Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is set to fly Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez and Gayle King as part of a six-person, all-female spaceflight.

Snowflake announced an expanded partnership with Microsoft Azure to offer access to OpenAI models on Wednesday.

Unwanted phone calls are out of control. Whether its a robocall trying to sell you something or spam calls from scammers trying to rip you off, its enough to make you want to stop answering your phone. So what can you do to stop them?The scourge of unwanted phone calls has been branded an epidemic by consumer groups, while the Federal Communications Commission says its the top consumer complaint. The calls are a nuisance to many ordinary people, some of whom have complained to The Associated Press.I need help on getting spam calls to stop, one reader said in an email. Shes getting up to 14 calls a day despite the countermeasures shes employed.As the name implies, robocalls are automated calls to deliver recorded messages to a large number of phones. A robocall purely to deliver a message or collect a debt is allowed under U.S. regulations, but the Federal Trade Commission says robocalls with a recorded voice trying to sell you something are illegal unless youve given explicit written permission to receive them. Many robocalls are also probably scams, the FTC warns.If youre flooded by unsolicited calls, here are some ways to fight back.Phone settingsSmartphone users can turn on some built-in settings to combat unknown calls.Apple advises iPhone users to turn on the Silence Unknown Callers feature. Go to your Settings, then scroll down to Apps, and then to Phone, where youll see it under the Calls section. When you turn this on, any calls from numbers that youve never been in touch with and arent saved in your contacts list will not ring through. Instead, theyll be sent to voicemail and show up in your list of recent calls.Android has a similar setting that allows you to block calls from private or unidentified numbers, although you will still receive calls from numbers that arent stored in your contact list.Just keep in mind that you could also end up not getting important calls, which sometimes come from unknown numbers.If an unwanted call does get through, both Android and iPhone users can block the individual phone number by tapping on it in the recent callers or call history list. You can also enter numbers directly into your phones block list.Do not callSign up for the national Do Not Call registry, which is a list of numbers that have opted out of most telemarketing calls. The Federal Trade Commission, which runs the registry, says it only contains phone numbers and holds no other personally identifiable information, nor does the registry know whether the number is for a landline or a cellphone.The FTC says there are some exemptions, including political calls, calls from non-profit groups and charities, and legitimate survey groups that arent selling anything. Also allowed are calls from companies up to 18 months after youve done or sought to do business with them.But it also warns that while having your number on the registry will cut down on unwanted sales calls, it wont stop scammers from making illegal calls.Other countries have similar registries. Canada has its own Do Not Call list while the U.K. has the Telephone Preference Service.Carrier filtersCheck whether your wireless carrier has a call-blocking service. Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, three of the biggest U.S. networks, all have their own call filters for customers to block robocalls and report spam. Theres typically a free basic version and an advanced version that requires a subscription fee.Try an appIf your phone companys filters arent good enough, try third-party apps to weed out unwanted callers.There are a host of smartphone apps available that promise to block spam calls, like Nomorobo, YouMail, Hiya, RoboKiller, TrueCaller and others. Many charge a monthly or annual subscription fee but some offer a free basic option. Some also can be installed on landline phones, but only if they use VOIP technology, not copper cables.The Associated Press hasnt tested any of these apps and isnt making specific recommendations. We recommend you read user reviews and try some out for yourself.Apple says the apps work by comparing a callers number with a list of known numbers and labeling them, for example, spam or telemarketing. Then it might automatically block the call. Incoming calls are never sent to third-party developers, the company says.Report callsDid you know you can file a complaint with the FCC about specific spam calls? You can do so easily through an online form. It might not give you immediate satisfaction, but the National Consumer Law Center says data on complaints is the best tool federal agencies have for determining how big a problem robocalls are.Just say noWhile companies youve done business with can make robocalls to you, the National Consumer Law Center says its probably because you gave consent possibly hidden in fine print. But you can also revoke your consent at any time.Just tell the company representative that you want to revoke consent, and if that doesnt stop them, contact customer service and tell them that you dont consent to receive calls and want your number added to the companys do not call list, the center says.Hang upYou might be tempted to try to engage with the call in an attempt to get your number off the call list or be put through to a real person. The FTC warns against doing this and recommends that you just hang up.Pressing numbers to speak to someone or remove you from the list will probably only lead to more robocalls, the agency says on its advice page. And the number on your caller ID probably isnt real. Caller ID is easy to fake and cant be trusted, it says.Cybersecurity company Kaspersky advises not even saying anything when you receive what you think is a robocall. Weve all received scammy calls that start with something like Hello, can you hear me? to which youve probably replied yes without thinking.Scammers can then store the recording of your confirmation and use it for fraudulent activities, Kaspersky says. So, avoid saying yes where possible.Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.Kelvin Chan, Associated Press

The European Union on Thursday pushed back hard against allegations by U.S. President Donald Trump that the 27-nation bloc was out to get the United States, and warned that it would vigorously fight any wholesale tariff of 25% on all EU products.The tit-for-tat dispute following the vitriolic comments of Trump aimed at an age-old ally and its main postwar economic partner further deepened the trans-Atlantic rift that was already widened by Trumps warnings that Washington would drop security guarantees for its European allies.Thursdays EU pushback came after Trump told reporters that the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. Thats the purpose of it, and theyve done a good job of it, adding that it would stop immediately under his presidency.Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, which holds the EUs rotating presidency, went on a counteroffensive.The EU wasnt formed to screw anyone, Tusk said in an X post. Quite the opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to build respect among our nations, to create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship. As simple as that.And Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez added fiery fuel to the debate.We will stand up to those who attack us with unfair tariffs and veiled threats to our sovereignty. We are committed and prepared to do so, he said in northern Spain.The EU also warned that the moment that tariffs are announced, it would trigger tough countermeasures on iconic U.S. industries like bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles.Spain and the EU have been together working for months, and we will adopt measures to respond firmly. We will do so as a bloc, Snchez said.European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill also said that the EU would stand up to the Trump administration if tariffs are announced.The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, Gill said in a statement. We will also protect our consumers and businesses at every turn. They expect no less from us.Trump said in comments late Wednesday that the United States stood ready.We are the pot of gold. Were the one that everybody wants. And they can retaliate. But it cannot be a successful retaliation, because we just go cold turkey. We dont buy any more. And if that happens, we win.Gill also countered Trumps caustic comments on the inception of the EU and its development as an economic powerhouse.The European Union is the worlds largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States, he said, adding that the EU has facilitated trade, reduced costs for U.S. exporters, and harmonized standards and regulations, which makes it easier for U.S. exporters.The EU estimates that the trade volume between both sides stands at about $1.5 trillion, representing around 30% of global trade. Trump has complained about a trade deficit, but while the bloc has a substantial export surplus in goods, the EU says that is partly offset by the U.S. surplus in the trade of services.The EU says that trade in goods reached 851 billion euros ($878 billion) in 2023, with a trade surplus of 156 billion euros ($161 billion) for the EU. Trade in services was worth 688 billion euros ($710 billion) with a trade deficit of 104 billion euros ($107 billion) for the EU.The figures are so big that it remained essential to avoid a trade war, the EU has said.We should work together to preserve these opportunities for our people and businesses. Not against each other, Gill said. Europe stands for dialogue, openness and reciprocity. Were ready to partner if you play by the rules.Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.Raf Casert, Associated Press

While living in Japan, I witnessed an interesting trick for teaching children to ride a bicycle: Remove the pedals. As the child Fred-Flintstones his way around the street on the bike, their body naturally picks up on how to balance a two-wheeler. They can literally pick it up in an afternoon, and be riding with the pedals back on later that day.Latvian design brand Stum has created this Choppy Bicycle specifically for that purpose. I don't think this is a particularly sustainable solution for a family; why buy a bicycle that will only be used for several hours, and never again? It makes more sense to buy a standard bicycle and temporarily remove the pedals for training.That said, I'm writing this up because it might make good sense for a school or daycare center to purchase these. And also because this form is something that would've made the Eameses giddy to see. Note that the seat, which has some natural spring to it, can be placed at one of three heights. The handlebars can be placed in one of two positions, and the bike can be assembled without tools. These run 200 (USD $210).

The Core77 Design Awards Commercial & Industrial category features equipment, machinery, and systems used in business operations across various industries. Operational equipment and systems designed for commercial use such as retail, restaurants, and offices. Industrial equipment for large-scale manufacturing, heavy production, or infrastructure-related operation. What's the key to a strong Core77 Design Awards entry? The answer, according to Keqing Song, is: "Always be testing. It's clear when someone puts a lot of time and effort into the prototyping stage. Getting feedback and iterating on your idea to make it the best it can be is one of the most important steps of the design process." Keqing practices this dedication to continuous prototyping in his role as an Autodesk Fusion Community Manager, where he enjoys figuring out how the company's tools can help their community of designers, engineers, and makers create better products. He works directly with Fusion users to help them leverage the technology to its fullest extent across all industries, from consumer products to transportation. The self-described "design geek and analog tech nerd" also believes in approaching design with integrity. Keqing's biggest concern in today's design industry is the tendency to prioritize profits over solving real problems and driving innovation. "It's important to evaluate if you're just riding the hype of a design aesthetic or product category. Never lose sight of what matters most: your products having a positive impact on your end user." Aurora by Loft Design won the Commercial Equipment category.The 2024 winner in the Core77 Design Awards Commercial Equipment category (now the Commercial & Industrial Category) was Loft Design for Aurora, a compact benchtop instrument that optimizes Microfluidic Modulation Spectography (MMS) in industry and academic laboratories. If you have a design you've been testing (and testing), our jurors would love to check your work. Submit an entry to the 2025 Core77 Design Awards. And don't forget to check the box and enter your work for an additional Autodesk Fusion Prize.

Swedish multi-instrumentalist, composer, and inventor, Martin Molin, is a member of the folktronica and post-rock band Wintergatan. He made his first artistic ripples with the mammoth musical Marble Machine in 2016. Now, after an unsuccessful attempt in between at designing a Marble Machine that could travel on tours and form part of the Wintergatan bands stage shows, the master creator has live-streamed the entire CAD process of designing the third iteration of the machine on his YouTube channel.The one that he is now building is a Renaissance-inspired marble machine, he says, that Leonardo da Vinci would have designed. The follow-up known as MMX of the original huge marble machine made of birch ply comprising 2,000 metal balls juggling to hand-cranked operation and creating musical tunes by falling on vibraphone bars, drums, and an electric bass drew inspiration from the industrial era. But Molin believes that da Vincis mechanical drawings and material choices from the renascence period are closer inspiration to what the new Marble Machine 3 should be.Designer: WintergatanAgain, the intention with this Marble Machine 3 is to build a portable instrument capable of touring with the band. According to the video, the MM3 as it is sweetly called, is a more compact option for the publicially displayed second iteration. The new machine would use birch plywood to make the components and may feature a foot-pedal-powered Huygens weight system that would juggle the marbles to keep the drums, vibraphone bars, bass, churning out melodious tunes in harmony.Molin in his video notes that the single programming wheel on the machine will function as its brain, while the ring lift would recycle the marbles into a solitary collector. This flow of the marbles as clockwork would ensure continuous music playback. The video is pretty detailed, and if youre interested you can spend some time to note closely the complete intricacies of what the new-age marble machine could have on offer.However, at the time of writing, the concept is still evolving. What we see is of course pretty detailed and laid out with full conviction, but keeping the engineering mind and craftsmanship of Molin in mind, we cannot rule out the possibility of the Marble Machine going through many changes until it is actually live and ready to play melody at a Wintergatan stage show. One thing that is pretty apparent and should not change is the compact size of the machine which has been scaled down from 9.7 meters in the second iteration to almost 4.3 meters now for the MM3.The post Marble Machine concept inspired by Leonardo da Vinci sketches could be Wintergatans stage companion first appeared on Yanko Design.

Coffee tables are more than just functional pieces of furniture. Given that they are often used as centerpieces in a rooms interior design, they usually need to have more impact, whether through a clean, minimalist design or some unusual aesthetic. And what better way to leave an impression than with a table that blows the mind and keeps you at the edge of your seat, wondering whether the glass will break when you least expect it?The Slump Rock Coffee Table definitely has that effect. Practically made of only two materials, one of which is literally a large, raw, and rough piece of rock, the table cuts a striking figure in the middle of the room. With its rather unusual and somewhat unstable form, it creates an atmosphere of both tension and awe, earning the right to truly be the center of attraction in any space.Designer: Paul CocksedgeNothing in nature is completely straight or flat. There will always be bends, curves, and ripples even for things that are considered to be at rest or inert. Artificial materials, on the other hand, can be made perfectly flat by stretching or hammering them down. That image of a flat sheet of metal or glass also ironically conveys the tension of trying to keep that perfect form.This intriguing table tries to use that imagery and puts an unexpected twist to it. Simply placing a flat glass disc on top of a rock would be enough to create a sense of contrast and tension, but what if you made the glass relax instead? As if temporarily turning glass into some soft material, the tabletop seemingly starts to drape over the tip of the rock before solidifying again. Its almost as if the glass tried to take a breather and then suddenly remembered its place.The result is a unique composition where the inert rock seems to be trying to pierce upward through the glass, with the glass partially giving way until it stops the rock in its track. The jagged tip rises above the horizontal surface of the glass but is still covered by a layer of glass clinging tightly around it like shrink wrap.From the very materials used to this dichotomy of action and rest, the table is full of contrasts, creating both visual and thematic tension. The process of making the table isnt that smooth and effortless either, with the complexity of reworking a flat glass sheet to reform over an uneven rocky surface. Its an aesthetic that commands both attention and anxiety, ensuring youll never forget such a sight.The post Glass and rock table look like a sharp stone is piercing through the surface first appeared on Yanko Design.

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