• Instagram is feeling the love with a surprise set of Valentine's Day easter eggs
    www.techradar.com
    Instagram is feeling love this Valentine's Day and just dropped several new easter eggs that can be used to spread the love.
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  • If you've bought an internal Seagate hard drive, beware of the growing refurbished Chia scandal - here's what you need to know
    www.techradar.com
    Thousands of high-mileage Seagate HDDs flood the market, with buyers unknowingly purchasing drives used in Chia mining farms as brand new.
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  • Golden State Warriors release an album from their own record label featuring Bay Area artists
    www.fastcompany.com
    The Golden State Warriors are known for their electrifying plays and superstarStephen Curry, but now the team is pioneering a fresh gameplan: blending sports and entertainment in a way no NBA franchise has before.As the first and only NBA team with its own record label, Golden State Entertainment, the Warriors are expanding their reach with For the Soil, a new album released this week. The projectfeaturing more than a dozen Bay Area music artists, including E-40, Too $hort,Saweetie, G-Eazy, Goapele, LaRussell, and Larry Junearrives just in time for the leagues All-Star Game weekend in San Francisco.A basketball team with a record label is unheard of until now, which is a testament to the Warriors and the Bay, said P-Lo, a Filipino American rapper who produced For the Soil, a collaborative release between Golden State Entertainment and Empire, a distribution and publishing company. He will perform live during an NBA All-Star tipoff party on Thursday at Thrive City, a 11-acre community gathering space surrounding the Chase Center.This is about innovation, bringing a new idea to the table, said P-Lo, a lifelong Warriors fan who has worked with artists such as Yo Gotti, Saweetie andKehlani. Hes no stranger to the franchise, riding his convertible car as part of the Warriors championship parade, celebrating the teams title in 2022.Were here to break barriers while Im trying to process it all, he added. Im grateful for this opportunity.Warriors guardGary Payton IIsaid he plans on listening to the album.For me, to be the first team to have a music company, or production company, its kinda cool, Payton said. P-Lo is running it, and getting it done. I know theres a lot of talented Bay Area artists behind it, so its something to look forward to and be excited about.P-Lo played a key role in bringing together the Bay Areas top artists, contributing to all nine tracks on the album. He began the process late last summer, collaborating with local talent to craft a well-rounded project.P-Lo can produce, rap and bring all these artists who are like family to him, said David Kelly, an executive with the Warriors. He spearheaded the launch of Golden State Entertainment in 2022 before the team won the championship that year.Several NBA teams have partnered with artists over the years: Drake as theglobal ambassador for the Raptors, Jay-Z as aformer minority ownerof the Brooklyn Nets, and the Miami Heat collaborating with DJ Khaled, who performed at games. The Atlanta Hawks have alsoembraced their citys rap scene, working with T.I., 2 Chainz, and Quavo.But an NBA team with its own record label and entertainment division? Thats where Kelly saw an opportunity for the Warriors to break new ground. He said creating a label, intersecting hip-hop and basketball made sense.Its just kind of authentic and natural to the culture, said Kelly, who joined the organization in 2011 and currently is the chief business officer of Golden State Entertainment. It seems like a lot of times people try to force them apart or mesh them together that dont make sense. But if you grew up a part of both, they naturally intertwine.Kelly first pitched the idea of the Warriors having a record label to then-president Rick Welts before bringing it to the teams owner, Joe Lacob, and co-executive chairman Peter Guber. He said the Warriors leadership embraced his vision, and he hopes more pro teams will follow suit.Its seeing the culture being presented in a way thats true and reflective on a grand international scale, said Kelly, a former Chicago-based rapper, whose stage name was Capital D. Hopefully this is the first of many for Golden State and the culture.By Jonathan Landrum Jr., AP entertainment writerAP Sports Writer Schuyler Dixon contributed to this report in Dallas.
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  • How eateries with breakfast menus are responding to high egg prices
    www.fastcompany.com
    Its a chicken-and-egg problem: Restaurants are struggling withrecord-high U.S. egg prices, but their omelets, scrambles and huevos rancheros may be part of the problem.Breakfast is booming at U.S. eateries.First Watch, a restaurant chain that serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, nearly quadrupled its locations over the past decade to 570. Eggs Up Grill has 90 restaurants in nine southern states, up from 26 in 2018. Florida-based Another Broken Egg Caf celebrated its 100th restaurant last year.Fast-food chainsare also adding more breakfast items. Starbucks, which launched egg bites in 2017, now has a breakfast menu with 12 separate items containing eggs.Wendysreintroduced breakfast in 2020 and offers 10 items with eggs.Reviews website Yelp said 6,421 breakfast and brunch businesses opened in the United States last year, 23% more than in 2019.In normal times, producers could meet the demand for all those eggs. But an ongoingbird flu outbreak, which so far has forced farms to slaughter nearly159 million chickens, turkeys and other birds including nearly 47 million since the start of December is makingsupplies scarcerand pushing up prices. In January, the average price of eggs in the U.S. hit a record $4.95 per dozen.The percentage of eggs that go to U.S. restaurants versusother places, like grocery stores or food manufacturers, is not publicly available. U.S. Foods, a restaurant supplier, and Cal-Maine Foods, the largest U.S. producer of shell eggs, did not respond to The Associated Press requests for comment.But demand from restaurants is almost certainly growing. Foot traffic at U.S. restaurants has grown the most since 2019 for morning meals, 2019, according to market research firm Circana. Pre-lunchtime hours accounted for 21% of total restaurant visits in 2024.Breakfast sandwiches are the most popular order during morning visits, Circana said, and 70% of the breakfast sandwiches on U.S. menus include eggs.Eggs Up Grill CEO Ricky Richardson said breakfast restaurants took off afterthe COVID pandemicbecause people longed for comfort and connection. Asinflation made foodmore expensive, customers saw breakfast and lunch as more affordable options for eating out, he said.The growth in restaurant demand reverses a pattern that emerged during the pandemic, when consumers tried to stock up on eggs for home use but restaurants needed fewer of them because many of them had to close for a time, according to Brian Earnest, a lead economist for animal proteins at CoBank.Changing preferencessince then have caused further market strain. Americans are increasingly looking for protein with few added ingredients, and eggs fit that bill.Consumers think eggs are really fresh, so if youre making something with eggs, you know its fresh, Earnest said.To address animal rights concerns,McDonaldsand some other companies have switched to 100%cage-free eggs, which limits the sources they will buy from. Ten states, including California and Colorado, have passed laws restricting egg sales to products from cage-free environments.It makes the market much more complicated than it was 20 years ago, Earnest said.The higher prices arehitting restaurants hard. Wholesale egg prices hit a national average of $7.34 per dozen last week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That was 51% higher than at the beginning of the year. Wholesale costs may be higher than retail prices since grocers use eggs as a loss leader to get customers in the door.Some chains, likeWaffle House, have added a surcharge to help offset the cost of eggs. Others may turn to egg substitutes like tapioca starch for some recipes or cut egg dishes from the menu, said Phil Kafarakis, the president and CEO of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.First Watch President and CEO Chris Tomasso said eggs are critical for the chains brand and are found in the majority of its offerings, whether at the center of the plate or as an ingredient in batters. So far, he said, the company has been able to obtain the eggs it needs and isnt charging extra for them.First Watch is also increasing portion sizes for non-egg items like meat and potatoes, Tomasso said.Richardson, of Eggs Up Grill, said he recently met with franchisees to discuss adding a surcharge but they decided against it.Eggs have always been and will continue to be an important part of American diets, Richardson said.Dee-Ann Durbin,AP business writer
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  • UBTech Robotics: Unveiling Una, the Humanoid Robot
    www.yankodesign.com
    UBTech Robotics has established itself as a leader in integrating advanced robotics with emotional intelligence, creating humanoid robots designed for seamless integration into human-centric environments. The unveiling of Una marks a significant evolution in the service industry, redefining client engagement strategies across various sectors. Developed to blend cutting-edge robotics with nuanced human interactions, Una enhances service delivery in healthcare, hospitality, and customer support. Revealed at the LEAP Tech Conference in Saudi Arabia, her design results from extensive research into robotics and human psychology, targeting intuitive and empathetic interactions essential for collaborative environments between robots and humans.Designer: UBTech RoboticsDesign Philosophy, Aesthetic Appeal, and Functional ElementsUnas design philosophy centers on creating a humanoid form that is approachable and relatable, essential for roles requiring extensive interaction. Made from soft silicone and other composite materials, Unas appearance and texture are lifelike, ensuring her adaptability across diverse service settings. This design strategy emphasizes functionality and user comfort to enable more natural interactions. Additionally, her appearance, featuring a realistic face and a modern, sleek white suit, underlines her professionalism while enhancing her approachability. This attire is crucial for her acceptance in social settings, making robotic technology more integrated into daily activities.Unas functionality is showcased through her articulated limbs and expressive facial features, which are crucial for nonverbal communication and complex physical tasks. Her mobility features are advanced, allowing her to navigate various environments efficiently. Whether maneuvering through tight office spaces or crowded event floors, Una proves invaluable in scenarios that demand high levels of interaction and engagement.Technical Specifications, Emotional Connectivity, and Interaction CapabilitiesUna is engineered with state-of-the-art sensors and actuators that allow her to navigate complex environments with remarkable precision. These technical elements are crucial for her functionality across diverse settingsfrom busy corporate halls to interactive spaces in retail environments. Integrating these advanced technologies ensures that Una can perform tasks that mimic human capabilities efficiently and accurately but with the added consistency and reliability of robotic performance.Her software is equipped with sophisticated natural language processing systems, enabling her to understand and respond to various human communications effectively. This capability is vital for roles that require direct interaction with the public, such as reception duties or customer service. Whether she is providing information, answering queries, or managing appointments, Unas ability to process and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues makes her an invaluable asset.Moreover, Unas design integrates emotional intelligence, a pivotal feature that elevates her from a mere service robot to a genuinely interactive companion. Through advanced algorithms and learning models, she can detect subtle emotional nuances in voice or facial expressions, allowing her to respond appropriately to the feelings and moods of those around her. This sensitivity is critical in settings where empathy and understanding are key, such as healthcare or therapeutic environments, where Unas interactions can profoundly impact patient care and satisfaction.To support these advanced capabilities, Una is designed with cameras and sensors that are seamlessly integrated into her humanoid form, maintaining a balance between her technological components and her human-like appearance. These sensors are discreetly placed, which helps in maintaining the illusion of a natural interaction without the intimidating presence of overt robotic traits. While Una is a marvel of modern robotics technology, this design philosophy ensures that she remains approachable and engaging, preserving a warm and inviting presence that fosters trust and ease in human interactions.By integrating these sophisticated technical specifications with her emotional intelligence and interaction capabilities, Una performs assigned tasks efficiently and actively contributes to creating a responsive and understanding environment. Her presence in any setting is functional and transformational, redefining the interaction landscape between humans and robots.Comparative Design Analysis and Ethical ConsiderationsAt UBTech exhibitions, Una distinctly stands out with her design tailored for social interaction and emotional support, contrasting sharply with more mechanically oriented robots designed for industrial tasks. Her refined aesthetic, with subtle facial features and a clean white color scheme, enhances her approachability, making her suitable for public interaction and service.The broader integration of humanoid robots like Una into the market introduces significant ethical considerations, including privacy concerns, employment impact, and the psychological effects of human-robot relationships. UBTechs proactive approach to setting new industry standards and fostering dialogue ensures that innovations like Una positively contribute to society, addressing potential concerns before they manifest.The Future Impact of Una on Service Industries and Human-Robot InteractionUna by UBTech represents a pivotal shift in humanoid robotics. Her design, centered on emotional intelligence and interactive capabilities, is set to revolutionize the service industries by offering more than just robotic assistanceshe provides genuine companionship and empathetic interaction. As Una transitions from development to deployment, she is poised to redefine performance standards and user satisfaction within humanoid robotics, heralding a future where robots are seen as integral and beneficial companions in daily human activities.The post UBTech Robotics: Unveiling Una, the Humanoid Robot first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • You Literally Cant See Mattels New Transparent John Cena Action Figure
    www.yankodesign.com
    John Cena may be a world-class wrestler and a phenomenal actor but if theres anything the internet will eternally remember him for, its for the fact that hes actually invisible. The former WWE champions famous line You Cant See Mee that he says before pulling his signature move the Five Knuckle Shuffle suddenly turned into an everlasting meme, with people just casually pretending hes invisible. Fans would post photos with John Cena only to have the comments section filled with why are you standing alone in that photo?Its a joke as old as time, and for a long while its been just that unavoidably evergreen internet joke, but Mattel took an opportunity to turn it into something real. Just yesterday, Mattel announced an all-transparent version of the John Cena figure, built entirely around his You Cant See Me joke. When I say transparent, I mean absolutely transparent. There isnt a shred of paint or any graphic on the figurine. Its entirely see-through as if it was sculpted out of ice, and Mattels chosen the perfect time to announce the figure ahead of Cenas last-ever wrestling performance this year.Designer: MattelWhen I say the action figure is transparent, I mean it in every sense. Usual figures have metal screws or springs holding the joints together, but the transparent John Cena figure resorts to an entirely plastic build with strictly transparent pieces. The joints (where youd usually find a mix of components) are completely transparent, although you can see that Mattel uses different grades of plastic for different parts of the figure. The face is clearly a little more cloudy than the torso (maybe to highlight Johns facial features).The set features a figure with two extra heads, a cap, a chain, and an extra pair of hands so you can have him enact the famous prelude to his Five Knuckle Shuffle move. Theres no word on any official launch date or pricing, but Mattels leaked promo images along with what the box will look like. Its labeled Collectors Edition, which means its probably going to be limited to a small batch of production units.Although Mattel should have launched the transparent John Cena figure years ago when the wrestler was in his prime, now seems like the next-best time for this release. Cena officially retires from wrestling at the end of this year, which brings to conclusion his 25-year-long wrestling career. The 16-time world champion will see his final performance probably at a WWE pay-per-view sometime this year, although hes still set to appear in WWE videogames in the future.He might be retiring from wrestling, but youll still probably see him in movies in the near future. Or maybe you wont. Hes invisible after all, no?The post You Literally Cant See Mattels New Transparent John Cena Action Figure first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Sentia Spirits Review: A Light Buzz Without the Alcohol
    www.wired.com
    We had bartenders try a GABA-enhancing drink called Sentia to see if it mimicked the nicest parts of drinking alcohol without the hangover.
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  • Best Laptop Backpacks We've Tried and Tested (2025)
    www.wired.com
    Whether youre biking to the office or schlepping a camera to a shoot, a laptop bag is your constant companion. These WIRED-reviewed packs do the job.
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  • LaCie Rugged Pro5 SSD review: Incredibly fast portable storage that will hold up to the elements
    appleinsider.com
    With the release of the Rugged SSD Pro5, LaCie becomes one of the very first to release a Thunderbolt 5 device. We got one in our studio and we test it out with the latest Macs.LaCie Rugged Pro5 SSD review: LaCie released one of the very first Thunderbolt 5 portable SSDsThis new pro-level portable storage device was first shown off at CES 2025. Fortunately, it was only a short time before it went up for order.Apple was quick on the uptake of Thunderbolt 5 as the latest MacBook Pro and Mac mini support the stand. We had one of the latter on hand to test this out with. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • 2024 Architecture at Zero proposals imagine a new middle school campus for East L.A.
    archinect.com
    A group of eight selected proposals that were submitted for the 2024 edition of the Architecture at Zero competition have been publicized, each featuring a unique idea that responded to the challenge of designing a new middle school in East Los Angeles.The competition breaks down award winners into three categories: Professionals, College/University Students, and High School Students. The brief asked each to design a new campus building for theGriffith STEAM Magnet Middle School that includesscience labs, art classroom, maker space, outdoor learning environments, and a teacher workroom.The competition, which is sponsored by the AIA was judged by architect Allison Williams and other experts. Recognized entries will split an award pool of $25,000 in total prizes. The 2024 competition marks the 11th edition of Architecture at Zero, which began in 2011.PROFESSIONALHonor Award
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