An Apple patent published today could reveal how we'll buy Apple Watches in the future.

Oracle Red Bull Racing adds 1Password partnership to boost security.

The rapper ran a Super Bowl ad directing viewers to visit Yeezy.com, where it promoted a $20 black t-shirt with a swastika.

Shopify said the first quarter is "consistently" its lowest gross merchandise volume quarter seasonally.

It has been a tumultuous few weeks since Donald Trump took office for the second time as president of the United States, While Trump has garnered headlines for his outlandish executive orders aimed at recasting the country in his own shape, Elon Musk, the tech billionaire turned government quango-buster as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been no less busy.Musk and a small group of staff working under him have been traveling between government departments, demanding access to data they hold with the purported goal of making government operations more efficient. Serious questionsincluding by the U.S. Treasury itselfhave been raised about whether thats the case, with Musk and his team running roughshod over government and data access norms. (That those barriers exist, Musk and his team have argued on social media, is exactly why they need access to details of how the government works.)The immediate impact is already being felt. And plenty of alarms are being raised. But its not just the here and now that millions of Americans need to consider when thinking about their data integrity. The shockwaves of Musks shock and awe approach to accessing government data will continue for decades to come.What we know from Musks model of what he did to Twitterwhich, unfortunately, seems to be the model for what hes doing with sort of orders of magnitude more complex and sensitive government systemsis really not reassuring, says Ian Brown, a visiting professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation Law School in Rio de Janeiro. (DOGE did not respond to Fast Companys request for comment.)Reports indicate that DOGE has already been granted access to highly sensitive personal information across a number of federal agencies. That sensitive data includes information such as a persons social security number (SSNs), family income, and tax records. It is hard to overstate how devastating any leakage of information of this level of sensitivity would be because it is high-value data to identity thieves, deeply personal, and difficult to fix as this type of information is intended to stick with you for a long time, says Elizabeth Laird, director of equity in civic technology at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a U.S. non-profit. (SSNs are appended to you for your entire lifemeaning that any breach of them could have a long-term impact.)What Musk is reportedly doing is not just to say, In order to modernize these U.S. government federal processes, were going to take significant parts of the data and do new things with it, says Brown. Hes saying, Were going to just completely bypass all those controls, take the data wholesale out of the protected government environments, and import it into environments DOGE is running with who knows what security and privacy controls, who knows what technical limits on what is done with that data, who gets access to it.There doesnt have to be an actual breach of that data in order to have an impact on users, Laird reckons. Just knowing that this information has been shared without your consent can inflict distress and can lead to life-impacting harms like identity theft, she says.Ideally, the best way to mitigate the risk of a data breach would be to not collect or share that data in the first place, Laird says. The second best thing to do is to place strict safeguards on its handling and sharing, she adds. Unfortunately, the public, including individuals whose data is being shared, is left in the dark about what is being done to protect them in the face of these increased security risks.Anupam Chander, a law professor at Georgetown University, feels these concerns on a personal level. When I filed my tax return electronically last year, I didnt think that my data might possibly end up in the hands of people poring through files with a political agenda, he says. One hopes our private data is not sitting unencrypted on a 19-year-olds laptop somewhere.

Lately, you may have noticed headlines about anti-DEI executive orders. While these orders are aimed at the federal government and dont directly affect companies, they can make anyone who cares about inclusion feel uneasy.If your organization is serious about creating a fair and welcoming workplace, now is a good time to review and refresh your strategy. Lets chat about some practical ways to stay focused on your values and navigate these challenging headlines.Reassure your team that inclusion is legalFirst things first, its important to remind everyone that diversity, equity, and inclusion work is completely legal. In an email interview, Working IDEALs Jenny Yang and Pamela Coukos shared with me that no executive order can stop private employers from advancing equal opportunity under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In simple terms, if your DEI strategy is about creating a fair workplace without giving tangible preferences to one group over another, youre in the clear.Take a moment to review your programs with your legal counsel. This will help you adjust any practices that might seem risky, like hiring quotas or mandatory training that could be misinterpreted. A quick check can reassure your team and help you move forward confidently.Be clear about your DEI intentionsYour employees look to you for guidance. In todays fast-paced world, assumptions fill in the gaps when information is missing. Thats why its a good idea to make a clear statement about your organizations commitment to inclusion.For example, you might say, At our organization, we care deeply about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. No need for jargonsimple, honest language goes a long way. Leaders at companies like Costco and Cisco have already set the tone by speaking openly about why inclusion matters, and that kind of clarity builds trust both inside and outside the company.Prepare talking points for your leadersIn a time when DEI is often in the spotlight, it helps to be ready with a few friendly, clear talking points. Equip your managers and team leaders with simple responses that highlight your organizations commitment. For instance, they might say:We are committed to inclusion because it helps us attract the best talent and better serve our community.Our focus on fairness and belonging drives innovation and strengthens our team. By having these talking points at the ready, your leaders can confidently address questions from employees, the media, or even casual conversation. This preparedness shows that you are proud of your commitment and ready to discuss it openly.Reset the narrative around DEIA lot of the current debate around DEI comes from misunderstandings. Its not about setting quotas or forcing anyone into a boxits about educating our teams and creating an environment where everyone can succeed. Instead of getting tangled in polarizing language, consider framing your approach around ideas like fairness, belonging, and the value of diverse perspectives. When you do this, its easier for people to see that DEI work benefits everyone, not just a select group.Show the cost of exclusionIt might sound a bit business-like, but sometimes numbers speak louder than words. Studies show that companies can boost global profits by billions of dollars when they have more inclusive work cultures. Think of it this way: Excluding great talent because of outdated practices costs more in turnover, lawsuits, and missed opportunities than investing in a fair workplace ever could.The return on investment for DEI can be hard to measure but it is not impossible. By showing the tangible benefits of inclusion, you can make a strong case that your DEI efforts are not only the right thing to do but also smart for business.Take a proactive approachAccording to a recent study by Resume.org, 87% of companies are committed to including DEI initiatives in their workplaces. Instead of waiting for critics to question your commitment, why not take charge of the conversation? Consider hosting an event, writing a blog post, or issuing a press release that shares your organizations success stories around inclusion. When you speak first, you set the tone and frame the narrative on your own terms. Its a chance to show that youre not just reacting to anti-DEI headlines, but actively building a better future for your team.Use your voice for changeMany people trust businesses to lead social change. If inclusion is a priority for you, use your influence to push for policies that support fairness in the broader community. Whether its by lobbying local lawmakers or partnering with other organizations, standing up for what you believe in can make a difference beyond your own company.For instance, Salsforce recently threatened to leave Indiana over legislation that would harm the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks in part to the companys involvement, the law didnt pass. In the end, anti-DEI executive orders are just one piece of the bigger picture. They do not directly impact your organization if youre committed to doing the right thing. By reassuring your team, communicating clearly, preparing thoughtful responses, and taking proactive steps, you can keep your focus on building a truly inclusive workplace. Remember, saying no to outdated practices isnt a rejectionits a redirection toward a future where fairness, respect, and inclusion guide every decision.

The Core77 Design Awards Transportation & Mobility category features vehicles, systems, or modes of transportation used to get people or objects from one place to another, for private, public, commercial, or industrial purposes. Examples include planes, trains, automobiles, buses, bikes, boats, mass transit systems, or transportation infrastructure. Biomega EV, an electric vehicle designed for the future by Skibsted and his team.You can get pretty far on a bike if you keep pedaling. That's certainly been true for Jens Martin Skibsted, who has climbed to the top of his field as an award-winning designer, entrepreneur, and design philosopher. Jens Martin is a Global Partner at Manyone who also helped found design consultancies including Skibsted Ideation and KiBiSi. He reached design peaks with his bike designs for Biomega, the Danish design brand he founded in 1998 to create bikes that could replace cars in urban environments. Jens Martin has collaborated with high profile designers including Marc Newson and Bjarke Ingels, and his designs can be found in the collections at the MoMA, LeCnap, Designmuseum Danmark, SFMOMA, and more. Jens Martin and Christian Bason's book EXPAND: Stretching the Future by Design.In addition to serving on the board of the Danfoss Foundation, Biomega, and Manyone, Jens Martin is the former Chairman of the Danish Design Council, Vice Chair of World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Design Innovation, Co-Chair of World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Entrepreneurship, and a Young Global Leader alumnus. He is a noted speaker, blogger, and contributor to the Huffington Post, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company.The BER Biomega's new e-bike from Skibsted.Jens Martin's wheels really get turning over the BER, Biomega's new e-bike. "Outside of Biomega's unique bells and whistles, the charger sits in the head stem tube making it the most comfortable e-bike to charge," he says. He's also excited about Manyone's new AI-enabled design process. As far as concerns in the design world, Jens Martin worries that there might be "a little too little thinking in design 'thinking.'" He also expresses some trepidation over the leadership future of the world's three biggest nuclear powers and two biggest "gas guzzlers."To Core77 Design Awards entrants, Jens Martin advises them to align their world views with their team and client "and trust it."Springtime Design for Scootility was the 2024 Winner in the Transportation Category.The 2024 winner in the Core77 Design Awards Transportation & Mobility category was Springtime Design for Scootility, a utility scooter that's also a cargo vehicle suited to urban environments. If you have an interesting transportation or mobility design that could really move the world forward, submit your work to the 2025 Core77 Design Awards.Enter the Core77 Design Awards now.

EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) conduit is affordable, reasonably sturdy and readily available. A company called Maker Pipe makes it easy for you to build stuff using EMT. Their eponymous product is a series of steel connectors for joining the pipes. In addition to 45-, 90- and 180-degree connectors, they offer T-connectors, an adjustable-angle version, 4-way connectors and even 5-way connectors. They come in different size and can cover ", " and 1" conduit.You only need a single tool to work with these: A 5mm hex wrench. (Well, and a pipecutter.)The connectors run roughly $3 to $6 a pop, with lower prices available in bundles.

The moment you encounter the ERA table lamp, you know youre looking at something special. This captivating lighting piece transforms the ordinary act of adjusting a lamp into an engaging experience. The designs standout feature a crystal-clear glass sphere serves as both a visual centerpiece and a clever mechanical joint, creating an almost magical floating effect.Imagine running your fingers across the disc-shaped lampshade, guiding it through smooth, fluid movements in any direction you choose. The ERAs innovative design responds to your touch with a grace that makes traditional hinged lamps feel clunky and outdated. Its this tactile connection that makes the lamp feel less like a utility object and more like an interactive sculpture.Designer: Johannes BuddeThe genius of ERA lies in its perfect marriage of form and function. The glass sphere at its heart isnt the light element, as most lamp designs would do. Instead, it enables movement as well as plays with the light beams emanating from the base, creating enchanting reflections and refractions that change as you adjust the shade. This interplay of light adds an extra dimension to the lamps visual appeal.The lampshade is just as unusual, a flat disc instead of the typical conical hat. To change the direction or intensity of the light, you move the disc around the sphere. This sets the ERA lamp apart from its kin, encouraging exploration and interaction. Unlike static lighting fixtures that fade into the background, this lamp invites you to experiment with different positions and lighting effects. Each adjustment creates a new atmosphere, transforming the ambient lighting of your space with minimal effort.The versatility of ERAs movement system opens up countless possibilities for personalized lighting. Need focused task lighting for detailed work? A gentle tilt brings bright, directed illumination. Seeking a softer, more diffused glow for evening relaxation? A simple adjustment transforms the lamps output to match your mood.Clean lines and geometric forms give ERA its sophisticated presence. It avoids unnecessary embellishments, letting the lamps functionality shine through its minimalist aesthetic. Whether positioned in a modern office or a cozy reading nook, it adapts seamlessly to its surroundings while maintaining its distinctive character.This innovative lamp demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform everyday objects into sources of delight. By reimagining the relationship between the user and the light source, ERA creates an experience thats both practical and emotionally engaging. Its a testament to the power of design to enhance our daily interactions with the objects around us.The post Sphere and disc table lamp adds a playful touch to indoor lighting first appeared on Yanko Design.

While I occasionally watch F1 races and Ive even seen one in person back in 2019, I probably will not be able to answer any questions about the cars themselves. I can tell you about the drivers but I barely know anything about the features of the cars. What I do know is that even though they havent raced for decades, the Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix cars are considered the last romantic Grand Prix racing car. And if you ask any of the F1 die-hard fans, they would most likely agree that the Type 59 is indeed one of the classics. Fans of the brand and of Grand Prix cars in general will now get a chance to have a commemorative book featuring these groundbreaking cars.Designer: Marc NewsonThis is no ordinary coffee table book though. In keeping with the design aesthetics of the brand, the Bugatti Type 59 Book is a masterpiece three-volume collection that shows off unseen period pictures, contemporary photographs, factory drawings and special CAD illustrations that fans of sport cars and the Bugatti brand will treasure. It was written by experts led by Julius Kruta. Its a 920-page book that is divided into three books abad gas five different editions with individual cover designs that pay tribute to each of the surviving Type 59 racing cars. The sleeve of the book is designed by Marc Newson who is also a Bugatti owner and fan himself. If you want to take it to a higher level of collecting, there is also a Limited Edition version but there will only be 59 items released that will be engraved with signature and individual numbers. What makes this different is that it comes with an aluminum slipcase to house the three books that are printed and bound in five colors and come in a large-format hardcover. These cases were milled from solid blocks and echoes some of the elements of the Type 59, including the cooperated drilled holes which are seen in the pierced circles in the slipcase. The riveted edges meanwhile are inspired by the riveted spine, an iconic Bugatti design trademark.If you have even more money to spare, there is the Ultimate Edition that includes the three books, the aluminum slipcase, plus a special stand, also designed by Marc Newson. This stand also incorporates Type 59 features into its design. Its body is milled from a solid piece of aluminum while the foot is made out of bronze. This edition is the only one that has reproductions of period documents and artefacts so its the ultimate collectible for fans that can spare around $60,000. The post Bugatti to release premium collectible book on its Type 59 Grand Prix cars first appeared on Yanko Design.