Not every emergency calls for grabbing your bug-out bag and running out the door. Some are less severe, shelter-in-place, short-term scenarios. But no matter the situation, life is more dangerous in the dark, especially when you weren’t expecting the lights to go out. A little bit of preparation can go a long way when it comes to emergency illumination. “When power outages strike, having the right lights on hand can make all the difference,” says George Carrillo, former sheriff’s deputy and current CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. “Not just in convenience but in ensuring the safety and comfort of your loved ones.” While candles can be handy in a pinch (especially if you have candles specifically meant for survival situations), you’ll want a more robust strategy for emergency illumination. Whether you need to be ready for a short electrical blimp or a prolonged blackout, it doesn’t take much to keep your home lit and provide your household with peace of mind.  Sterno 100-Hour Emergency Candles – Long Burning Unscented Candles for Emergencies These liquid wax candles provide up to 100 hours of steady illumination each. Sterno Why have emergency lighting? First off, let’s look at why you should plan ahead when it comes to emergency lighting. “I’ve seen how critical it is to be ready for the unexpected,” says Carrillo. “One area that’s often overlooked until it’s too late is emergency lighting.” You don’t want to wait until after the lights have already gone out to start looking for a solution. At that point, you’re in the dark, and finding and preparing lights will be much more difficult, if not impossible. This may be a mere inconvenience during a short blackout, but for longer outages it can have a significant impact on your household’s comfort and well-being. In more catastrophic scenarios, when the power might be out for long periods of time, emergency lighting or the lack thereof can make a major difference in terms of security. A dark house is not only a tripping hazard for those inside, but it’s a potential target for those outside looking to take advantage of the situation.  What’s more, the likelihood of experiencing a power outage is high. According to the US Census Bureau, one in four homes report losing power each year, with 70 percent of those reporting at least one outage longer than six hours. For a quarter of American homes, households, it’s not a matter of if but when. So your first step should involve getting lights before you need them. Once you have them, make sure they’re ready to go. Have backups to the backups According to Carrillo, “A layered approach to emergency lighting is essential.” That means equipping your home with multiple lighting elements that provide light in different ways. Carrillo advises having personal lights and room lights powered by a combination of batteries and solar. Personal lighting MagLite ML300L LED 3-Cell D Display Box, Black The classics are classics for a reason. MagLite Be sure that you have easy access to a few personal lighting options. That means flashlights, and Carrillo also suggests having a headlamp, “which allows hands-free lighting so you can handle tasks such as checking the breaker box or navigating cluttered areas without a hassle.” COAST POLYSTEEL 600 1000 Lumen LED Flashlight with Pure Beam Twist Focus Focusing allows you to control the width and concentration of the beam. Coast Polysteel He specifically recommends flashlights from “Maglite or the Coast Polysteel series because they’re compact, sturdy, and provide powerful beams to light your way,” as well as the Black Diamond Spot headlamp. BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp Black Diamond Room lighting It’s also important to have a number of stationary lanterns and other larger lighting options capable of illuminating a room. This not only helps with visibility to reduce accidents, but can make your home much more comfortable during an outage. Goal Zero Lighthouse Core Lantern and USB Power Hub It looks like an old school lantern, but it’s rechargeable and lasts for a long time on a charge. Goal Zero “The Goal Zero Lighthouse Core is an excellent choice,” says Carrillo, “offering long battery life and the added perk of charging other devices during an outage.” The Goal Zero Torch 500 is also a great option as it doubles as both flashlight and lamp, its rechargeable battery has an impressively long lifespan, and an integrated solar panel allows for charging in sunlight. Goal Zero 500 Lumen Torch Light, Multi-Use Weatherproof LED Flashlight and Solar Lantern More versatile lighting options offer options without taking up tons of space. Goal Zero While lanterns can be stored somewhere accessible, it’s also a good idea to keep one readily available in each room you expect to use the most, like your living room and bedrooms. (Consider keeping BioLite Inflatable Camping Lanterns in various drawers/cabinets.) Flood lights Most households under most power outage situations should be fine with the aforementioned indoor lighting. But if you expect the lights to be out for longer periods, worry about security, or simply may need to do something outdoors, consider using some form of battery-powered flood lights.  Beams MB3000 High Performance 500 Lumen Wireless Battery Powered Motion Sensing LED This light is useful even when there isn’t a blackout. Beams Flood lights come in several varieties. Some are designed for outdoor installation, much like a typical garage door motion detector light. The only difference is that in this case, you’ll need to look for models that can be powered by batteries or solar panels. For battery-powered models, we’re fans of the Beams MB3000, which is easy to install, adjustable, and plenty bright, and for solar, we suggest Intelamp for all the same reasons. DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light You can use the same batteries that run your power tools to provide light. DeWalt Alternatively, free-standing work lights can be a good option as you can move them as necessary. We like the Dewalt 20V MAX because it’s bright, versatile, and folds down for easy storage.  Power sources Whatever lights you choose, Carrillo recommends having multiple power sources. In addition to flashlights and lanterns that are rechargeable or use batteries (whether single-use or rechargeable), consider getting a backup hand-crank flashlight that can be powered no matter what happens. Eton – Scorpion II Rugged Multipowered Portable Emergency Weather Radio & Flashlight In addition to the illumination, this model also includes a radio. Eton Solar power has also become increasingly efficient, and these days, you can get flashlights that can charge in the sun during the day in preparation for the night. Solar power generators can provide a substantial source of backup power for charging rechargeable lights and other devices. The Jackery 2000 Plus is a good option as it offers an excellent balance between capacity and portability. The ultimate backup power source is a whole-home generator, which can provide enough juice to keep your entire home lit while using additional appliances or ensuring the consistent operation of essential medical equipment. The DuroMax XP13000HX is one of our top recommendations for emergency situations thanks to its high output, dual-fuel versatility, and all-around reliable build quality. DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator A generator is an investment, but it can make a huge difference in an emergency. DuroMax Keep in mind that it is still wise to have flashlights and lanterns available even if you plan on lighting your home with a generator. Final thoughts on emergency lighting In the end, an effective emergency lighting array is pretty straightforward. “Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Carrillo. “A flashlight in your bedside table, a lantern on the bookshelf, and a headlamp in your toolbox can transform how you handle emergencies. Having backup options like these ensures you’re prepared even during prolonged outages. The right tools not only provide safety and peace of mind but also allow you to face unforeseen challenges with confidence.”

Google CEO Sundar Pichai talking about Google Beam, formerly known as Project Starline, at Google ... More I/O 2025Anshel Sag Google used its annual I/O event this week to put the focus squarely on AI — with a strong dash of XR. While there’s no doubt that Google remains very committed to Android and the Android ecosystem, it was more than apparent that the company’s work on AI is only accelerating. Onstage, Google executives showed how its Gemini AI models have seen a more than 50x increase in monthly token usage over the past year, with the major inflection point clearly being the release of Gemini 2.5 in March 2025. I believe that Google’s efforts in AI have been supercharged by Gemini 2.5 and the agentic era of AI. The company also showed its continued commitment to getting Android XR off the ground with the second developer preview of Android XR, which it also announced at Google I/O. (Note: Google is an advisory client of my firm, Moor Insights & Strategy.) Google’s monthly tokens processedAnshel Sag Incorporating Gemini And AI Everywhere For Google, the best way to justify the long-term and continuous investment in Gemini is to make it accessible in as many ways as possible. That includes expanding into markets beyond the smartphone and browser. That’s why Gemini is already replacing Google Assistant in most areas. This is also a necessary move because Google Assistant’s functionality has regressed to the point of frustration as the company has shifted development resources to Gemini. This means that we’re getting Gemini via Google TV, Android Auto and WearOS. Let’s not forget that Android XR is the first operating system from Google that has been built from the ground up during the Gemini era. That translates to most XR experiences from Google being grounded in AI from the outset to make the most of agents and multimodal AI for improving the user experience. To accelerate the pace of adoption of on-device AI, Google has also announced improvements to LiteRT, its runtime for using AI models locally that has a heavy focus on maximizing on-device NPUs. Google also announced the AI Edge Portal to enable developers to test and benchmark their on-device models. These models will be crucial for enabling low-latency and secure experiences for users when connectivity might be challenged or when data simply cannot leave the device. While I believe that on-device AI performance is going to be important to developers going forward, it is also important to recognize that hybrid AI — mixing on-device and cloud AI processing — is likely here to stay for a very long time. Android XR, Smart Glasses And The Xreal Partnership Because Google introduced most of its Android updates in a separate “Android Show” a week before Google I/O, the Android updates during I/O mostly applied to Android XR. The new Material 3 Expressive design system will find its way across Google’s OSes and looks set to deliver snappier, more responsive experiences at equal or better performance. I wrote extensively about Google’s Android XR launch in December 2024, explaining how it would likely serve as Google’s tip of the spear for enabling new and unique AI experiences. At Google I/O, the company showed the sum of these efforts in terms of both creating partnerships and enabling a spectrum of XR devices from partners.Google’s Shahram Izadi, vice president and general manager of Android XR, talking about Project ... More Moohan onstage at Google I/O 2025Anshel Sag In this vein, Google reiterated its commitment to Samsung and Project Moohan, which Google now says will ship this year. The company also talked about other partnerships in the ecosystem that will enable new form factors for the AI-enabled wearable XR operating system. Specifically, it will be partnering with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to develop smart glasses. In a press release, Google said it has allotted $150 million for its partnership with Warby Parker, with $75 million already committed to product development and commercialization and the remaining $75 million dependent on reaching certain milestones. I believe that this partnership is akin to the one that Meta established with EssilorLuxottica, leaving the design, fit and retail presence to the eyeglasses experts. Warby Parker is such a good fit because the company is already very forward-thinking on technology, and I believe that this partnership can enable Google to make some beautiful smart glasses to compete with Meta Ray Bans. While I absolutely adore my Meta Ray Bans, I do think they would be considerably more useful if they were running Gemini 2.5, even the flash version of the model. Gentle Monster is also a great fit for Google because it helps capture the Asian market better, and because its designs are so large that they give Google plenty of room to work with. Many people have written about their impressions of Project Moohan and the smart glasses from Google I/O, but the reality is that these were not new — or final — products. So, I hope that these XR devices are as exciting to people as they were to me back in December.Google announces Project Aura on stage during the Google I/O developer keynote.Anshel Sag For me the more important XR news from the event was the announcement of the Project Aura headset in partnership with Xreal. Project Aura, while still limited in details, does seem to indicate that there’s a middle ground for Google between the more immersive Moohan headset and lightweight smart glasses. It’s evident that Google wants to capture this sweet spot with Xreal’s help. Also, if you know anything about Xreal’s history, it makes sense that it would be the company Google works with to bring 3-D AR to market. Project Aura feels like Google’s way to compete with Meta’s Orion in terms of field of view, 3-D AR capabilities and standalone compute. While many people think of Orion as a pair of standalone glasses, in fact they depend on an external compute puck; with Qualcomm’s help, Google will also use a puck via a wire, though I would love to see that disappear in subsequent versions. The Xreal One and One Pro products already feel like moves in the direction Google is leaning, but with Project Aura it seems that Google wants more diversity within Android XR — and it wants to build a product with the company that has already shipped more AR headsets than anyone else. The wider 70-degree field of view should do wonders for the user experience, and while the price of Project Aura is still unclear, I would expect it to be much more expensive than most of Xreal’s current offerings. Google and Xreal say they will disclose more details about Project Aura at the AWE 2025 show in June, which I will be attending — so look for more details from me when that happens. Project Starline Becomes Google Beam Google also updated its XR conferencing platform, formerly called Project Starline, which it has been building with HP. Google has now changed the project into a product name with the introduction of Google Beam. While not that much has changed since I last tried out Project Starline at HP’s headquarters last September, the technology is still quite impressive — and still quite expensive. One of the new capabilities for Google Beam, also being made available as part of Google Meet, is near-real-time translated conversations that capture a person’s tone, expressions and accents while translating their speech. I got to experience this at Google I/O, and it was extremely convincing, not to mention a great way to enhance the already quite impressive Beam experience. It really did sound like the translated voice was the person’s own voice speaking English; this was significant on its own, but achieving it with spatial video at fairly low latency was even better. I hope that Google will one day be able to do the translations in real time, synced with the user’s speech. Google says that it and HP are still coming to market with a Google Beam product later this year and will be showing it off at the InfoComm conference in June. Google has already listed some lead customers for Google Beam, including Deloitte, Salesforce, Citadel, NEC, Hackensack Meridian Health, Duolingo and Recruit. This is a longer list than I expected, but the technology is also more impressive than I had initially expected, so I am happy to see it finally come to market. I do believe that with time we’ll probably see Google Beam expand beyond the 65-inch screen, but for now that’s the best way to attain full immersion. I also expect that sooner or later we could see Beam working with Android XR devices as well. Analyst Takeaways From Google I/O I believe that Google is one of the few companies that genuinely understands the intersection of AI and XR — and that has the assets and capabilities to leverage that understanding. Other companies may have the knowledge but lack the assets, capabilities or execution. I also believe that Google finally understands the “why” behind XR and how much AI helps answer that question. Google’s previous efforts in XR were for the sake of pursuing XR and didn’t really align well with the rest of the company’s efforts. Especially given the growth of AI overall and the capabilities of Gemini in particular, AR glasses are now one of the best ways to experience AI. Nobody wants to hold their phone up to something for a multimodel AI to see it, and no one wants to type long AI prompts into their phone. They want to interact with AI in the context of more natural visual and auditory experiences. Although smartphones can deliver a fairly good experience for this, they pale in comparison to having the microphones and cameras closer to your eyes and mouth. The more you use AI this way, the less you find yourself needing to pull out your phone. I certainly don’t think smartphones are going to disappear, but I do think they are going to decline in terms of where most of an individual’s AI computing and connectivity happen. All of this is why I’m much more confident in Google’s approach to XR this time around, even though the company has burned so many bridges with its previous endeavors in the space (specifically Daydream and Glass). More than that, I believe that Google’s previous absence in the XR market has impeded the market’s growth. Now, however, the company is clearly investing in partnerships and ecosystem enablement. It will be important for the company to continue to execute on this and enable its partners to be successful. A big part of that is building a strong XR ecosystem that can compete with the likes of Apple and Meta. It won’t happen overnight, but the success of that ecosystem will be what makes or breaks Google’s approach to XR beyond its embrace of Gemini. Moor Insights & Strategy provides or has provided paid services to technology companies, like all tech industry research and analyst firms. These services include research, analysis, advising, consulting, benchmarking, acquisition matchmaking and video and speaking sponsorships. Of the companies mentioned in this article, Moor Insights & Strategy currently has (or has had) a paid business relationship with Google, HP, Meta, Qualcomm, Salesforce and Samsung.Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions

Back in 2010, when Cartoon Network first announced its plan to reboot the beloved 1985 animated TV series Thundercats, the first thought that went through my mind was, “That’s great! Do Blackstar next!” In 2014, when Boat Rocker Media announced its reboot of 1981’s Danger Mouse, same thing: “Huh, interesting, but do Blackstar next.” 2016’s Disney reveal about its reboot of 1987’s Duck Tales? “Rad. But… Blackstar?” And so it went, year after year, with the announcements about 2018’s Netflix reboot of She-Ra: Princess of Power, 2021’s He-Man reboot Masters of the Universe: Revelation, the CG version of Inspector Gadget, the American Voltron update Voltron: Legendary Defender, half a dozen new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers projects, a little-loved second Thundercats series, and every single Smurfs movie. I get it — the kids of the ’80s are producers and writers and showrunners now, with enough clout to get their childhood memories turned into new shows. But apparently none of them watched Blackstar, easily one of the coolest animated series of the 1980s, built around the coolest sword. There’s a direct genetic line between the success of 1977’s Star Wars and the wave of space-set, fantasy-themed Saturday morning cartoons that closely followed. Star Wars beget ABC’s popular Thundarr the Barbarian, a post-apocalyptic dystopian-future fantasy about a muscular hero who fought oppressive magical villains while wearing a fur skirt, hanging out with a leotard-clad sorceress, and more or less carrying a lightsaber and traveling with a Wookiee. Thundarr helped inspire Blackstar, CBS’ equivalent show, about a muscular hero who fought oppressive magical villains while wearing a fur skirt, hanging out with a leotard-clad sorceress, and carrying his own form of laser sword. (No Wookiee, though — instead, series hero Blackstar got to ride a dragon.) Both shows were on the leading edge of the post-Star Wars dark fantasy wave, leading to movies like Excalibur, Conan the Barbarian, and Dragonslayer. But unlike most of those ’80s fantasies — Flash Gordon aside — Thundarr and Blackstar kept a foot in Star Wars’ science fiction roots, hanging onto the idea of worlds where technology and mysticism met and clashed. Thundarr was more popular, but Blackstar was more compelling: a weirder, darker, richer world with a lot more going on, and a much more imaginative sword that wasn’t just a lightly reskinned lightsaber. Though the show only managed a single season and 13 episodes (compared with Thundarr’s two-year, 21-episode stint), Blackstar’s potential still sticks with me decades later. The story in brief: An astronaut from a future Earth, John Blackstar, enters a black hole in his experimental timeship, and winds up trapped on an ancient alien world, full of magic and monsters. (It’s essentially an isekai series, decades before isekai was the hottest trend in anime and manga.) The local Sauron equivalent, the Overlord, dominates the planet Sagar with an artifact called the Powerstar, a huge two-handed crystalline energy sword. Somehow, the Powerstar gets broken into identical halves, producing two badass weapons: the Power Sword, which the Overlord still holds, and the Star Sword, which falls into Blackstar’s hands. Blackstar winds up as the figurehead in a growing rebellion against the Overlord’s. Meanwhile, the Overlord wants not just to squash this budding rebellion, but to reclaim the Star Sword and take up the Powerstar again. In a series of interviews for Blackstar’s 2006 DVD release, the creators and writers cop to some of their influences in writing the show: The protagonist is a little bit John Carter of Mars (the original Edgar Rice Burroughs version, not the 2012 fantasy-movie version) and a little bit Flash Gordon, though he also closely resembles the protagonist of the 1979 live-action series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. The Trobbits — tiny comedy-relief people who find and rescue Blackstar after his timeship crashes — take a little inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s hobbits, and a lot more from Disney’s seven dwarfs, complete with the “one personality trait apiece” dynamic, and a youngest member who never speaks. (There are also seven of them.)  The Overlord is somewhere between Darth Vader and Ming the Merciless, while Blackstar’s sorceress companion, Mara, is basically just a reskin of Thundarr’s Princess Ariel, with very similar powers, a similar elegant, educated personality and role as party historian, and similar obvious crush on the oblivious hero. Although these characters rarely feel unique, the mythology and setting of Blackstar’s world very much do, and the central plot device of the Powerstar is unique in fantasy animation. The symmetry of the central villain and hero each having half of the world’s most legendary weapon — which is to say, half of the power left in a world struggling to define itself — is a clever riff on the idea that heroes and villains should mirror each other for maximum thematic impact. Their connection through the sundered Powerstar gives the protagonist and antagonist an intimate personal connection, a reason to clash again and again. It also helps define their characters, and what they do with power. It’s no coincidence that in the Overlord’s hands, the Power Sword is all blunt force, used solely to blast or slash, while Blackstar uses the Star Sword as a finesse weapon with flexible magical abilities. (Too flexible, really: Its magic is ill-defined, and the show’s writers invented new Star Sword powers in nearly every episode.) The idea of these two swords as yin and yang, perfect halves that assemble into a greater whole, is unusually elegant for an ’80s cartoon — and one of the series’ many ideas that was never really explored to full advantage. For modern viewers Blackstar is fairly close to unwatchable. Its production company, Filmation, emerged from a series of commercial jobs in the 1960s, but by the 1980s, it specialized in budget-priced television animated entirely in America, rather than in cheaper overseas production houses. That necessitated a lot of cost-saving devices, like recycling the same hand-drawn sequences many times over, often within the same episode, and using a hilariously limited library of sound effects. Blackstar’s sound design is garish and repetitive, with vocal work that sounds like almost everyone is shouting. The scripts are clunky: Blackstar is conceived as a quippy hero who peppers his foes with snarky one-liners, but his jokes are cataclysmically stiff. About the best he can muster is a jaunty “Putting on a little weight, aren’t you, Rocko?” when hefting one rock elemental to toss it onto another during a battle. And the series is designed for the syndication of the era, meaning that episodes might re-air in any order. So there’s no story development, no character arcs, not even an opening episode to establish Blackstar’s origins. Continuity glitches, inconsistent design and storytelling, and budget-saving slow pans across paintings abound. But the world it’s set in is fascinating. There are hints here and there of ancient technologies and centuries-old civilizations buried under what’s become a verdant forest, centered on the magic of the gigantic central Sagar tree, a mystic font of power the Trobbits live in and tend to. Sagar is a world full of weird creatures that seem either like evolutions of familiar animals, or like magical constructs — shark-bats and frog-rabbits and monkey-birds, long before Avatar: The Last Airbender made these kinds of amalgams a running joke. Those slow-pan, cash-saving painting backgrounds are rich, elaborate, and colorful, suggesting a world with the darkness and detail of Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal.  While so much of 1980s animation was about the clear line between good and evil, there’s a sense throughout Blackstar that most of the world of Sagar isn’t aspected in such a black-and-white way. It’s just a chaotic ruin, where hungry monsters, prim but weary civilizations, and barbaric enclaves all exist side by side, divided by lethal geography. Every scattered outpost and wandering monster is equally dangerous to Blackstar and the Overlord, but ripe for either of them to exploit for an advantage in their ongoing war. There are even hints at a nuanced system for magic, where the mental power of sorcery and the elemental power of nature magic are different things that work in different ways. After Blackstar’s single season ended, Filmation immediately followed it with the Mattel-backed and far better funded He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, a series based on an existing toy line, but just as clearly based on elements borrowed from Blackstar. Once again, there’s a muscular hero in a fur skirt with a magic sword, battling a sorcerous villain in a chaotic technofantasy world packed with environmental hazards and weird, wildly diverse humanoids. Filmation regular Alan Oppenheimer voiced both Blackstar’s Overlord and He-Man’s Skeletor; similarly, Linda Gary voiced Blackstar’s leading lady Mara and He-Man’s Teela. Filmation staff writer Tom Ruegger developed the series bible for both shows, and it shows, in everything from the similar heroes’ and rogues’ galleries to the sprawling high-and-low-tech world where magic and robots co-exist. One He-Man episode, “The Remedy,” even reused several Blackstar sequences, reintroducing Blackstar’s dragon-horse Warlock as a beast He-Man saves from a giant spider, then rides around. While He-Man had many of the same budgetary and aesthetic limitations as Blackstar — frequently recycled animation, obnoxious sound design, goofy and often ineffectual comedy relief — He-Man was immediately more popular. So popular, in fact that toy maker Galoob tried to nab some of Mattel’s sales success by putting out a weirdly modeled toy line for Blackstar, two full years after the show was canceled. (Those toys did not do well.) Now, we’re in an era where He-Man gets reboot after reboot — an all-ages animated version, a CG version for kids, a new live-action movie scheduled for 2026 — while Blackstar is all but forgotten. And I find that so strange. The bid to reboot and update every hit cartoon of the 1980s seems like a natural enough progression for an era of media fueled by nostalgia, but I’ve never understood why there isn’t more of it for Blackstar, a series that was more imaginative and ambitious than either the predecessor it was trying to outdo or the follower that got all the glory. In the way of so many other ’80s cartoons, my interest in a reboot is much less about re-creating an often janky, limited, cheaply made TV series, and much more about realizing the potential these characters and this world couldn’t take advantage of in the 1980s. A modern version with up-to-date animation could give John Blackstar a proper backstory, and actually make some sense of the biggest hero/villain themes the ’80s version lightly touched on. It could take advantage of the retro-future magic setting and the sprawling original world of Sagar in ways Filmation never dreamed of.  And most importantly, a proper modern update could finally dig into the event that split the Powerstar and turned its two halves into thematic weapons. There are so many story possibilities for that particular cool sword, just waiting to be discovered by a new generation.

News Earth Gamma rays flared as this lightning bolt formed Thunderstorms generate this high energy radiation, but pinning it to specific bolt is new This lightning bolt striking a television broadcast antenna in Japan in January 2023 marks the first time a specific discharge has been definitively linked to a terrestrial gamma-ray flash, a new study reveals. Yuuki Wada By Sid Perkins 1 hour ago The collision of two lightning-bolts-in-the-making spawned an exceedingly brief but extremely energetic flash of gamma rays. This first-of-its-kind observation may help explain an origin of some of the most energetic radiation on Earth. Researchers have for years linked the production of gamma rays to the acceleration of electrons by strong electric fields in thunderstorms. Yet they’ve never been able to pinpoint the source of any so-called terrestrial gamma ray flashes, says Yuuki Wada, an atmospheric physicist at the University of Osaka in Japan. He and his team set out to remedy that by observing a hotbed of wintertime lightning over the west coast of Japan in January 2023. Sign up for our newsletter We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

PROS: Impressive charging capabilities Generous package including charger and MagSafe compatible case Seamless AI integration through “One-Tap Infinix AI” Versatile camera set up CONS: Limited software update support Not available in the US RATINGS: AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G impresses with its robust performance, premium design, and an array of thoughtful features, all wrapped in an affordable price tag of $370. Smartphone shoppers often face a frustrating dilemma: spend a fortune on a premium device with all the bells and whistles, or settle for a budget phone that cuts too many corners to hit its price point. This compromise typically means sacrificing camera quality, display performance, or processing power – the very features that enhance our daily digital experiences. The mid-range market attempts to bridge this gap, but rarely delivers a truly satisfying balance of high-end specifications and reasonable cost without significant compromises in build quality or user experience. The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G boldly challenges this status quo by bringing genuine flagship-level features to the budget-conscious consumer. What makes this offering particularly intriguing is how Infinix has prioritized features that genuinely impact user experience rather than simply checking specification boxes for marketing purposes. Let’s see if it manages to meet those goals or if it cut too many corners to achieve its mouth-watering price point. Designer: Infinix Aesthetics The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G stands out in terms of design, drawing inspiration from automotive engineering. The frame is crafted from Armor Alloy, a robust blend of Damascus steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, paired with a durable glass back panel. This combination enhances both strength and premium appeal. The Note 50 Pro+ 5G is available in three color variants: Titanium Grey, Enchanted Purple, and the Racing Edition. We had the chance to review the Racing Edition, which draws influence from BMW’s Physital design philosophy, blending physical and digital aesthetics. The Racing Edition features a matte silver back panel with textured vertical lines, complemented by the iconic tri-color racing stripes, symbolizing dynamism and speed. The device is also defined by its glossy octagonal camera island, located at the upper left corner. The camera island houses a triple camera setup, paired with the Bio-Active Halo AI Lighting System and an LED flashlight. The lighting system reacts to your phone’s activity, changing colors in response to charging, notifications, incoming calls, and gaming, adding a touch of flair to everyday interactions. It is also a sensor for measuring heart rate and blood oxygen levels. While the concept is intriguing, the term “AI” seems a bit of a stretch, as the feature feels more gimmicky than groundbreaking. Ergonomics With dimensions of 163.36 x 74.35 x 7.99 mm and a weight of 209 grams, the device feels solid and premium in hand. However, this solid build comes with a slight downside. That is, the phone is a bit top-heavy, creating an unbalanced feel when holding it. Another notable ergonomic issue occurs when the phone is placed face up on a flat surface. Due to the pronounced camera island, the device has a tendency to wobble, making it less stable when resting on a desk or table. While the phone’s design is generally comfortable for regular use, gaming is where the camera island becomes an ergonomic hurdle. When holding the device horizontally for gaming, the raised camera module interferes with your grip, which can be distracting and uncomfortable during longer sessions. The fingerprint scanner, located near the bottom of the display, also presents a bit of a challenge. The placement makes the transition from unlocking the device to navigating through the interface somewhat awkward. Overall, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G is solidly built, but the top-heavy design, wobbling issue, and less-than-ideal fingerprint scanner placement can make for an occasionally frustrating user experience. While it’s not uncomfortable to hold, these small design decisions can impact long-term usability. Performance The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G boasts a 6.79-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2436, supporting a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and up to 1300 nits peak brightness (550 nits typical). The display is vibrant and fluid, offering rich colors and smooth animations whether you’re browsing, watching videos, or gaming. Even in direct sunlight, the screen stays bright and readable. Additionally, it remains responsive when used with wet fingers or in wet conditions, ensuring precision without any issues. The bezels are impressively thin and nearly symmetrical, enhancing the immersive viewing experience. Complementing the display is a dual speaker setup tuned by JBL, which promises a more premium audio experience on paper. However, in practice, the speakers felt inconsistent. Volume remains relatively quiet up to around 80%, then suddenly spikes when pushed beyond that. The overall sound lacks balance. Bass is weak, and the mids and highs don’t carry much depth. For casual use, it’s adequate, but audio enthusiasts may find it underwhelming. Under the hood, the Note 50 Pro+ 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM (expandable virtually to 24GB) and 256GB of storage. Running Android 15 with Infinix’s XOS 15 skin, the phone delivers a smooth, responsive experience across the board. Performance holds up impressively well even during graphically intense games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact, with no noticeable lag or stutter. For the first time in an Infinix smartphone, the Note 50 Pro+ 5G introduces a comprehensive suite of AI features. What stands out, however, is how these tools are seamlessly integrated through “One-Tap Infinix AI”. By simply long-pressing the power button, regardless of the app you’re using, Folax, Infinix’s AI assistant, is instantly accessible. From summarizing or translating on-screen content to describing images or even editing photos, the AI offers a wide range of functions. The addition of Google’s Circle to Search further enhances the experience. This integration feels incredibly well-thought-out, as it consolidates multiple AI tools under a single gesture, eliminating the need to switch between apps. It’s a convenient, user-friendly feature that simplifies multitasking without compromising functionality. Another interesting addition is the ability to measure heart rate and blood oxygen levels by placing your finger on the Bio-Halo AI lighting sensor. While it may not replace dedicated health devices, it’s a novel feature to have built into a smartphone, particularly at this price point. Its usefulness will vary depending on user habits, but it adds an unexpected layer of utility. The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G boasts, which is relatively rare in this price range. The system consists of a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP 3x telephoto lens, and an 8 MP ultra-wide camera, offering great versatility for mobile photography. While this combination is a standout feature at this price point, the real question is how well it performs in everyday use. Let’s dive in and see how it stacks up. The main camera uses a 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX896 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). In well-lit conditions, it produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors, though the contrast can sometimes be a bit strong. Night mode performance is solid, capturing clear and well-exposed shots with minimal noise, although light sources can occasionally appear overexposed. The telephoto camera delivers 6x optical zoom with lossless clarity and extends up to 100x zoom. Between 3x and 6x, photos are rich in detail, with a good dynamic range that performs well across different lighting conditions. Beyond 6x, image quality starts to degrade, which is expected at higher magnifications. The ultra-wide camera also performs admirably. While it’s not as sharp as the main or zoom cameras, it still captures vibrant and clear images. Selfies from the 32 MP front-facing camera are generally good, though they can sometimes appear a bit faded. For video, the Note 50 Pro+ 5G can record up to 4K at 60 FPS with the main and telephoto cameras, while the ultra-wide is limited to 2K at 30 FPS. The front-facing camera is capped at 4K at 30 FPS. Video footage from the main and telephoto cameras is smooth, though there are some minor hiccups. Unfortunately, you cannot switch between cameras while recording. Additionally, panning can cause stuttering in the viewfinder, and rapid movement results in judder in the video. Fortunately, you can turn on ultra-stabilization at 4K 60 FPS, and it works quite well. With its sizable 5,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G ensures you can go about your day without worrying about battery life. It easily lasts a full day of regular use. But the impressive battery specs don’t end there. The device supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, both of which are flagship-level capabilities. Additionally, the phone offers reverse charging, providing 10W through wired connections and 7.5W wirelessly, adding even more versatility to its power management. Sustainability The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G is designed with durability in mind. The phone’s side frame is made from Armor Alloy, a robust blend of Damascus steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring the phone is built to last. Paired with a durable glass back panel, this combination enhances the phone’s overall sturdiness, making it a reliable option for everyday use. Additionally, the phone comes with an IP64 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes. While this level of protection is not the highest available, it provides sufficient durability for typical day-to-day scenarios, giving users confidence that their device can handle the occasional exposure to water or rough environments. However, when it comes to software longevity, the phone’s sustainability potential falls short. Infinix promises two years of Android updates and three years of security updates only, which is relatively limited when compared to other devices in the same price range. Many competing smartphones offer three or more years of operating system updates and security patches for up to four or five years, which means that the Note 50 Pro+ 5G may require a replacement sooner than some users might expect in order to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements. Value At a price of $370, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G delivers exceptional value for money. With a feature set that includes a 6.79-inch AMOLED display, powerful performance, and a versatile triple-camera setup, it competes well in the mid-range smartphone market. Infinix has certainly packed a lot of premium features into an affordable device. What truly sets the Note 50 Pro+ 5G apart is the inclusivity of its package. Along with the phone, Infinix includes a 100W charger brick, a USB-C to USB-C cable, earphones, a MagSafe-like phone case, and a glass screen protector, offering a generous bundle that enhances the overall value of the device. That said, it’s worth noting that the Note 50 Pro+ 5G isn’t available in the US. Verdict The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G impresses with its robust performance, premium design, and an array of thoughtful features, all wrapped in an affordable price tag of $370. It stands out in the mid-range segment by offering a large, vibrant AMOLED display, a capable triple-camera setup, and strong performance driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset. Additionally, the generous package that includes a 100W charger, USB-C cable, earphones, a MagSafe-like case, and a glass screen protector further enhances its value proposition, making it a complete package for those who want more out of their device. While the device has a few ergonomic quirks, such as a top-heavy design and camera island wobbling, the overall user experience remains solid. The AI integration through “One-Tap Infinix AI” is a standout feature, providing quick and effortless access to a wide range of AI tools. Despite some limitations in software support, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G remains a well-rounded, feature-packed option for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and photographers who don’t want to break the bank. However, its absence in the US market is a downside for those hoping to purchase locally. The post Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G: Flagship features packed in a budget phone first appeared on Yanko Design.

What does it feel like when your first donation comes in? That moment when your big idea – whether it's a marathon, a boxing match or a bionic arm – suddenly becomes real. That's the emotional flashpoint GOOD has bottled for JustGiving's latest brand campaign, It Just Got Real, designed to resonate with a younger, more diverse wave of fundraisers. This high-energy, platform-native campaign marks a strategic evolution for JustGiving, a household name in fundraising that is now repositioning itself as the go-to for personal causes as much as traditional charity events. Centred on the visceral moment that fundraising moves from concept to commitment, the work is a vibrant call to action for anyone with a mission, message, or movement. "We wanted the campaign to feel electric," says GOOD creative Kia Wing. "Like standing right at the edge of something big – and a bit scary. Because that's what fundraising is, right? It starts with an idea, and the moment someone donates, it gets real. That was the tone we chased, that rush of adrenaline." The campaign features three real fundraisers: Freya Morgan, a human rights lawyer who's run over 2,500km for Bail for Immigration Detainees dressed as a mirrorball; Javeno Mclean, a TikTok-famous fitness coach boxing for mental health; and Matthew Ashton-Rickhardt, a drummer crowdfunding for a bionic arm after a motorbike accident. Their stories are personal, powerful, and perfectly pitched to show the range of fundraising in 2025. Rather than dramatising their causes in a traditional way, GOOD chose to focus on the pulse of energy that hits when a donation notification lands. In the video spots, snappy, TikTok-style transitions flip the viewer from everyday scenarios into full fundraising action. One second, you're towel-drying your hair; the next, you're shadowboxing for Mind in front of a crowd. These stylistic whiplashes keep the pace high and the emotion real. For GOOD, the spark behind the idea was rooted in user insight. "The campaign was based on the understanding that doing any fundraising activity is personal," says senior planner Gaby Morgan. "It's turning something you dreamt of into a reality. And JustGiving has a powerful role to play in that – it gives you the platform to take action. But it's that moment the donation comes in that really turns the idea into a living reality." That shift from concept to commitment drives the entire creative. The work doesn't dwell on sacrifice or guilt but on potential, which is dynamic, bold, and dripping with energy. From thumping music and punchy transitions to full-bleed colour and BIG expressions, the campaign is engineered to both stand out and fit in across social and digital platforms. Crucially, the creative team knew they had to earn their place on younger audiences' feeds. "We had to bake the platforms' visual language into the bones of the work," says Kia. "Fast cuts, punchy transitions, as quippy as a TikTok itself, but our audience shaped more than just the look. Younger fundraisers are still doing events, for sure, but they're also turning personal missions into public movements. They're crowdfunding more and rallying friends behind something that moves them." "That shift – from charity event to personal mission – reflects wider changes in the fundraising landscape. GOOD's campaign positions JustGiving as the platform that can power it all. Whether you're running, drumming or disco-ball-jogging, it's the place where "ideas become action." "It's a fitting evolution for the brand," says creative director Jo Ratcliffe. "JustGiving is the original fundraising platform and the obvious go-to for many. However, younger audiences are less familiar with its legacy, so this campaign aims to galvanise a new generation. Whatever your cause, JustGiving helps you make it real." It's a tricky line to walk: staying true to the real fundraisers' stories while making sure the creative lands in 15 seconds or less. GOOD approached this by grounding everything in authenticity – and then dialling it up with flair. "Our scripts were all rooted in truth and feature the fundraisers themselves," Jo explains. "We simply heightened the storytelling with a few flourishes. We took some visual cues from Netflix's Sex Education for the set design and used playful transitions, SFX and motion graphics to dial up the energy." Even the static OOH executions (arguably the hardest place to communicate an emotional beat) pack a punch. "The OOH had a big job: freeze that feeling," says Kia. "We kept it simple. Bold type, full-bleed colour, and our fundraisers are front and centre. You didn't need the full story. You just needed to feel it. The buzz, the nerves, the YES of it all." Working alongside MI Media and Brainlabs, the campaign rolled out across digital, social, and out-of-home from April 24. It's already gaining traction, not just for the causes themselves, but also for the shift it signals in purpose-led branding. GOOD isn't just selling platform functionality here; they're selling possibility, and a new emotional entry point for taking action. "This campaign proves that purpose-led branding can be upbeat, playful and even sequin-encrusted," says Jo. "Telling real stories in an authentic way doesn't mean the creative needs to be serious or worthy. We can absolutely have fun whilst highlighting important causes at the heart of the story." Fun is exactly what this campaign delivers, alongside plenty of heart, urgency, and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

In case you haven't heard, Fortnite — the megahit video game from Epic Games that's stuffed with characters from every media franchise imaginable, not to mention real celebrities — has become a cause célèbre after it introduced Darth Vader as an in-game boss. This was no ordinary homage to the "Star Wars" villain. It uses "conversational AI" to recreate the iconic voice of the late actor James Earl Jones, allowing gamers to chat with the Sith Lord and ask him pretty much any question they want.Though it's resulted in plenty of light-hearted fun, gamers, being gamers, immediately set to work tricking the AI into swearing and saying slurs.But that's only the beginning of the controversy, if you can believe it. On Monday, the Screen Actor's Guild blasted Epic Games for its AI Vader stunt and filed an unfair labor complaint against the developer with the National Labor Relations Board, arguing that Epic's use of AI violated their agreement by replacing human performers without notice."Fortnite's signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with AI technology," SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. "Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms." SAG-AFTRA is still on strike against the video game industry, though actors are still allowed work on Fortnite and some other exempted projects, . Voice actors, in general, have struggled to win the same protections against AI as other performers in other fields. It's easier and far cheaper to fake someone's voice and pass it off as real than it is to mimic a visual performance.For this stunt, Epic used Google's Gemini 2.0 model to generate the wording of Vader's responses, and ElevenLabs' Flash v2.5 model for the audio.Whatever your thoughts on the ethics of resurrecting a dead actor's voice with AI, no theft is involved with Epic's AI Vader  — just, if SAG is to be believed, dubious labor practices. It was created in collaboration with Jones' estate, according to an Epic press release featuring a statement from the family. Jones, shortly before he passed away, signed a contract with Disney allowing the AI startup Respeecher to clone his voice. That's all fine with SAG-AFTRA. It doesn't necessarily have a problem with actors — or their estates — licensing AI replicas of themselves. "However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members," the union wrote, "including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader's iconic rhythm and tone in video games."We'll have to see what the labor board and Epic make of SAG-AFTRA's claims. In the meantime, it's pretty jarring to see an AI version of Jones' legendary Vader performance out in the wild and answering silly questions in a video game.More on AI: Even Audiobooks Aren't Safe From AI SlopShare This Article

In 2025, one interior design trend is standing out not just for its visual appeal, but for the sense of peace and purpose it brings into the home: Zen Japanese Interior Design. As our lives become increasingly busy and digitized, people are seeking refuge in spaces that calm the mind, soothe the senses, and promote intentional living. Zen Japanese design, rooted in centuries-old traditions of simplicity, nature integration, and mindfulness, offers a lifestyle as much as an aesthetic. This design philosophy embraces natural materials, neutral tones, open spaces, and a “less is more” approach to decorating. In the following sections, we explore 20 compelling reasons why this design approach is not only trending, but transforming how people live, feel, and connect within their homes. 1. Minimalism with Warmth Image Source: Home Designing Unlike the often sterile vibe of Western minimalism, Zen Japanese Interior Design offers a softer, more livable approach to minimalism. It eliminates excess without sacrificing comfort. Natural materials, earthy colors, and soft lighting bring warmth and depth to a room. To apply this, consider removing overly decorative items and replacing them with one or two handcrafted pieces. Use neutral wall paint, avoid over-accessorizing, and integrate simple wooden or ceramic items that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. This way, your space feels minimal yet full of life and intention. 2. Open and Airy Layouts Image Source: Lena Monroe Zen design principles emphasize the importance of spatial flow and openness. In 2025, many homes are shifting toward open-concept layouts that prioritize movement and air circulation. Zen Japanese Interior Design naturally fits into this evolution, as it values unobstructed spaces that feel light and breathable. To recreate this in your home, start by removing unnecessary partitions or bulky furniture that blocks light.  Use low-profile furniture like floor cushions and coffee tables, and leave walkways clear. Mirrors can help reflect light and make a space feel larger. Consider using light-colored rugs or tatami mats to define areas without cluttering them. 3. Seamless Connection with Nature Image Source: Awedeco Zen Japanese Interior Design deeply values harmony with the natural world. This is achieved through the thoughtful use of materials like bamboo, raw wood, stone, and linen, and through the incorporation of natural light and indoor greenery. In today’s urban environments, where daily interaction with nature is limited, this style helps bridge that gap.  Practically, you can bring nature inside with potted plants like bonsai, ferns, or snake plants. Use furniture made of raw or reclaimed wood, and keep windows uncovered or lightly draped to allow in natural light. Consider installing a small indoor water feature or pebble tray to evoke the soothing sounds and visuals of nature. 4. Soft, Neutral Color Palettes Image Source: Amelia Hallsworth In 2025, bold colors and loud patterns are giving way to the calming embrace of neutral tones. Zen Japanese Interior Design uses a soft, harmonious color palette to create tranquil environments that soothe the senses. Practically speaking, you can adopt this by repainting your walls in shades like ivory, warm beige, or muted gray.  Use textiles such as taupe curtains, off-white bedding, and linen or cotton throws in subdued colors. Avoid glossy or flashy finishes, and opt instead for matte textures and natural surfaces. Even your choice of art should reflect this palette, consider watercolor prints, minimalist ink paintings, or pressed botanical artwork. 5. Shoji Screens and Tatami Mats Image Source: J-Life International Traditional Japanese architectural elements like shoji screens and tatami mats add more than aesthetic charm, they contribute to the function and feel of a space. Shoji screens, often made of wood and rice paper, allow for light diffusion and flexible space separation.  Tatami mats, made from woven straw, provide comfort underfoot and a grounding connection to the earth. To use them in your home, consider replacing doors with sliding panels or using freestanding shoji screens to section off areas. Add tatami mats in reading corners or bedrooms. These features are not just culturally rich, they are practical, lightweight, and perfect for minimalist homes. 6. Understand the Significance of Lighting Image Source: Home Designing Lighting plays a key role in Zen Japanese Interior Design. The goal is to create soft, ambient lighting that promotes relaxation and presence. Instead of harsh overhead lights, use paper lanterns, floor lamps with linen shades, and wall sconces that diffuse warm light.  Natural light should be maximized during the day with sheer curtains or bamboo blinds. At night, use dimmable bulbs and indirect lighting to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. You can even incorporate candles or LED lights that mimic candlelight for added tranquility. The right lighting enhances the minimalist aesthetic and helps shift the mood of your space from stimulating to serene. 7. Select Furniture with Sleek Lines Image Source: Decorilla Furniture in Zen Japanese Interior Design is known for its clean, understated lines and low-profile form. Pieces are designed to blend seamlessly into the space rather than dominate it. To incorporate this, look for sofas, chairs, and tables with simple shapes and minimal ornamentation.  Avoid bulky, ornate furniture in favor of pieces with natural wood finishes or light upholstery in neutral tones. Low seating options like floor cushions or platform beds help foster a closer connection to the earth, which is central to the Zen philosophy. Functional and modest, this furniture style supports a clutter-free and peaceful environment. 8. Sustainable & Vintage-Inspired Elements Image Source: Ana Maria Design Sustainability continues to be a major influence on interior design trends in 2025. Zen Japanese interiors naturally align with this ethos by emphasizing longevity and craftsmanship. Integrating vintage or second-hand pieces not only reduces waste but also adds character and soul to your space.  Look for refurbished wooden benches, antique chests, or heirloom ceramics that match your neutral palette. Choose furniture made from sustainable sources like bamboo, rattan, or reclaimed wood. Mixing the old with the eco-friendly gives your home depth without disrupting its serene essence. 9. Keep Technology Discreet Image Source: Decorilla In 2025, technology is everywhere, but Zen Japanese Interior Design encourages us to keep it behind the scenes. Visible wires, bulky electronics, and flashing lights disrupt the calming ambiance. Instead, look for minimalist tech solutions: Bluetooth speakers that double as art pieces, wall-mounted televisions that disappear into a panel, or hidden cable systems for desks and entertainment areas. Keep smart home devices tucked away or integrated into natural materials. This approach helps your space maintain its serene look while offering all the functionality of a modern home. 10. Embrace Asymmetry and Irregularity Image Source: Decorilla Zen Japanese Interior Design values asymmetry and irregularity as part of its wabi-sabi philosophy. This aesthetic finds beauty in imperfection and avoids forced symmetry. You can integrate this by selecting decor and arrangements that aren’t perfectly aligned or balanced.  Try placing an uneven group of vases on a table, using mismatched ceramic cups, or hanging art slightly off-center to create visual interest. Asymmetry brings a natural and relaxed feel, mirroring the way things appear in nature. In 2025, when overly curated and symmetrical spaces can feel artificial, embracing irregularity offers a refreshing and humanizing touch to interiors. 11. Textured Surfaces for Depth and Warmth Image Source: Vogue Texture plays a significant role in making Zen-inspired spaces feel welcoming and layered. Instead of relying on color or pattern, use texture to create visual and tactile richness. You can achieve this through woven textiles, rough plaster walls, untreated wood furniture, and handmade pottery.  Choose fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool, and incorporate elements such as tatami mats, rattan baskets, or bamboo panels. Mixing these textures subtly ensures a space that feels natural and inviting without appearing busy. 12. Use Water Features for Serenity Image Source: Japandidecor Incorporating water into your Zen-inspired home enhances tranquility and introduces a meditative sensory element. Water is symbolic of renewal and purity in Japanese design. Practical ways to include water features include tabletop fountains, indoor ponds, or stone water basins in entryways or gardens. The sound of flowing water masks background noise and promotes relaxation. Choose minimalist designs that blend with your decor, using natural materials like stone or ceramic. In compact apartments, even a small fountain on a shelf can have a calming effect. 13. Create a Zen Meditation Space Image Source: Indonesiandesign In 2025, many people are seeking ways to integrate wellness into their daily routines. A dedicated Zen meditation space is a practical and transformative addition to your home. Start by selecting a quiet corner with natural light. Add a tatami mat or meditation cushion, a low wooden table for incense or a small sculpture, and soft lighting.  Keep the area free of distractions and visual clutter. Include calming elements like a plant, a stone bowl, or a small bamboo fountain. This minimal setup supports regular mindfulness practice and encourages stillness, making your home a place for both rest and self-discovery. 14. Simple and Functional Storage Solutions Image Source: Making a Green Life By Lily Storage in Zen Japanese Interior Design is subtle, seamless, and always purposeful. Clutter disrupts the flow and calm of a room, so the goal is to keep belongings hidden but accessible. Choose furniture with built-in storage like benches, low cabinets, or under-bed drawers.  Use natural materials such as wood or rattan for storage baskets, and avoid plastic or overly decorative containers. Labeling or color-coding isn’t necessary; simplicity is key. Shoji-style closets or sliding doors are ideal for small spaces, and folding screens can conceal shelves or workspaces. 15. Incorporate Japanese Art and Calligraphy Image Source: Lena Monroe Art in Zen Japanese Interior Design is minimal, meaningful, and often steeped in cultural heritage. Japanese calligraphy (shodo) or sumi-e ink paintings are perfect for bringing intentional beauty into your space. Choose one or two pieces that resonate with a personal value or emotional message.  You can display them in entryways, meditation areas, or above low furniture like benches or consoles. Use traditional hanging scrolls or frame them with natural wood for authenticity. This form of art adds a cultural and spiritual layer to your interiors, reminding you to embrace simplicity, grace, and mindfulness in your daily life. Final Thoughts: Bringing Zen into Your Home Zen Japanese Interior Design is more than an aesthetic, it’s a way of living that brings clarity, calm, and connection into our everyday environments. In today’s fast-paced world, designing a home isn’t just about choosing furniture or color palettes; it’s about creating a space that supports your well-being, reflects your values, and enhances your lifestyle. Home Designing is dedicated to making design both inspiring and accessible. Our platform shares ideas that help you visualize your space, discover new products, and turn inspiration into action, making it easier to create a home that truly reflects you.

As a long-time Windows geek, I’ve always loved and relied on keyboard shortcuts. They’re incredible! Like a collection of secret handshakes that can quickly perform useful tasks and dramatically speed up whatever you’re doing on your computer. And yes, keyboard shortcuts are rather secret. Windows doesn’t provide a coach that guides you through the hundreds of keyboard shortcuts you might find handy. They’re just… there. In the background. So, you usually have to seek them out or find out about them the old-fashioned way: by talking with other PC geeks and reading helpful articles like this one. Let me show you the greatest and most practical keyboard shortcuts I actually use all the time. 1. Launch File Explorer If you’re like me, you use File Explorer a lot. With a keyboard shortcut, it’s always close at hand — simply press Windows key + E to launch a new File Explorer window whenever you need one. Related: Useful File Explorer tips to keep under your belt 2. Go straight to Task Manager You probably know the basic Ctrl + Alt + Delete keyboard shortcut, but if you’re using it to open Task Manager, there’s actually a better way: instead, use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut. Related: How to access the old Task Manager in Windows 11 3. Open the Settings app Want to change a setting in the operating system? You usually have to do it through the Settings app. Instead of searching the Start menu, there’s actually a keyboard shortcut you can use: Windows key + I. Then, you can search directly in the Settings app for what you need. 4. Dig through clipboard history Chris Hoffman / IDG Did you know that every time you copy an image or text to the clipboard, Windows keeps a running history of it all? The usual Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut only pastes the last thing you copied — but if you want to paste something you copied much earlier, you can! All you have to do is pull up the clipboard history with the Windows key + V keyboard shortcut. (If you’ve never opened it before, you’ll be prompted for permission to activate the feature.) What’s nice about the clipboard history is that you can even pin certain copied items to the panel, making them quick to find in the future. 5. Insert emojis anywhere Chris Hoffman / IDG Love ’em or hate ’em, emojis have become part of modern communication — and Microsoft knows this, which is why Windows makes it easy to input emojis in nearly any application. All you have to do is press the Windows key + Period or Windows key + Semicolon keyboard shortcuts. Then, use the search field to find the emoji you want (or just scroll through to browse). 6. Type with your voice Chris Hoffman / IDG Windows lets you input text with your voice in nearly any application. To pull up the voice typing interface, just press Windows key + H. You’ll see a floating window (on Windows 11) or a bar (on Windows 10). This feature is called Voice Typing. You can use the settings menu in the window/bar to activate features like automatic punctuation. (By default, you’ll have to speak words like “period” while you dictate text.) Related: I wrote this article using Windows voice typing When Microsoft got rid of the Start menu in Windows 8, they at least had the courtesy to throw a bone to power users: a hidden “power user menu” with quick access to various system settings. And even though Windows 10 brought back the Start menu — which persists into Windows 11 — the power user menu never went away. To open it, press Windows key + X (or right-click the Start button). 8. Lock your computer To protect your computer from unauthorized access — especially in an environment like an office or campus — you should lock your computer whenever you step away. To quickly lock your PC, simply press the Windows key + L keyboard shortcut. 9. Control sound settings Chris Hoffman / IDG If you have multiple sound output devices (e.g., speakers, headphones, wireless earbuds) or multiple sound input devices (e.g., laptop microphone, headset, external microphone), you probably switch between them a lot. Well, you don’t have to dig deep into the Settings app to change between them. You can actually just press the Ctrl + Windows key + V keyboard shortcut to pull up the sound settings menu. It’s also a shortcut to adjusting system volume and per-app volume (using the sliders) and a quick way to pop into the Sound section of the Settings app (by clicking More volume settings). This feature is new to Windows 11, so isn’t available on Windows 10. 10. Snap windows The Snap feature is an essential window management tool for multitasking on Windows 11. You can easily “snap” app windows to edges of the screen using your keyboard. For starters, use Windows key + Left arrow and Windows key + Right arrow to snap the currently focused window to either the left half or right half of the screen. Similarly, use Windows key + Alt + Up arrow and Windows key + Alt + Down arrow to snap windows to the top half or bottom half of the screen, respectively. You can also use shortcuts to move windows to quadrants of the screen. For example, after snapping a window to the left half (using the above keyboard shortcut), keep holding the Windows key and tap the Up arrow to snap it to the top-left quadrant. 11. Activate Snap Layouts Chris Hoffman / IDG As if Snapping itself wasn’t useful enough, Windows 11 also has an additional Snap Layouts feature that makes it easier to snap windows into various configurations. To activate Snap Layouts, use the Windows key + Z keyboard shortcut. You’ll get a pop-up with numbered options — simply press the associated number key to choose that window layout. You can also see Snap Layouts by hovering your mouse pointer over the Maximize button of a window. Or, drag any window to the center-top edge of the screen to see Snap Layout options. 12. Toggle between windowed and full-screen modes in PC games Many PC games offer both windowed and full-screen modes. If you want to switch between them, it can be quite a hassle to navigate to the game’s settings menu, especially if you do it often. Here’s a faster way to switch between windowed and full-screen modes in many PC games: just press Alt + Enter. This doesn’t work in every game, but it does work in many of them. It’s the first thing I try whenever I want to switch between full-screen and windowed modes. 13. Jump between virtual desktops Windows 11 has a feature called Task View that lets you create “virtual desktops” that you can switch between. A virtual desktop is like a separate instance of “the” desktop, and each virtual desktop can hold its own set of running app windows. There are several keyboard shortcuts for the Task View experience, such as Windows key + Tab, which makes it easy to create new virtual desktops, delete existing ones, and jump between them. But once you’ve created a few virtual desktops, an even easier way to switch between them is to use the Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow and Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow keyboard shortcuts. 14. Move windows between monitors Do you have a sprawling workstation setup with multiple monitors? You can move windows from one screen to the next by pressing Windows key + Shift + Left arrow (to move the currently focused window to the left display) or Windows key + Shift + Right arrow (to move the currently focused window to the right display). On Windows 11, File Explorer has changed a lot from what it was before, particularly with a streamlined context menu. But some options are only found in that classic, old-school context menu. Rather than first opening the context menu and then selecting Show more options (or even hacking your registry with a workaround), you can actually just use a keyboard shortcut to quickly open the old context menu right away: hold down the Shift key while right-clicking in File Explorer to see the classic context menu. This feature is new to Windows 11, so isn’t available on Windows 10. 16. Edit text faster The Ctrl key is one of my favorite underutilized tricks when it comes to fast text editing. In short, holding down Ctrl makes most keys act on entire words rather than individual characters. For example, Backspace deletes the previous character, but Ctrl + Backspace deletes the previous word. Another example, Left and Right arrows move the cursor by one character, but Ctrl + Left arrow and Ctrl + Right arrow moves the cursor from word to word. And it works with the Shift key, too. By holding Shift, you can highlight text as the cursor moves — so, if you want to quickly highlight multiple words in a row, just hold Ctrl + Shift and then tap the Left and Right arrows. (Try holding Shift with the Home and End keys to highlight entire lines of text with just a few keystrokes!) 17. Reopen a closed browser tab All the modern web browsers — including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge — let you quickly reopen tabs that you’ve closed. It’s easy to remember, too: if the Ctrl + T keyboard shortcut creates a new tab, the Ctrl + Shift + T keyboard shortcut reopens the last closed tab. 18. Alt + Tab in reverse Alt + Tab is one of the most iconic Windows keyboard shortcuts. But, if you have a lot of open windows to cycle through, it may make more sense to cycle in reverse sometimes. In that case, just press Shift + Alt + Tab to go backwards through the list of open windows. And that’s not all: while the Alt + Tab dialog is open, you can also use the arrow keys to instantly jump to the selected thumbnail’s window. 19. Rename files quickly Want to quickly rename a file? With a file selected in File Explorer, just press F2, type the name, and press Enter. I like to navigate between files using the arrow keys, then use the F2 key to quickly rename them. Or better yet: after pressing F2 and typing a file name, press the Tab key (instead of the Enter key) to immediately start renaming the next file in the folder. 20. Save a screenshot as a file Chris Hoffman / IDG The built-in Windows screenshot tools have gotten better, but sometimes you want to skip the tools and immediately save as an image file. To save a screenshot to disk without all the intermediate steps, press Windows key + Print Screen. Your screen will flash as Windows saves the screenshot. After that, you’ll find the screenshot in the Screenshots folder inside your user account’s Pictures folder. Related: How to take smarter screenshots in Windows More Windows productivity tips Honestly, as useful as these keyboard shortcuts are, they’re only scratching the surface of what’s buried in Windows. I’m always hunting down useful tips and features to share with the readers of my free Windows Intelligence newsletter! Be sure to check out this unusually hidden shortcut that works in the Task Manager, too. It blew my mind last year. Even for a grizzled PC geek like myself, there’s always more to discover in Windows.