Google is pushing back on a bill that would make Utah the first state in the US to have a law requiring app stores to conduct age verification of their users. The company has formally requested the state's governor to veto the bill, passed by the state legislature last week, as it urges states to consider a different approach to app safety.In a blog post from Google public policy director Kareem Ghanem, the company said the Utah law poses real privacy and safety risks and that states shouldnt rush to pass laws pushed by Meta and other social media companies. Instead, Ghanethe says that Google has proposed an alternative legislative framework that would allow the developers of potentially risky apps to request age signals from app store owners like Google.The statement is the first time Google has publicly opposed the bill, which would make Apple and Google responsible for age verification and parental permission features for children under 18. A spokesperson also confirmed that the company requested that Utah Governor Spencer Cox veto the bill. Cox has previously signed off on laws that imposed age verification and parental permission requirements on social media companies, though the measures were revised and later blocked by a judge. A spokesperson for Cox didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.While its not surprising that Google is opposing the law and others like it (there are at least eight other states considering similar measures), its notable that the company is proposing its own parameters for a law that would take into account what kind of content is available in a given app, which would place more of a burden on social media companies.Ghanem argues that not all apps should be subject to age verification. This level of data sharing isnt necessary a weather app doesnt need to know if a user is a kid, he writes. By contrast, a social media app does need to make significant decisions about age-appropriate content and features. He also argues that app store safety proposals should come with a ban on all personalized ads to anyone under 18, pointedly noting that "other companies" should follow Google's lead on the issue.Google obviously has a vested interest in not being responsible for age verification of its users, which would impose significant logistical and legal risks for the company. But many other privacy and digital rights groups have also opposed age verification laws.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-asks-utahs-governor-to-veto-the-states-app-store-age-verification-bill-233733280.html?src=rss

When it goes live, iOS 18.4 will allow some users to set a default navigation app other than Apple Maps. The software of choice can be set from the Settings app by going to Apps, then to Default Apps, then to Navigation. This way, users can opt for a program like Google Maps or Waze to be automatically opened when you're getting directions.This sounds like a useful update that lots of iPhone owners would appreciate. But not all of them will be able to take advantage. Default navigation choice will only be available in the EU. The change was previously noted by Apple earlier in the month as part of its broader response to the bloc's Digital Markets Act.There are some preferences iPhone owners in the US can set for default programs. Currently, Americans get options for setting the to-go apps for email, messaging, calling, call filtering, browser, passwords and codes, contactless and keyboards. And they've been thrown a bone in iOS 18.4, with the added choice to set a default translation app.Across the Atlantic, however European users can make more impactful choices around their Apple use. Most notably, they can use alternative app stores. Some features that were sparked by compliance with the Digital Markets Act have been rolled out in other markets, such as third-party access to the near-field communication that powers functions like tap-to-pay. Having an international consumer base will often lead to situations where different laws and regulations create different user experiences around the world. But at the rate EU users are getting a better experience, either initially or permanently, over Apple's home market, these instances are feeling more like an accepted strategy rather than edge cases.iOS 18.4 is still in beta; the final version is expected to release in April.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/ios-184-introduces-a-new-default-navigation-app-choice-but-only-in-europe-223408294.html?src=rss

Google adds a new physical model to level up a robot army.

I've pitted the Mac Studio M3 Ultra against its biggest Windows rivals

An emergency arbitrator ruled that former Meta staffer Sarah Wynn-Williams is prohibited from promoting memoir of her tenure at the social media company.

Go behind the scenes.The post Imageworks has posted a bunch of Red One breakdowns online appeared first on befores & afters.

With the advent of generative AI and other advanced technologies like quantum computing, we are entering a period of massive innovation. It is likely we are about to see more future-facing products and services than we witnessed in the past 25 years. These companies will disrupt current industries and change the way we work, live, and play.This creates a new paradigm in how companies identify the best opportunities and how those ideas are developed, branded, and activated. For the past 40 years, I have had a front row seat to some of the worlds most valuable brands early days. Lexicon Branding played a role in developing names for hundreds of iconic brands and productsmost that were new to the world at the time. Brands like Blackberry, Impossible Foods, Lucid, Sonos, Pentium, and many more.Having an innovative name is just one part of building a future-facing brand that connects with consumers, while also being memorable and distinct. The industry-disrupting brands weve worked with have taken a unique approach to building their brands and finding their unique place in their industries. These brands adopted the following principles to set them up for success as they build their next iteration. Think zero to oneZero to one is a phrase that describes the process of creating something radically new and taking it to its first growth step. A zero to one idea is not about disruption, but market expansion. They start small, very small, and then scale. Future-facing brands behave differently. They come with attitude. They depart from the past.While Gatorade was invented in 1965, it is a perfect example of a brand that reflects risk-taking thinking. Risk is an essential element of attitude. Using one of earths oldest predators to bring an entirely new idea and attitude to the market was risky, but it worked. Gatorades name makes us think: Whats in that bottle? On the other hand, Coca-Colas highly suggestive competitive entry, Powerade, is both safe and mundane. Sixty years after launch, Gatorade is still the leader.Brands that embody a zero to one attitude, behave differently from others in the market. SpaceX is the poster child of a zero to one brand. SpaceX isnt just a new type of space travel, it is the foundation for entirely new, multi-billion-dollar industries such as space tourism, space-based solar power, and moon/asteroid mining. A relentless focus on achieving firstsfrom landing on ocean platforms to being the first privately owned company to send astronauts to the International Space Stationepitomizes what it means to be a zero to one company.Another example is OpenAIs ChatGPT. ChatGPT defined a new paradigm for consumers and businesses to use generative AI in day-to-day work and life. Since its launch, ChatGPT has continued to dominate consumer interest, with 10 times the search traffic of the next four AI models combined.Cultivate distinctive behaviorsFuture-facing brands embody unique, novel attitudes. They depart boldly from the past. They do not rely only on their product, they must cultivate behaviors that stand out in the marketplace. In a market dominated by serene imagery of pristine islands and alpine springs, Liquid Death boldly subverts the beverage industry norms. It packages mountain water in tallboy cans resembling craft beerscomplete with heavy metal-inspired brandingand turn a simple product into a nonconformity statement. Its marketing strategy reinforces this unique behavior with taglines like Murder your thirst, helping Liquid Death double its valuation since 2022 to reach $1.4 billion today.Naming new brands a strategic imperativeIn todays hyper-competitive market, a brand name can no longer be viewed as a labelits a strategic asset. It must work harder, reach further, and resonate across multiple platforms and cultures. Were moving from tactical naming to strategic decision making, where the right name can be a powerful competitive advantage.Comfort is the enemy of great branding. The most impactful names are risky. As Oscar Wilde aptly put it, An idea that isnt dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all. Remember: The name you choose is often your first and most enduring marketing asset. Choose wisely, and let it be the cornerstone of your strategic advantage.Impossible Foods (formerly Maraxi) aligned an audacious name with an audacious goal: producing great tasting and completely vegan alternatives to meat products. Although Beyond Meat was the first alternative meat brand to appear in restaurants, Impossible has become the household name, maintaining a lead over Beyond in Google Search interest. The brand continues to invest in its brand fame with bold moves such as sponsoring Joey Chestnut, the hot dog eating world record leader.Uberstarted out as a premium black car service before transitioning to offer rides in just about any type of car. The name Uber, meaning above all the rest, served as a point of reference not only for customers but also for employees. It is a surprisingly familiar termrecognizable but not commonplacewhich lends itself to consumer curiosity and interest. Today, more than 170 million people use Uber each month and Ubers market capitalization is over $155 billion.Solve bigger problemsFuture-facing brands dont chase trends; they create the future. These brands should focus on addressing significant challenges that open doors to new possibilities and positive outcomes. For example, Seatrain Linesrevolutionized maritime shipping in 1928 with a forward-thinking approach. Founder Graham Brush designed ships capable of carrying entire loaded railroad cars, transforming traditional cargo handling. This innovation allowed for seamless loading and unloading of train cars, saving time, and reducing damage risks. Seatrains concept wasnt just an improvement; it reimagined shipping entirely. By creating a new market for intermodal transport, Seatrain expanded the industry beyond disruption, laying the groundwork for modern container shipping and reshaping global freight movementWe forget that Amazonstarted out by making books easier to buy online. Its focus on customer convenience sparked innovations like Amazon Web Services, which has revolutionized cloud computing and become a cornerstone of its business, was expected to hit a $110 billion revenue run rate in 2024. While retail is still the largest piece of Amazons revenue with online and retail combined, its AI-driven products like Alexa and exploration of drone delivery continue to redefine ecommerce.What all of these brands have in common is the attitude and acumen to take risks and see beyond their initial idea. By rethinking the way brands are developed, conceptualized, and ultimately named and introduced to the world, expect more future-facing brands to disrupt our lives for the better.David Placek is founder and CEO of Lexicon Branding.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

In B2B marketing, content syndication has long been a staple for reaching decision makers, filling the sales pipeline, and accelerating leads. But in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape, relying solely on a single channel strategy could mean missing out on other high-impact channels. Todays buyers are consuming content in new and varying waystheyre tuning in to podcasts during commutes, streaming their favorite shows via connected TV, and gaining business news from social media platforms. To engage prospects effectively, marketers need to test and expand their digital toolkit with a diversified channel mix that can be anchored in tried and true syndication but complemented with a mix to optimize results.Understand the new B2B buyerHeres the harsh reality for B2B organizations today: Engaging prospects is harder than ever. Buying groups are getting larger, buying decisions are taking longer, and buyers typically dont want to engage with sales teams until they are farther down the buying process.How B2B buyers approach purchase decisions has changed as well. Millennials and Gen Z members of the buying committee are remaking B2B buying dynamics. As digital natives, these buying demographics bring a fundamentally different mindset to the decision-making process thats more tech-savvy and focused on efficiency. Instead of relying on the traditional combination of in-person meetings, email exchanges, and/or phone calls, theyre using more media channels to gather information and conducting self-guided digital journeys that mirror the consumer-grade digital interactions they have in their personal lives.Revenue teams must adapt to this new breed of buyer by changing how they engage them. Focusing too heavily on one channel may limit reach and can neglect personalization opportunities. A diversified, multifaceted approach that leverages the unique benefits and strengths of each channel ensures that brands meet prospects where they are, while reinforcing messages across different touchpoints. This holistic engagement nurtures prospects throughout the decision-making process, leading to higher conversion rates, better deals, and stronger brand awareness and trust.Craft the optimal channel mixSo, what should the ideal B2B channel mix look like? Diversification is key to reaching buyers and standing out from the competition. Its not about eliminating any one channel entirely but instead focusing on buyer trends and insights to craft a unified, multi-channel strategy that meets them where they already are.Podcast advertising has become a powerful and intimate way for B2B marketers to reach highly engaged audiences. With podcast listenership in the U.S. at an all-time highup 23% since 2021research reveals that of those who listen on their way to or from work, 15% consider this time an essential part of their day, and these listeners are 10% more likely to engage with ads. Whats more, our recent Harris Poll survey revealed that half of B2B marketers surveyed plan to invest more in podcast advertising in 2025.For marketers, podcasts offer a versatile channel to engage decision makers through direct sponsorships or dynamic ad insertion. With listeners already immersed in relevant topics, podcasts provide a distraction-free environment where tailored messages resonate more deeply compared to traditional banner ads, thanks to the more conversational tone of the medium.Connected TV (CTV) presents another growing opportunity for B2B marketers, especially as hybrid work trends increase and decision makers continue to cut the cable cord in favor of streaming platforms. CTV ads offer an immersive, non-skippable format that captures attention in a premium environment. With the ability to target specific demographics, interests, and even industries, CTV is a powerful tool for building brand awareness and reinforcing thought leadership in the early stages of the buyers journey.Additionally, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are becoming crucial for B2B engagement. LinkedIn remains the go-to for targeted professional campaigns, but these visually-driven channels also allow brands to create authentic, trust-driven relationships with younger, digitally-savvy buyers. The trick with social media is consistency. Marketers should focus on producing value-rich content that fosters dialogue, shares insights, and highlights customer success. By combining organic posts with targeted paid campaigns, social media can generate engagement and build a community around your brand.Finally, display advertising remains an important tool in the B2B marketers arsenal, particularly for retargeting. Though often seen as a legacy tactic, programmatic display ads help bring decision makers back into the funnel with personalized, repeated exposure. Retargeting high-value accounts or visitors who have engaged with specific pages can be a highly effective strategy to nurture leads and encourage conversions.The future of B2B marketing: Stay adaptable to changing dynamicsAs B2B marketing becomes increasingly complex, marketers must stay ahead of trends, technologies, and best practices to remain competitive. Professionals who prioritize continuous learning through training and certification courses are better prepared to pivot and implement new strategies, ultimately driving better results for their organization. Certification programs from reputable organizations go beyond basic training by ensuring your strategy comes from a more solid understanding of marketing basics. This certification not only serves as tangible proof of expertise, helping build credibility with clients, partners, and stakeholders, but also enables you to make stronger cases for experimental campaigns because you have a deeper understanding of all the steps required to achieve success.While content syndication will always have its place, marketers should embrace a more modern channel mix to thrive in todays competitive B2B environment. The future of B2B engagement requires meeting your audience wherever they are, whether in their earbuds during a podcast, streaming shows after work, or scrolling through social media in search of insights. By combining a more diverse mix of channels, brands can create a comprehensive strategy that engages all decision-makers across multiple touchpoints, fostering deeper connections and driving long-term revenue growth.Keith Turco is the CEO ofMadison Logic.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Redeveloping residential projects often presents a unique challenge. Homeowners tend to hold deep sentimental ties to their existing structures while simultaneously seeking modern functionality. Striking this delicate balance requires a thoughtful approach, one that architecture studio McLaren Excell (not to be confused with the automotive marque McLaren) mastered in their transformation of a tired 1970s house in Wimbledon. The result is a striking new residence that embraces contemporary design without losing sight of timeless architectural integrity.Set on a site previously occupied by a dated structure, the new home is a confident and bold statement in modern architecture. Featuring a contemporary grey brick exterior, clean lines, and cubic volumes, the house commands attention on its quiet residential street. The designers replaced the existing building with a structure tailored for 21st-century living, one that combines striking aesthetics with practical functionality.Designer:McLaren ExcellThe clients vision was key to this transformation, particularly their passion for materiality and brick houses. McLaren Excell honored this by using a restrained palette of brick, concrete, and timber, crafting a sculptural form that exudes solidity and depth. The bricks, sourced from Danish manufacturer Petersen, possess a subtle, chalky finish that enhances the homes monolithic yet textured appearance. Darker tones define the exterior, reinforcing its fortress-like presence, while the interior features lighter hues that introduce warmth and an interplay of light and shadow.Brick, one of the oldest construction materials, plays a crucial role in maintaining a sense of historical charm. While its use connects the home to traditional craftsmanship, the grey tone injects a contemporary sensibility into the design. This thoughtful interplay between old and new ensures that the house feels both timeless and forward-thinking, creating a seamless blend of nostalgia and modernity.Despite its imposing faade, the home is far from austere. Designed for both entertainment and relaxed family life, the interior spaces seamlessly adapt to the clients daily needs. A skylight allows natural light to filter through the house, following the suns path throughout the day, creating an ever-changing ambiance. The deep-set windows and exposed concrete beams further emphasize the structures solidity, reflecting its urban surroundings.Inside, the layout prioritizes comfort and fluidity. The ground floor features a living room, study, lounge, and kitchen-dining area, fostering an inviting atmosphere for both social gatherings and quiet moments. The second-floor houses four ensuite bedrooms branching off a communal area, while the third floor is dedicated to the primary suite. This private retreat boasts wrap-around terraces and a fireplace, offering an intimate space that harmonizes with the rest of the houses bold yet serene character.Luke McLaren, co-founder of McLaren Excell, emphasized the projects striking presence, noting that the house commands attention and defies immediate understanding. He described it as bold and unapologetic, standing as a testament to the clients vision for a truly unique piece of architecture.Indeed, the house challenges convention, sparking conversation among passersby. Its enigmatic, inward-facing faade offers little at first glance, yet inside lies a calm oasis, a tribute to the beauty of brick, concrete, and natural light. The Wimbledon home by McLaren Excell is a masterclass in balancing bold architecture with intimate living spaces, an enduring testament to thoughtful and innovative design.The post Architects McLaren Excell Transform 1970s Wimbledon Home Into a Bold, Modern Brick Masterpiece first appeared on Yanko Design.

The King Cloud Recliner blends innovative engineering, smart technology, and customizable comfort into the ultimate luxury seating experience. Created by King Living, an Australian family-owned furniture company with over 30 showrooms across eight countries, the King Cloud has evolved through several versions to become what they call the worlds most advanced home cinema seating. As I renovate my sunroom into an entertainment center, this gorgeous piece from King Living would pair perfectly with the new Hisense 100-inch TV Im eagerly awaiting.Designer: King LivingThe Evolution of King CloudThe King Cloud journey started with the Cloud III, which introduced the game-changing TouchGlide control technology. This smart system lets you adjust the head, seat, and footrests with simple swipes across hidden buttons.King Living later introduced the Cloud V, elevating design and features. Marketed as the worlds most advanced cinema seating, its modular design seamlessly fits in spacious living rooms and cozy home theaters.The newest version, King Cloud Premiere, keeps what worked while adding thoughtful upgrades. The TouchGlide technology now has improved gesture control, and the cushioning feels even more luxurious. Each new model reflects King Livings dedication to pushing boundaries while responding to what customers actually want.Engineering and Design ExcellenceAt the heart of every King Cloud is an engineered steel frame thats built to last. King Living backs this with an impressive 25-year warranty theyre that confident in their engineering.The reclining mechanism is particularly clever. Unlike traditional recliners that need lots of space behind them, the King Cloud can sit right against a wall, thanks to its space-saving design.What really sets it apart is the Postureflex Seating System, which uses technology similar to that used in luxury European cars. Combined with multi-layer foam seats and backrests, it creates an incredibly comfortable seating experience. The lumbar support naturally follows your spines curve, keeping you comfortable even during movie marathons.TouchGlide Technology and Smart IntegrationThe TouchGlide Technology makes traditional recliners seem ancient. Four touch-sensitive buttons on each seats side give you complete control with just a fingertip. The two front buttons open the footrest or headrest, while the two in the back close them.The gesture control is where it gets really cool swipe forward across all buttons to move into your favorite pre-programmed position. A double swipe activates a second memory position, so different family members can quickly find their perfect spot.You can save your favorite positions by holding specific button combinations. When youre done, just swipe backward to return everything to the closed position. Smooth dual motors ensure precise adjustments every time.King Cloud doesnt stop at movement control. It works with LED reading lights that respond to gestures, wireless charging tables for your devices, and speaker brackets that fit Sonos systems creating a complete entertainment hub.Customization and Modular FlexibilityThe King Cloud adapts to your space and needs with multiple configuration options from single armchairs to 3-seater arrangements. You can add or remove sections as your needs change, making it incredibly versatile.The Smart Pockets system adds another layer of customization. These clever storage compartments in the arms hold remotes and tablets while also connecting to various accessories. Newer models feature deeper pockets with more room for headphones, game controllers, and other devices.You can also choose from a wide range of premium fabrics and leathers to match your style. Leather lovers can choose from full-grain and top-grain options from top Italian and German tanneries, while the fabric collection offers colors and textures for any design scheme.The removable covers are especially practical they can be professionally cleaned or completely changed without replacing the whole piece. The zip-on design and specialized foam inserts ensure everything looks smooth and polished.Smart Accessories EcosystemKing Cloud offers a complete ecosystem of smart seating accessories. The Smart Pockets act as connection points for various add-ons that enhance your experience, allowing you to easily upgrade as your needs evolve.LED reading lights are among the most popular extras, offering adjustable lighting with touchless controls. For tech lovers, wireless charging tables eliminate cable clutter while keeping your devices powered up.The media console is another brilliant addition. It sits between sofa modules and includes a gas lift mechanism that hides media devices and cables. It can even accommodate subwoofers and audio equipment, so you not only hear but feel the sound through your seat.For serious home cinema fans, King Living offers speaker brackets that work with Sonos systems. These integrate directly with the sofa structure, creating immersive surround sound that complements the physical comfort.Advanced Safety and Durability FeaturesSafety is built into every aspect of the King Cloud, with features like mechanical spring safety, pinch point protection, and an infrared safety system. The infrared sensors are especially clever they detect objects under the footrest and stop movement immediately, protecting everything from your coffee cup to your curious cat.In newer models, these IR sensors have been moved to fixed positions for even better reliability. This attention to safety shows King Livings thoughtful approach to design.The King Cloud is built to last, from its steel frame to its high-quality upholstery. The multi-layer foam retains its shape and comfort even after years of use, while the removable covers extend the furnitures life by allowing for cleaning or replacement. This smart construction means you wont need to replace the entire piece when styles change or accidents happen.Home Entertainment and Everyday Living ApplicationsWhile its marketed as premium cinema seating, the King Cloud works beautifully in many living situations. Its space-saving design makes it perfect for urban homes where every inch counts.For movie buffs, its a dream come true. The integration with audio equipment creates an immersive experience where you can feel the sound through your seat. The TouchGlide technology lets you find the perfect viewing position, while memory functions ensure you can return to it with a simple gesture.Beyond movies, King Cloud supports everyday relaxation and modern living. Wireless charging keeps your devices ready, LED reading lights make it perfect for curling up with a book, and the Smart Pockets keep daily essentials within reach.The modular design means your furniture can evolve as your life does. Add sections when you move to a bigger place, reconfigure when you rearrange your room, or change covers when you update your decor. Its furniture that adapts to you, not the other way around.The post Sink Into Luxury: The King Cloud Recliner Takes Movie Night to a Whole New Level! first appeared on Yanko Design.