This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. President Donald Trump signed an executive order (EO) Friday that scratched or revised several of his Democratic predecessors’ major cybersecurity initiatives. “Just days before President Trump took office, the Biden Administration attempted to sneak problematic and distracting issues into cybersecurity policy,” the White House said in a fact sheet about Trump’s new directive, referring to projects that Biden launched with his Jan. 15 executive order. Trump’s new EO eliminates those projects, which would have required software vendors to prove their compliance with new federal security standards, prioritized research and testing of artificial intelligence for cyber defense and accelerated the rollout of encryption that withstands the future code-cracking powers of quantum computers. “President Trump has made it clear that this Administration will do what it takes to make America cyber secure,” the White House said in its fact sheet, “including focusing relentlessly on technical and organizational professionalism to improve the security and resilience of the nation’s information systems and networks.” Major cyber regulation shift Trump’s elimination of Biden’s software security requirements for federal contractors represents a significant government reversal on cyber regulation. Following years of major cyberattacks linked to insecure software, the Biden administration sought to use federal procurement power to improve the software industry’s practices. That effort began with Biden’s 2021 cyber order and gained strength in 2024, and then Biden officials tried to add teeth to the initiative before leaving office in January. But as it eliminated that project on Friday, the Trump administration castigated Biden’s efforts as “imposing unproven and burdensome software accounting processes that prioritized compliance checklists over genuine security investments.” Trump’s order eliminates provisions from Biden’s directive that would have required federal contractors to submit “secure software development attestations,” along with technical data to back up those attestations. Also now eradicated are provisions that would have required the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to verify vendors’ attestations, required the Office of the National Cyber Director to publish the results of those reviews and encouraged ONCD to refer companies whose attestations fail a review to the Justice Department “for action as appropriate.” Trump’s order leaves in place a National Institute of Standards and Technology collaboration with industry to update NIST’s Software Software Development Framework, but it eliminates parts of Biden’s order that would have incorporated those SSDF updates into security requirements for federal vendors. In a related move, Trump eliminated provisions of his predecessor’s order that would have required NIST to “issue guidance identifying minimum cybersecurity practices” (based on a review of globally accepted standards) and required federal contractors to follow those practices. AI security cut Trump also took an axe to Biden requirements related to AI and its ability to help repel cyberattacks. He scrapped a Biden initiative to test AI’s power to “enhance cyber defense of critical infrastructure in the energy sector,” as well as one that would have directed federal research programs to prioritize topics like the security of AI-powered coding and “methods for designing secure AI systems.” The EO also killed a provision would have required the Pentagon to “use advanced AI models for cyber defense.” On quantum computing, Trump’s directive significantly pares back Biden’s attempts to accelerate the government’s adoption of post-quantum cryptography. Biden told agencies to start using quantum-resistant encryption “as soon as practicable” and to start requiring vendors to use it when technologically possible. Trump eliminated those requirements, leaving only a Biden requirement that CISA maintain “a list of product categories in which products that support post-quantum cryptography … are widely available.” Trump also eliminated instructions for the departments of State and Commerce to encourage key foreign allies and overseas industries to adopt NIST’s PQC algorithms. The EO dropped many other provisions of Biden’s January directive, including one requiring agencies to start testing phishing-resistant authentication technologies, one requiring NIST to advise other agencies on internet routing security and one requiring agencies to use strong email encryption. Trump also cut language directing the Office of Management and Budget to advise agencies on addressing risks related to IT vendor concentration. In his January order, Biden ordered agencies to explore and encourage the use of digital identity documents to prevent fraud, including in public benefits programs. Trump eliminated those initiatives, calling them “inappropriate.”  Trump also tweaked the language of Obama-era sanctions authorities targeting people involved in cyberattacks on the U.S., specifying that the Treasury Department can only sanction foreigners for these activities. The White House said Trump’s change would prevent the power’s “misuse against domestic political opponents.” Amid the whirlwind of changes, Trump left one major Biden-era cyber program intact: a Federal Communications Commission project, modeled on the Energy Star program, that will apply government seals of approval to technology products that undergo security testing by federally accredited labs. Trump preserved the language in Biden’s order that requires companies selling internet-of-things devices to the federal government to go through the FCC program by January 2027.

How Deepfakes Are Created Generative AI models enable the creation of highly realistic fake media. Most deepfakes today are produced by training deep neural networks on real images, video or audio of a target person. The two predominant AI architectures are generative adversarial networks (GANs) and autoencoders. A GAN consists of a generator network that produces synthetic images and a discriminator network that tries to distinguish fakes from real data. Through iterative training, the generator learns to produce outputs that increasingly fool the discriminator¹. Autoencoder-based tools similarly learn to encode a target face and then decode it onto a source video. In practice, deepfake creators use accessible software: open-source tools like DeepFaceLab and FaceSwap dominate video face-swapping (one estimate suggests DeepFaceLab was used for over 95% of known deepfake videos)². Voice-cloning tools (often built on similar AI principles) can mimic a person’s speech from minutes of audio. Commercial platforms like Synthesia allow text-to-video avatars (turning typed scripts into lifelike “spokespeople”), which have already been misused in disinformation campaigns³. Even mobile apps (e.g. FaceApp, Zao) let users do basic face swaps in minutes⁴. In short, advances in GANs and related models make deepfakes cheaper and easier to generate than ever. Diagram of a generative adversarial network (GAN): A generator network creates fake images from random input and a discriminator network distinguishes fakes from real examples. Over time the generator improves until its outputs “fool” the discriminator⁵ During creation, a deepfake algorithm is typically trained on a large dataset of real images or audio from the target. The more varied and high-quality the training data, the more realistic the deepfake. The output often then undergoes post-processing (color adjustments, lip-syncing refinements) to enhance believability¹. Technical defenses focus on two fronts: detection and authentication. Detection uses AI models to spot inconsistencies (blinking irregularities, audio artifacts or metadata mismatches) that betray a synthetic origin⁵. Authentication embeds markers before dissemination – for example, invisible watermarks or cryptographically signed metadata indicating authenticity⁶. The EU AI Act will soon mandate that major AI content providers embed machine-readable “watermark” signals in synthetic media⁷. However, as GAO notes, detection is an arms race – even a marked deepfake can sometimes evade notice – and labels alone don’t stop false narratives from spreading⁸⁹. Deepfakes in Recent Elections: Examples Deepfakes and AI-generated imagery already have made headlines in election cycles around the world. In the 2024 U.S. primary season, a digitally-altered audio robocall mimicked President Biden’s voice urging Democrats not to vote in the New Hampshire primary. The caller (“Susan Anderson”) was later fined $6 million by the FCC and indicted under existing telemarketing laws¹⁰¹¹. (Importantly, FCC rules on robocalls applied regardless of AI: the perpetrator could have used a voice actor or recording instead.) Also in 2024, former President Trump posted on social media a collage implying that pop singer Taylor Swift endorsed his campaign, using AI-generated images of Swift in “Swifties for Trump” shirts¹². The posts sparked media uproar, though analysts noted the same effect could have been achieved without AI (e.g., by photoshopping text on real images)¹². Similarly, Elon Musk’s X platform carried AI-generated clips, including a parody “Ad” depicting Vice-President Harris’s voice via an AI clone¹³. Beyond the U.S., deepfake-like content has appeared globally. In Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election, a video surfaced on social media in which a convincingly generated image of the late President Suharto appeared to endorse the candidate of the Golkar Party. Days later, the endorsed candidate (who is Suharto’s son-in-law) won the presidency¹⁴. In Bangladesh, a viral deepfake video superimposed the face of opposition leader Rumeen Farhana onto a bikini-clad body – an incendiary fabrication designed to discredit her in the conservative Muslim-majority society¹⁵. Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has been repeatedly targeted by AI-driven disinformation; one deepfake video falsely showed her resigning and endorsing a Russian-friendly party, apparently to sow distrust in the electoral process¹⁶. Even in Taiwan (amidst tensions with China), a TikTok clip circulated that synthetically portrayed a U.S. politician making foreign-policy statements – stoking confusion ahead of Taiwanese elections¹⁷. In Slovakia’s recent campaign, AI-generated audio mimicking the liberal party leader suggested he plotted vote-rigging and beer-price hikes – instantly spreading on social media just days before the election¹⁸. These examples show that deepfakes have touched diverse polities (from Bangladesh and Indonesia to Moldova, Slovakia, India and beyond), often aiming to undermine candidates or confuse voters¹⁵¹⁸. Notably, many of the most viral “deepfakes” in 2024 were actually circulated as obvious memes or claims, rather than subtle deceptions. Experts observed that outright undetectable AI deepfakes were relatively rare; more common were AI-generated memes plainly shared by partisans, or cheaply doctored “cheapfakes” made with basic editing tools¹³¹⁹. For instance, social media was awash with memes of Kamala Harris in Soviet garb or of Black Americans holding Trump signs¹³, but these were typically used satirically, not meant to be secretly believed. Nonetheless, even unsophisticated fakes can sway opinion: a U.S. study found that false presidential ads (not necessarily AI-made) did change voter attitudes in swing states. In sum, deepfakes are a real and growing phenomenon in election campaigns²⁰²¹ worldwide – a trend taken seriously by voters and regulators alike. U.S. Legal Framework and Accountability In the U.S., deepfake creators and distributors of election misinformation face a patchwork of tools, but no single comprehensive federal “deepfake law.” Existing laws relevant to disinformation include statutes against impersonating government officials, electioneering (such as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which requires disclaimers on political ads), and targeted statutes like criminal electioneering communications. In some cases ordinary laws have been stretched: the NH robocall used the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and mail/telemarketing fraud provisions, resulting in the $6M fine and a criminal charge. Similarly, voice impostors can potentially violate laws against “false advertising” or “unlawful corporate communications.” However, these laws were enacted before AI, and litigators have warned they often do not fit neatly. For example, deceptive deepfake claims not tied to a specific victim do not easily fit into defamation or privacy torts. Voter intimidation laws (prohibiting threats or coercion) also leave a gap for non-threatening falsehoods about voting logistics or endorsements. Recognizing these gaps, some courts and agencies are invoking other theories. The U.S. Department of Justice has recently charged individuals under broad fraud statutes (e.g. for a plot to impersonate an aide to swing votes in 2020), and state attorneys general have considered deepfake misinformation as interference with voting rights. Notably, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is preparing to enforce new rules: in April 2024 it issued an advisory opinion limiting “non-candidate electioneering communications” that use falsified media, effectively requiring that political ads use only real images of the candidate. If finalized, that would make it unlawful for campaigns to pay for ads depicting a candidate saying things they never did. Similarly, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have signaled that purely commercial deepfakes could violate consumer protection or election laws (for example, liability for mass false impersonation or for foreign-funded electioneering). U.S. Legislation and Proposals Federal lawmakers have proposed new statutes. The DEEPFAKES Accountability Act (H.R.5586 in the 118th Congress) would, among other things, impose a disclosure requirement: political ads featuring a manipulated media likeness would need clear disclaimers identifying the content as synthetic. It also increases penalties for producing false election videos or audio intended to influence the vote. While not yet enacted, supporters argue it would provide a uniform rule for all federal and state campaigns. The Brennan Center supports transparency requirements over outright bans, suggesting laws should narrowly target deceptive deepfakes in paid ads or certain categories (e.g. false claims about time/place/manner of voting) while carving out parody and news coverage. At the state level, over 20 states have passed deepfake laws specifically for elections. For example, Florida and California forbid distributing falsified audio/visual media of candidates with intent to deceive voters (though Florida’s law exempts parody). Some states (like Texas) define “deepfake” in statutes and allow candidates to sue or revoke candidacies of violators. These measures have had mixed success: courts have struck down overly broad provisions that acted as prior restraints (e.g. Minnesota’s 2023 law was challenged for threatening injunctions against anyone “reasonably believed” to violate it). Critically, these state laws raise First Amendment issues: political speech is highly protected, so any restriction must be tightly tailored. Already, Texas and Virginia statutes are under legal review, and Elon Musk’s company has sued under California’s law (which requires platforms to label or block deepfakes) as unconstitutional. In practice, most lawsuits have so far centered on defamation or intellectual property (for instance, a celebrity suing over a botched celebrity-deepfake video), rather than election-focused statutes. Policy Recommendations: Balancing Integrity and Speech Given the rapidly evolving technology, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach. Most stress transparency and disclosure as core principles. For example, the Brennan Center urges requiring any political communication that uses AI-synthesized images or voice to include a clear label. This could be a digital watermark or a visible disclaimer. Transparency has two advantages: it forces campaigns and platforms to “own” the use of AI, and it alerts audiences to treat the content with skepticism. Outright bans on all deepfakes would likely violate free speech, but targeted bans on specific harms (e.g. automated phone calls impersonating voters, or videos claiming false polling information) may be defensible. Indeed, Florida already penalizes misuse of recordings in voter suppression. Another recommendation is limited liability: tying penalties to demonstrable intent to mislead, not to the mere act of content creation. Both U.S. federal proposals and EU law generally condition fines on the “appearance of fraud” or deception. Technical solutions can complement laws. Watermarking original media (as encouraged by the EU AI Act) could deter the reuse of authentic images in doctored fakes. Open tools for deepfake detection – some supported by government research grants – should be deployed by fact-checkers and social platforms. Making detection datasets publicly available (e.g. the MIT OpenDATATEST) helps improve AI models to spot fakes. International cooperation is also urged: cross-border agreements on information-sharing could help trace and halt disinformation campaigns. The G7 and APEC have all recently committed to fighting election interference via AI, which may lead to joint norms or rapid response teams. Ultimately, many analysts believe the strongest “cure” is a well-informed public: education campaigns to teach voters to question sensational media, and a robust independent press to debunk falsehoods swiftly. While the law can penalize the worst offenders, awareness and resilience in the electorate are crucial buffers against influence operations. As Georgia Tech’s Sean Parker quipped in 2019, “the real question is not if deepfakes will influence elections, but who will be empowered by the first effective one.” Thus policies should aim to deter malicious use without unduly chilling innovation or satire. References: https://www.security.org/resources/deepfake-statistics/. https://www.wired.com/story/synthesia-ai-deepfakes-it-control-riparbelli/. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-107292. https://technologyquotient.freshfields.com/post/102jb19/eu-ai-act-unpacked-8-new-rules-on-deepfakes. https://knightcolumbia.org/blog/we-looked-at-78-election-deepfakes-political-misinformation-is-not-an-ai-problem. https://www.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5220301/deepfakes-memes-artificial-intelligence-elections. https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-elections-disinformation-chatgpt-bc283e7426402f0b4baa7df280a4c3fd. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/new-and-old-tools-to-tackle-deepfakes-and-election-lies-in-2024. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/regulating-ai-deepfakes-and-synthetic-media-political-arena. https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/political-deepfakes-and-elections/. https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/deceptive-audio-or-visual-media-deepfakes-2024-legislation. https://law.unh.edu/sites/default/files/media/2022/06/nagumotu_pp113-157.pdf. https://dfrlab.org/2024/10/02/brazil-election-ai-research/. https://dfrlab.org/2024/11/26/brazil-election-ai-deepfakes/. https://freedomhouse.org/article/eu-digital-services-act-win-transparency. The post The Legal Accountability of AI-Generated Deepfakes in Election Misinformation appeared first on MarkTechPost.

Logitech hasn’t officially launched the successor to the MX Master 3S, a.k.a. my favorite mouse ever, but it might be close. The company recently submitted documentation for Bluetooth certification in Brazil, just as an (accidental?) teaser appeared on its official Instagram. As reported by Brazilian tech site Tecnoblog, the MX Master 4, listed under model number MR0118, has just passed certification by Anatel, Brazil’s telecom regulator and local equivalent of the FCC. The approval was granted on May 9, and was required due to the device’s Bluetooth connectivity. As such, it falls under the regulator’s “restricted radiation transceivers” category. Whoops! The certification documents didn’t include product images, but Logitech may have taken care of that themselves: a promotional image briefly popped up on the company’s feed and, naturally, it immediately ended up on Reddit before being taken down following a legal request. Which is why we’re only linking to it, as we’re not exactly eager to get acquainted with their lawyers. Based on the leaked image, the changes seem subtle but noticeable. The side scroll wheel appears to have been nudged slightly forward and upward, while the primary click buttons now take up more space, instead of ceding ground to the Magspeed wheel base. While the MX line is best known for high-end productivity use, especially among creatives and coders, its customization, gesture controls and multi-device pairing make it equally appealing for more casual use and even some light gaming. Logitech hasn’t made any public announcements yet, but with certification out of the way and marketing assets already in place, it’s safe to assume the MX Master 4 launch is imminent. And I’m so here for it. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

10 Warm Color Palettes That’ll Brighten Your Day Preston Lee • May 30, 2025 In this article:See more ▼Post may contain affiliate links which give us commissions at no cost to you.There’s nothing quite like the embracing quality of warm colors to make a design feel inviting and alive. As someone who’s spent years working with color, I can tell you that warm palettes have this incredible ability to create instant emotional connection – they draw people in, make them feel comfortable, and add that special touch of energy that cooler tones just can’t match. Whether you’re designing a brand identity that needs to feel approachable, creating an interior space that welcomes guests, or crafting digital experiences that feel human and engaging, warm color palettes are your secret weapon. I’ve curated eight of my favorite warm color combinations that never fail to bring projects to life. 👋 Psst... Did you know you can get unlimited downloads of 59,000+ fonts and millions of other creative assets for just $16.95/mo? Learn more »The 10 Most Inviting Warm Color Palettes 1. Fireplace Embers This palette captures the deep, glowing warmth of a crackling fire, moving from the darkest burnt wood tones through bright flames to golden sparks. There’s something primal and comforting about these colors that instantly makes any space feel like home. #582707 #972D07 #FF4B3E #FFB20F #FFE548 Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper I love how this combination builds intensity from the rich chocolate browns through vibrant reds to sunny yellows. It’s perfect for brands that want to convey both reliability and energy. 2. Sunset Adobe Inspired by southwestern architecture bathed in golden hour light, this palette brings together warm earth tones with vibrant coral and cooling sage. It’s sophisticated warmth with just the right amount of contrast. #FAD089 #FF9C5B #F5634A #ED303C #3B8183 Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper The unexpected teal at the end grounds this palette beautifully, preventing it from becoming too intense while adding depth and sophistication. Perfect for luxury brands with a natural, artisanal feel. 3. Sunset Glow This palette captures those magical golden hour moments when the sky transforms into a canvas of warm brilliance. I find myself reaching for these colors whenever I want to create something that feels optimistic and energizing.Get 300+ Fonts for FREEEnter your email to download our 100% free "Font Lover's Bundle". For commercial & personal use. No royalties. No fees. No attribution. 100% free to use anywhere. #FF6B35 #F7931E #FFD23F #FFF8E7 Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper The interplay between the deep coral and bright amber creates movement, while the cream base keeps everything grounded. Perfect for brands that want to convey warmth and reliability. 4. Autumn Harvest Nothing says cozy quite like the rich, earthy tones of fall foliage. This palette brings together the deep warmth of changing leaves with the golden light of shorter days. #8B4513 #CD853F #DAA520 #F4E4BC Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper I love using this combination for projects that need to feel established and trustworthy. There’s something about these colors that speaks to tradition and quality. 5. Desert Bloom Inspired by the surprising bursts of color found in arid landscapes, this palette combines the warmth of sun-baked earth with vibrant desert flowers. #E07A5F #F2CC8F #81B29A #F4F3EE Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper The sage green might seem like an unexpected addition, but it perfectly balances the intensity of the coral and creates a sophisticated warmth that’s both modern and timeless. 6. Campfire Stories This palette evokes those perfect evenings around a crackling fire, when conversation flows as freely as the warm light dancing across faces. #D2691E #CD5C5C #F4A460 #FDF5E6 Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper These colors work beautifully together because they share that flickering, organic quality of firelight. I often recommend this palette for hospitality brands or any project that wants to feel welcoming and communal. 7. Spiced Chai Drawing inspiration from aromatic spices and comfort drinks, this palette brings together the warmth of cinnamon, cardamom, and rich cream. #A0522D #DEB887 #F5DEB3 #FFFAF0 Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper There’s something incredibly soothing about these colors. They remind me of cozy cafes and intimate conversations, making them perfect for brands in the wellness or food space. 8. Coral Reef This vibrant palette captures the living warmth of tropical waters, where coral formations create stunning displays of natural color. #FF7F7F #FFB347 #FFCCCB #FFF5EE Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper The soft peachy tones create depth while maintaining that cheerful, energetic feeling. I love using this palette for brands targeting younger audiences or projects that need to feel fresh and lively. 9. Terracotta Dreams Inspired by Mediterranean architecture and handcrafted pottery, this palette brings together earthy reds with warm neutrals that feel both ancient and contemporary. #CD853F #A0522D #DEB887 #F5F5DC Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper These colors have been beloved by cultures around the world for centuries, and there’s good reason for that enduring appeal. They create spaces and designs that feel both sophisticated and approachable. 10. Golden Hour This palette captures that perfect moment when everything is bathed in warm, golden light – when ordinary scenes become magical and every color seems to glow from within. #FFD700 #FFA500 #FF8C00 #FFFACD Download this color palette 735×1102 Pinterest image 2160×3840 Vertical wallpaper 900×900 Square 3840×2160 4K Wallpaper I find these colors work exceptionally well for luxury brands or any project that wants to convey premium quality and elegance without feeling cold or distant. Why Warm Colors Work So Well Before diving deeper into how to use these palettes, it’s worth understanding why warm colors have such powerful psychological effects. Warm colors – reds, oranges, yellows, and their variations – literally make us feel warmer. They increase our heart rate slightly, create feelings of energy and excitement, and make spaces feel more intimate and cozy. From a design perspective, warm colors advance visually, meaning they appear to come forward in a composition. This makes them excellent for creating focal points and drawing attention. They’re also associated with comfort, friendliness, and approachability – qualities that most brands and spaces want to embody. As a designer, I’ve noticed that warm palettes tend to make people linger longer, whether that’s on a website, in a store, or in a room. There’s something inherently inviting about these colors that makes people want to stay and explore. Making Warm Palettes Work in Modern Design The challenge with warm color palettes is that they can sometimes feel overwhelming or dated if not handled carefully. Here’s how I approach using them in contemporary projects: Start with restraint. You don’t need to use every color in a palette at full saturation. Often, using one or two colors as the primary focus and letting others play supporting roles creates more sophisticated results. Consider your lighting. Warm colors can look dramatically different under various lighting conditions. Always test your palette in the actual environment where it will be seen, whether that’s on different screens or under different types of artificial lighting. Balance temperature. While these are warm palettes, introducing small amounts of cooler tones can create visual interest and prevent the overall feeling from becoming too intense. Notice how several of my palettes include sage greens or cool creams. Think about texture. Warm colors often work beautifully with textural elements. Consider how these colors might look on different materials – matte versus glossy finishes, rough versus smooth textures. Use white space strategically. Warm colors can feel crowded if not given room to breathe. Generous white space or neutral backgrounds help warm colors feel more sophisticated and less overwhelming. Warm Palettes Across Different Applications The beauty of warm color palettes lies in their versatility. I’ve successfully used variations of these combinations across virtually every type of design project. In branding, warm palettes work exceptionally well for companies in food service, hospitality, wellness, education, and family-oriented businesses. They convey approachability and trustworthiness while still feeling energetic and modern. For interior spaces, these palettes create environments where people naturally want to gather and connect. I particularly love using warm colors in dining areas, living rooms, and any space designed for conversation and relaxation. In digital design, warm palettes can make websites and apps feel more human and less sterile. They’re especially effective for call-to-action buttons, as warm colors naturally draw the eye and encourage interaction. For packaging and product design, warm colors suggest quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They’re particularly effective for artisanal products, gourmet foods, and premium lifestyle brands. The Cultural Context of Warmth It’s fascinating to consider how different cultures have embraced warm colors throughout history. From the ochres and umbers used in cave paintings to the vibrant oranges and reds found in Indian textiles, warm colors have always been associated with life, energy, and celebration. In contemporary design, we’re seeing a renewed appreciation for these earthy, warm tones as people seek more authentic, human-centered experiences. After years of cool, minimalist aesthetics dominating design trends, there’s a growing hunger for color palettes that feel more emotionally resonant and personally meaningful. This shift isn’t just aesthetic – it reflects deeper cultural changes toward valuing comfort, community, and authentic connection over stark perfection. Seasonal Considerations While warm colors work year-round, they do have natural seasonal associations that can be leveraged strategically. The autumn-inspired palettes feel most natural during fall months, while the coral and sunset palettes align beautifully with summer energy. However, I’ve found that using warm colors counter-seasonally can create particularly memorable impressions. A warm, cozy palette during winter months can provide welcome relief from the cold, while warm colors in spring can feel fresh and optimistic. Bringing It All Together Working with warm color palettes is ultimately about understanding the emotional response you want to create. These colors have the power to make people feel welcomed, energized, and comfortable – but they require thoughtful application to achieve their full potential. Whether you choose the earthy sophistication of Terracotta Dreams or the vibrant energy of Coral Reef, remember that the most successful warm palettes are those that feel intentional and balanced. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always consider how your color choices serve the overall goals of your project. The world needs more warmth – in our interactions, our spaces, and our visual experiences. These eight palettes offer you the tools to bring that warmth into your design work, creating experiences that don’t just look good, but feel good too. So go ahead, embrace the warmth. Let these colors bring life and energy to your next project, and watch as they transform not just the visual impact, but the emotional resonance of your work. After all, great design isn’t just about what we see – it’s about how it makes us feel. Preston Lee Preston Lee is a graphic and web designer who grew up drawing, painting, and building with Lego. Okay, let's face it: he still does all of those things. But now, he gets paid to design websites, design graphics, write, and do all kinds of creative things. His advice has been featured by Entrepreneur, Inc, Forbes, Adobe, and many more. These 1920s Color Palettes are ‘Greater than Gatsby’There’s something undeniably captivating about the color schemes of the Roaring Twenties. As a designer with a passion for historical...How Fonts Influence Tone and Clarity in Animated VideosAudiences interact differently with messages based on which fonts designers choose to use within a text presentation. Fonts shape how...30 Stamp Fonts for a Crafty, Handmade FeelThere’s something incredibly satisfying about the texture and character of a stamped impression. As a graphic designer who’s spent countless...

Microsoft has paused the development of its Xbox handheld gaming console, according to a report. Previously expected to arrive as part of the company's next generation of consoles, the native Xbox handheld has been put on the back-burner. The Redmond company is reportedly working on optimising Windows 11 for handheld consoles, so that it is on par with Valve's SteamOS, which offers better performance and battery efficiency. Other upcoming consoles, like the Xbox-branded Asus device (codenamed Project Kennan) are said to be unaffected by Microsoft's decision.Microsoft Shifts Focus to Windows 11 Amid Threat From SteamOSWindows Central reports that Microsoft's internal Xbox handheld console has been shelved, which indicates that it might not arrive in 2027, alongside Microsoft's next-gen Xbox consoles. The first party handheld is not the same as other upcoming portable consoles like Asus' Project Kennan, which is still expected to arrive later this year.The company plans to work on optimising Windows 11 to run on handheld consoles, which means that upcoming third party handhelds could arrive with a more optimised version of Microsoft's desktop operating system. In our reviews of previously released handhelds, we've found that some of the biggest issues with Windows running on these devices include poor battery life, navigation issues, and software updates.Microsoft's decision to focus its efforts on Windows 11 for handhelds might have been spurred by the SteamOS' expansion beyond the Steam Deck. Earlier this year, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S, which offers better performance than the Steam Deck, and also runs on Valve's operating system. SteamOS is also expected to arrive on similar handheld devices in the future.SteamOS-powered devices won't be Microsoft's only concern, with the Nintendo Switch 2 right around the corner. The Japanese firm's handheld is slated to arrive in select markets in June, and will compete with existing portable consoles.The Redmond company's focus on optimising Windows 11 for handhelds could improve the overall experience of using these devices. Asus is expected to launch its Project Kennan console later in 2025, as per recent reports. The device was recently spotted in a listing on the US FCC website, giving us a good look at its design. The report indicates that the first-party handheld from Microsoft might have been capable of running Xbox games, and the company still plans to launch a native handheld. It's currently unclear whether this device will make its debut in 2027 or 2028, which is when the company's next-gen consoles are expected to arrive. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Further reading: Microsoft, Xbox Handheld, Xbox, Handheld Consoles David Delima As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be contacted via email at DavidD@ndtv.com, on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More Related Stories

DJI seems to be preparing three new drones for release in the coming months: a Mini 5 Pro, Avata 3, and a Neo 2, according to DroneXL. The site published leaked images and video of the drones, along with a new FCC filing that suggests DJI is also working on a new action camera called the DJI Osmo Nano. DroneXL published a video showing two drones that may be follow-ups to the Avata 2 and the adorable DJI Neo. DroneXL notes a few differences, like that the Avata 3’s battery sits farther back and it’s got a larger camera unit up front. It also has four-blade propellers rather than the three-blade setup of the Avata 2. Next to the Avata 3 is what the outlet thinks is a Neo 2 prototype, although it’s hard to discern much more than that it appears to have redesigned propeller guards compared to the original. Yesterday, DroneXL pointed to a new FCC filing that revealed some information about the unannounced Mini 5 Pro. The filing shows the Mini 5 Pro will pack a whopping 33.5Wh battery — a big improvement over the 18.9Wh of the Mini 4 Pro — and the outlet writes that the wireless transmissions specs support rumors that it could stream video from as far as 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away, or 5 kilometers farther than its predecessor. That range edges it closer to that DJI Mavic 4 Pro that wasn’t supposed to launch in the US but somehow went on sale here, anyway. (We’d love to know why, but DJI won’t say.) The Mini 5 Pro is expected to launch in September. Rounding out DroneXL’s rumor post is a newly-published FCC filing for the DJI Osmo Nano, a new wearable action camera that appears to have a modular display like the Action line. The outlet notes that the company is also expected to release a Mic 3 and Osmo 360 camera, though it doesn’t have any solid guesses about when they’re coming.

As Trump axes the Digital Equity Act, other digital divide initiatives remain at risk. Credit: Kathleen Flynn / The Washington Post via Getty Images The Trump administration continues with its cost-slashing, anti-DEI agenda, and its coming for nationwide efforts to close the digital divide next.On May 8, President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social that he was directing the end of the Biden-Harris era Digital Equity Act. Trump called the program — which allocated $2.75 billion to digital inclusion programs — "racist" and "illegal." Last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) abruptly terminated grants for 20 different state projects under the act, including digital access in K-12 schools, veteran and senior programs, and rural connectivity efforts. The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) called the decision a "significant setback" to universal access goals. "SETDA stands with our state members and partner organizations who have been diligently building inclusive broadband and digital access plans rooted in community need, engagement, and systemic transformation. Equitable access to technology is not a partisan issue–it is a public good." You May Also Like The decision points to an uncertain future for existing broadband and digital connectivity efforts managed or funded by the federal government. Since most serve specific communities and demographics which are at the highest risk of being technologically disconnected or left behind, they have entered the crosshairs of the administration's "anti-woke" crusade. Indigenous connectivity advocates, for example, warned that a Trump presidency would have an immediate impact on rural broadband projects that were in the process of breaking ground, as the president simultaneously promised to shake up the FCC and whittle down the federal government's spending. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! “Ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in the U.S. face significant challenges with the recent termination of the Digital Equity Act, and potential drastic changes coming to the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program," said Sharayah Lane, senior advisor of community connectivity for the global nonprofit the Internet Society and member of the Lummi Nation. "This will critically impact the future of affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet access in underserved areas, further limiting essential education, healthcare, and economic opportunities."The Biden administration, which pledged billions of federal dollars to building out the nation's high speed broadband and fiber optic network, had made closing the digital divide a central component to its massive federal spending package, including launching the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and the BEAD initiative. BEAD funds, in particular, were split up between state broadband infrastructure projects, including 19 grants over $1 billion. But now the funds are being pulled out from under them. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has had the $42 billion BEAD budget under review since Trump took office, and has falsely claimed that the program "has not connected a single person to the internet," but is rather a "woke mandate" under the previous presidency. Related Stories Meanwhile, Trump has pushed to open up an auction of highly sought after spectrum bands to serve WiFi, 5G, and 6G projects under his "One Big Beautiful Bill" — a move that may sideline rural connectivity projects focused on building reliable, physical connections to high speed internet. Advocates have long fought for federal investment in "missing middle miles" of fiber optic cables and broadband, rather than unstable satellite connections, such as those promised by Elon Musk's Starlink. "We need to prioritize investments in sustainable infrastructure through programs like BEAD and the Digital Equity Act to ensure long-term, affordable Internet access for all Americans, strengthen the economy, and bolster the nation’s overall digital resilience," said Lane. Chase DiBenedetto Social Good Reporter Chase joined Mashable's Social Good team in 2020, covering online stories about digital activism, climate justice, accessibility, and media representation. Her work also captures how these conversations manifest in politics, popular culture, and fandom. Sometimes she's very funny.