary sensor is a 13MP ultra-wide camera for expansive shots and a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front-facing 32MP camera records crisp 1080p video, making it well-suited for selfies and video calls.The rear camera setup can record 8K video at 24fps, capturing intricate details with precision. AI-powered features, such as AI Magic Fill, AI Unblur, and AI Panning Shot, further refine the photography experience, enhancing motion shots and improving clarity in challenging lighting conditions. The camera software includes fine-tuned color grading tools, allowing users to adjust temperature and saturation for precise control over image aesthetics.AI Features and User-Centric EnhancementsASUS has placed significant emphasis on AI capabilities, all of which are processed on-device for enhanced privacy and security. The Meta Llama 3 8B language model powers AI-driven tools that improve productivity and usability.AI-enhanced features include subject-tracking for videos, portrait video effects with customizable bokeh, real-time noise reduction for clearer voice recordings, and AI-powered transcription for meetings. The phone also includes document summarization and real-time translation for calls. Additionally, Googles Circle to Search simplifies instant searches by allowing users to highlight content on their screens. These AI-powered tools align with ASUSs goal of improving real-world usability and efficiency in daily tasks.A Flagship with a Defined VisionWith a launch price of 1,099 (approximately $1,145), while the Zenfone 12 Ultra wont be available in the US, it remains a competitive offering in regions where it is launched. Its refined design, high-end performance, AI integration, and camera capabilities position it as a flagship device worthy of attention. ASUSs evolving market approach will determine whether it expands its reach further, but for now, the Zenfone 12 Ultra reflects the brands focus on premium experiences and advanced mobile innovation.The post ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Sleek Design Meets AI-Powered Flagship Performance first appeared on Yanko Design.

Although foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold line and Huaweis bold tri-fold Mate XT Ultimate have the lions share of this niche market, there was a time when Microsoft had a very different definition of what a foldable device could be. It was a vision that was years in the making but, unfortunately, only had four years to exist in peoples hands. The Surface Duo presented a dual-screen experience that spoke to the hearts of the Microsoft Courier concept, but now it is just a footnote in tech history.But what if Microsoft remained stubbornly optimistic and held on to that dream far longer? What if Microsoft actually turned the Surface Duo into a portable productivity powerhouse that becomes the driving force in the hybrid work systems of the future? This concept design imagines a future that could have been for the Surface Duo, one that would have put Microsoft back on the map as the leading productivity platform in the market.Designer: Nicolas SchmittUnlike the foldable phones that we know today, the Surface Duo delivered a completely different experience that literally spanned two screens. It had its perks and trade-offs, appealing to a different class of users from the more multimedia-focused products that we have now. The first two generations definitely had some rough edges, but we can only imagine what the Surface Duo could have been had it been given more time to mature.The Microsoft Workstation imagines one such alternate reality, one where Microsoft designed accessories that would have made the Surface Duo shine even brighter. These designs focused on the devices dual potential to be your only computer as well as an extension of your computer. Although the actual phones ran Android, it was also in the realm of possibility that Microsoft could have eventually put Windows on Arm on it in the future.One accessory concept serves as a wireless charging dock for the Surface Duo, but it also has another purpose. When connected to an external monitor, for example, it could present a more traditional desktop experience, somewhat like Samsungs DeX platform today. The hub initially looks like a flat box, almost like a Mac mini even, but the top lid can be lifted at an angle to make it easier to view the Surface Duos screen.A bit more interesting is the idea of turning the Surface Duo into a portable second screen for Surface laptops and tablets. A simple-looking stand can magnetically latch onto the side of a Surface Pro screen, having the Surface Duo hanging from a more ergonomic height. While the Surface Duo will never realize its full potential, these accessory design concepts could still be applied to future foldable phones, still making that hybrid work scenario a feasible future.The post Microsoft Surface Duo concept turns the dual-screen phone into a power hub first appeared on Yanko Design.

Run to your local Argos.

The hosts of Uncanny Valley chronicle the TikTok ban saga and ask: What makes the app so uniquely vulnerable?

MacworldAs much as wed like to deny it, first impressions actually matter, and that applies to how your cloud storage looks for your clients. Any business owner knows branding and logos can make a major difference, so why are you still using Google Drive to share assets and files with your clients?Ditch Google Drive for Cloudbrand, awhite-label cloud storageplatform that lets you customize your cloud with company branding and logos for the ultimate client experience. Grab lifetime access while its available for $89.99 (reg. $588) for a little while longer.With this plan, youll get250GB of white-label spaceand the ability to create up to 25 custom portals. Are you building a custom site for a client? Set up a specific client cloud portal for them, and customize it with your domain, email, logo, and colors so theyll see them each time they open up the link to review your designs.Another bonus of Cloudbrand? Your clients dont need to create an account to download their files. They can access it independently, and the platform lets you invite clients to join your specific branded cloud storage portal.Personalize your cloud withCloudbrands white-label storage, now $89.99 for life while supplies last.Cloudbrand Team Cloud Storage: Custom Lifetime SubscriptionOnly $89.99 at MacworldStackSocial prices subject to change.

A new Gartner survey of more than 200 C-level executives found 56% are extremely likely to quit their current jobs over the next two years and 27% plan to exit within the next six months. The potential for a mass exodus of executives appears to be the result of burnout, renewed plans to retire and concerns over mental health as the business world struggles with new technologies and challenges.Artificial intelligence (AI), for example, has upended hiring plans as companies seek to do more with less by depending on AI agents to replace entry-level worker tasks while enabling others to do more with the same resources.According to Gartner, companies with executives averaging five or more years of tenure outperformed those with less-experienced teams in terms of revenue, customer experience, and other key metrics. High executive turnover can also hamper organizational growth, as younger teams tend to deliver lower performance. In addition, experienced executives are more likely to leave within two years compared to newer hires.The survey found that many C-suite leaders report an increase in workload compared to two years ago:67% agreed they are asked todo more in their role than two years ago58% agreed their organization relies more heavily on their function/business unit44% agreed they are more stressed by their work responsibilitiesOn top of that, just23% of CxOssurveyed reported their HR leaders are effective atmanaging tensionbetween C-suite members.Chief HR Officers (CHROs) can build trust with the CEO by ensuring executives understand a CEOs priorities and engage in open communication, according to Gartner. Sharing what works in building CEO trust with peers can accelerate trust across the C-suite.As champions of mental health, CHROs should help executives identify work stressors, improve work-life balance, and model well-being practices. By openly discussing their own well-being, CHROs can reduce stigma and encourage healthier conversations, according to Alexander Kirss, a Gartner senior principal analyst.Many executives are also considering a new role due to a desire for more growth opportunities or anticipate being recruited by a competitor, Kirss said. What is important is for CEOs and CHROs to diagnose what the primary sources of executive concern are at their organization so they can develop a targeted executive retention strategy.Staffing firm ManpowerGroups recentGlobal Talent Barometerhighlighted a workforce in flux: 60% of employees are considering job changes within the next six months. Perhaps more tellingly, 41% of workers feel their current organizations lack sufficient opportunities for career advancement.For the tech workforce, a historic reshapingKye Mitchell, president of tech workforce staffing firm Experis US, said the tech industry is undergoing a historic reshaping of the entire technology workforce even as 51% of IT employers plan to hire this quarter. Whats particularly interesting is how the convergence of economic caution and AI acceleration is creating distinct hiring trajectories in the market, she said.Even as tech unemployment has hit new lows recently, organizations are being more picky in hiring because traditional academic credential often no longer fill tech needs. As formal education and training in AI skills still lag, it results in a shortage of AI talent that can effectively manage these technologies and demands, said Kelly Stratman, Ernst & Youngs global ecosystem relationships enablement leader. The AI talent shortage is most prominent among highly technical roles like data scientists/analysts, machine learning engineers, and software developers.The latest survey from staffing firm ManpowerGroup found that 25% of CIOs struggle to recruit and retain skilled talent. While 21% of companies are reducing hiring due to economic factors, 22% are ramping up recruitment to leverage the ongoing AI boom.When considering new hires, 80% of corporate executives prioritize skills over degrees, with half planning to increase freelance hiring this year, according toa new study from freelancing platform Upwork. The study, released this week, showed unprecedented growth in specialized AI skills, which have surged 220% year-over-year. Another problem, however, is the skills needed to keep up with AIs advances are constantly changing.What were witnessing isnt just a talent shortage its a fundamental transformation in how technology roles are structured, Mitchell said.Forward-thinking organizations are creating hybrid roles that combine AI skills with business strategy, reimagining technology careers for the AI era, according to Mitchell; 92% of organizations are redesigning technical roles to include AI skills and strategic thinking. Meanwhile, 81% of CIOs are adjusting hiring strategies, focusing on cloud computing and sustainability.Were entering an era where the traditional career ladder in tech has become a career web, Mitchell said. The most successful organizations will be those that can offer their technology talent not just competitive compensation, but the opportunity to work at the intersection of AI innovation and business strategy. The challenge isnt just hiring its creating an environment where top tech talent can continually evolve their skills and impact.

Apple Machine Learning Research has released a short video and a twelve-page accompanying paper showcasing the importance of human-like movement in its prototyped robot.Image Credit: Apple Machine Learning ResearchThis isn't the first time we've heard Apple may be gearing up to release an Apple robot. In April 2024, rumors of Apple's secretive robotics work surfaced, with the company alleged to be designing two different robots.Now, it seems as though Apple's hardware engineering division and AI group have produced something worth showing off. And frankly, the design is a little too familiar. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

B&H's February Mac Studio deal for $1,749 delivers the lowest price available across leading Apple resellers.Get a Mac Studio for just $1,749.Apple deals are plentiful at B&H this week, but we're tracking a fresh price drop on the current Mac Studio that's now on sale for $1,749, reflecting the lowest price available per our Mac Studio Price Guide.View $1,749 deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums