The Linux Foundation and Meta are putting some numbers behind how open-source AI (OSAI) is driving innovation and adoption.The adoption of AI tools is pretty much everywhere now, with 94% of organisations surveyed already using them. And get this: within that crowd, 89% are tapping into open-source AI for some part of their tech backbone.A paper released this week by Meta and the Linux Foundation stitches together academic brainpower, industry frontline stories, and global survey data to showcase an ecosystem that’s buzzing thanks to being open and affordable.If there’s one thing that jumps off the page, it’s the money talk. Cost savings, folks, are a huge deal here. Unsurprisingly, two-thirds of businesses are saying that open source AI is just plain cheaper to get up and running compared to proprietary. So, it’s no shocker that almost half of them point to these savings as a big reason for going the open-source route.We’re not talking about trimming a few coins here and there. Researchers reckon companies would be shelling out 3.5 times more cash if open-source software simply vanished. As AI digs its heels deeper into everything we do, the financial muscle of open-source is only going to get stronger, potentially even overshadowing traditional open-source software’s impact.But this isn’t just about pinching pennies; it’s about unleashing brains. The report points out that AI can slash business unit costs by over 50%, which, as you can imagine, opens the door for revenue boosts. When open AI models are out there for cheap, or even free, it levels the playing field. Suddenly, developers and businesses of all sizes can jump in, play around, and rethink how they do things.Often it’s the smaller players, the agile startups and medium-sized businesses, that are diving headfirst into open-source AI more so than the big corporate giants. And since these are often the places where groundbreaking ideas and new products are born, it really hammers home how vital OSAI is for keeping the innovation engine chugging and helping those plucky, cutting-edge firms compete.And if you want a textbook example of how going open can turbocharge things, look no further than PyTorch. The report digs into how Meta’s decision to shift its heavyweight deep learning framework to an open governance model, under a non-profit, turned out to be a masterstroke.The report leans on a close look by Yue and Nagle (2024), who tracked what happened next. Once PyTorch flew the Meta nest, contributions from Meta itself “significantly decreased.” Sounds a bit off, right? But actually, it signalled a healthy move away from one company calling the shots.What really ramped up was input from “external companies, especially from the developers of complementary technology, such as chip manufacturers.” Meanwhile, the actual users, the developers building stuff with PyTorch, kept their engagement steady – “no change.”It’s a clear win. As the researchers put it, this kind of shift for major OSAI software “promotes broader participation and increased contributions and decreases the dominance of any single company.” It’s a powerful testament to what report authors Anna Hermansen and Cailean Osborne found: “engagement in open, collaborative activities is a better indicator of innovation than patents.”This isn’t just theory; it’s making waves in massive sectors. Take manufacturing. Open-source AI is set to be a game-changer there, mostly because its open code means you can bend it and shape it to fit. This flexibility allows AI to slot neatly into factory workflows, automating tasks and smoothing out order management. A 2023 McKinsey report, flagged in the study, even predicts AI could pump up to $290 billion extra into advanced manufacturing.Then there’s healthcare. In places like hospitals and local clinics, where every penny and every minute counts, free and flexible tools like open-source AI can literally be lifesavers. Imagine AI helping with diagnoses or flagging diseases early.McKinsey thinks the global healthcare sector could see up to a $260 billion boost in value once AI is really rolled out. A 2024 analysis even showed that open models in healthcare can go toe-to-toe with the proprietary ones—meaning hospitals can get tailored, privacy-friendly OSAI without skimping on performance.And it’s not just about the tech; it’s about the people. The report mentions that AI-related skills could see wages jump by up to 20%. That’s a big deal and really underlines why we need to be thinking about training and development for this new AI era.Hilary Carter, SVP of Research at The Linux Foundation, said: “The findings in this report make it clear: open-source AI is a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity. As adoption scales across sectors, we’re seeing measurable cost savings, increased productivity and rising demand for AI-related skills that can boost wages and career prospects.“Open-source AI is not only transforming how businesses operate—it’s reshaping how people work.”So, the takeaway? Open AI models are fast becoming the standard, the very foundation of future breakthroughs. They’re pushing growth and healthy competition by making powerful AI tools available without an eye-watering price tag.The Linux Foundation’s report isn’t just cheerleading; it’s laying out the hard numbers to show why open-source AI is absolutely crucial for a robust, stable, and forward-looking economy.Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

How to Design Residential Urban Terraces: Strategies for Living Well in High PlacesSave this picture!Phoenix Rooftop / BENT Architecture. © Dianna SnapeIn today’s dense, vertical cities, terraces—often overlooked as mere technical rooftops—are emerging as key spaces for reconnecting with nature, expanding residential functions, and offering moments of collective relief. Particularly in single-family homes located in compact urban areas, these elevated surfaces represent valuable opportunities to increase usable living space without occupying more land. By lifting daily life above street level, terraces open new ways of inhabiting the city, enabling a range of uses from leisure and contemplation to food production and social gathering. In contexts marked by limited green space and strained infrastructure, they hold the potential to generate what landscape architect Catherine Mosbach calls "additional layers of urbanity." Whether imagined as hanging gardens, gathering spots, edible landscapes, or wellness zones, terraces challenge the idea that the city ends at the top floor—inviting us to see the roof as a new kind of ground.As early as the 1920s, Le Corbusier recognized both the symbolic and functional power of rooftops through his concept of the “fifth façade”—a dynamic, accessible upper surface capable of hosting gardens, leisure spaces, and new forms of urban life. This forward-thinking vision resonates strongly today in the face of environmental and social challenges. Landmark projects such as MVRDV’s monumental temporary staircase in Rotterdam, giving public access to a rooftop, or large-scale initiatives like Toronto’s Green Roof program, Paris’s green roof mandate, and New York’s rooftop community gardens show how these spaces are being reimagined as infrastructure—by both public authorities and private actors alike. Save this picture!Although many rooftop activation projects focus on multifamily buildings or public facilities, growing attention is now being directed at terraces in single-family homes—especially on tight urban lots where the traditional backyard is being replaced by an active roof. In the context of increasing climate extremes and urban heat islands, these surfaces also gain ecological significance: they help regulate temperature, retain rainwater, and foster biodiversity. Still, their use remains limited by technical, legal, and cultural barriers, requiring targeted architectural solutions to truly integrate them into urban life—particularly at the domestic scale. Related Article The History of Useful Flat Roofs Varied Uses: How Climate and Context Shape TerracesBecause terraces are inherently outdoor spaces, their use and design are shaped by regional climates and cultural habits. In dry, sunny areas like the Mediterranean or the Middle East, terraces naturally extend the home and are often used for outdoor dining, sleeping under the stars, growing herbs and vegetables, or fostering intergenerational social interaction.Save this picture!In humid tropical regions such as Southeast Asia or Brazil, terraces require specific adaptations—like pergolas or awnings for shade, efficient drainage, and dense vegetation for thermal control. Even with these adjustments, they remain versatile and are commonly adapted as gourmet areas or compact urban gardens.Beyond these familiar uses, other forms of appropriation highlight the symbolic and practical flexibility of terraces. In dense cities where land is scarce, they can serve entirely new functions: as elevated playgrounds with safe, lightweight structures for children, or as pet-friendly zones with artificial turf, agility circuits, and shaded resting spots.Save this picture!More unexpected uses also emerge—retractable screens for family movie nights, quiet spaces for reading or meditation, sensory gardens filled with aromatic and medicinal plants, or small home observatories for stargazing that blend leisure with education. Some people even transform terraces into creative studios—spaces for painting, sculpture, or interactive installations. These varied possibilities reveal the terrace as an intimate, adaptable setting that reflects the evolving stages, routines, and identities of its inhabitants.Save this picture!Access and Integration: Connecting Indoors and OutdoorsA key factor in how terraces are used is their connection to the rest of the house. In single-family homes, the ease and quality of access largely determine how integrated and frequently used a terrace becomes. When access is limited to technical stairs or routed through service areas, the terrace tends to be seen as secondary and remains underused. By contrast, when access is direct, comfortable, and embedded in the domestic routine—through well-placed internal staircases, terraced gardens, or generous openings that link social spaces to the roof—the terrace becomes a natural extension of the home and is activated in everyday life.Save this picture!Contemporary architecture increasingly explores this sense of spatial continuity. Sculptural staircases, operable skylights, interior walkways, and large sliding glass doors enable smooth transitions between inside and out, blurring the boundaries between living space and rooftop. In narrow urban plots, well-designed compact solutions can link the upper floor to the terrace while enhancing light and ventilation—turning the journey upward into a deliberate part of the architectural experience.Save this picture!Form and Volume: The Terrace as an Architectural GestureFar from being flat, utilitarian surfaces, terraces can play a defining role in the architectural expression of single-family homes. Their volumetric configuration—whether as a full rooftop, half-terrace, stepped platform, or garden balcony—directly shapes the building’s silhouette and its dialogue with the urban context. Instead of defaulting to untreated concrete slabs, the terrace can continue the language of interior spaces through multilevel platforms, built-in planters and benches, reflecting pools, or pergolas that bring depth and texture to the composition. On sloped lots, they may cantilever outward or serve as scenic urban lookouts, expanding both visual and functional space. From a design standpoint, terraces allow for experimentation that breaks away from conventional single-story or stacked house typologies—creating compositions that play with mass and void, opacity and light, surface and shadow—making the terrace a true architectural gesture.Save this picture!Materials: Safety, Comfort, and Aesthetics at the TopMaterial choices are critical to the function, durability, and comfort of terraces. Exposed to sun, rain, and temperature shifts, these areas demand robust and safe materials. Common flooring options include non-slip porcelain tiles, treated wood decking, permeable concrete pavers, and other high-performance surfaces that balance durability with effective drainage. Structures like pergolas, brise-soleils, or tensioned fabric canopies help create shade and thermal comfort, using materials such as wood and steel.Save this picture!Waterproofing is equally essential—typically achieved through asphalt sheets, liquid membranes, or thermoplastic coatings—always combined with efficient drainage systems and, ideally, rainwater harvesting for reuse. Planters and gardens also require specific setups: at least 30 cm of depth for herbs and grasses, more than 60 cm for larger plants, with reinforced waterproofing. Pools, if planned, must be structurally accounted for from the start, given the weight and load implications. Safety is non-negotiable: guardrails over 1.10 meters high and edge barriers are vital to ensuring the secure use of rooftop spaces.Save this picture!Expanding Limits: The Micropolitics of Urban AirspaceAltogether, these examples point to the rise of a new urban paradigm: recognizing terraces and rooftops as open-air spaces with vast, yet often untapped, potential. It is important, however, to acknowledge that not all homes have access to such spaces—which makes it even more urgent to explore inclusive, collective, and accessible ways of activating rooftops. Expanding domestic life upward—whether individually or communally—opens the door to new spatial narratives within the city.Save this picture! Image gallerySee allShow less About this authorCamilla GhisleniAuthor••• Cite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "How to Design Residential Urban Terraces: Strategies for Living Well in High Places" [Como Projetar Terraços Urbanos Residenciais: Estratégias para Viver nas Alturas] 21 May 2025. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030258/how-to-design-residential-urban-terraces-strategies-for-living-well-in-high-places&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Ming - stock.adobe.com Opinion UK Fraud Bill targets benefit claimants for mass surveillance The UK government’s proposed Fraud Bill will disproportionately place millions of benefit claimants under constant surveillance, creating a two-tier system where people are automatically suspected of wrongdoing for seeking welfare By Anna Dent Published: 21 May 2025 Earlier this month the House of Lords had its first debate on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.  The Bill aims to reduce government losses to benefit fraud and error, and would give the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) unprecedented powers of investigation to routinely and covertly check benefit claimants' bank accounts, the right to enter private homes, and to seize drivers' licenses or money from bank accounts. Expert organisations including Justice, the Public Law Project and Big Brother Watch warn that although the aim of the Bill is hugely important, the proposed powers are disproportionate and represent a breach of human rights. As Baroness Finn remarked in the Lords, "support for the goal must not mean silence about the means." The Bill promises an expanded regime of digital surveillance for people in receipt of Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and State Pension Credit. This includes the introduction of an 'Eligibility Verification Measure' (EVM) which would enable DWP to direct banks to check millions of bank accounts for as yet unspecified indicators of benefit fraud and error.  DWP already has similar powers but crucially can only use them where it has 'reasonable grounds' to suspect fraud is taking place, which is the standard threshold for many comparable state powers. This Bill would completely remove that threshold, and enable intrusive surveillance without any justification. Details on exactly how the EVM will be used are sparse, but it could theoretically result in every single claimant’s bank account being checked, with no suspicion or indication of any fraud, error or over-payment needed.  Accounts flagged through these checks would then be passed to a member of DWP staff for further investigation, but what this will involve is still unclear. A code of practice to accompany the Bill is still unpublished, so we don't actually know what sequence of events would play out. Will individuals be informed when they are being investigated? Will their benefits be suspended during an investigation? Will their claim be assessed by other fraud algorithms? In some circumstances, the Department could automatically take money from the bank accounts of people no longer on benefits if they are deemed to have committed fraud or been accidentally overpaid. Banks will be prevented from informing their customers that this recovery process is happening, so the first that a customer might know is when money disappears from their account.  The finance industry has expressed concern about tensions between the obligations the Bill would create and financial institutions' consumer obligations, the risks of financial harm to vulnerable customers, and the lack of robust safeguards for the transfer of banking data. Others are concerned about the potential for miscarriages of justice which many will be unable to effectively challenge: the benefits covered by the Bill are only available to people on a low income, who are unlikely to have the means to engage in legal action. These powers would apply to both fraud and error, including over-payments caused by the Department's own mistakes. Overpayments can be caused by myriad mistakes on the part of DWP or claimant, or both, and the complexity of making claims is well known. But under the Bill, fraud and error will be treated the same, with the same digital surveillance deployed and the same powers to seize money and other assets. Universal Credit already appears to be particularly prone to mistakes and over-payments. Rather than punishing people after the fact, it would be better for DWP to work out why it is particularly vulnerable, do more to help people avoid mistakes, and reduce the rate at which their own mistakes cause over-payments. Treating all claimants like intentional fraudsters stigmatises people on benefits, and risks people who need financial support disengaging from the benefit system. Rather than focus on professional criminals who are actively defrauding the Department, the bill scoops everyone up and places them all under suspicion. It creates a two-tier system in which benefit claimants would be subject to an invasion of privacy not applied to the rest of the population: millions of people who have done nothing wrong will be laid open to mass surveillance. DWP officers would be given police-like powers of entry to private premises and seizure of private property. This is an extraordinary expansion of very serious powers targeted at one section of society. It fundamentally undermines basic rights to privacy and to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.  Whether the ends justify these heavy-handed means is doubtful. The Department's own impact assessment estimates that just 2% of social security fraud and error over-payments will be clawed back through the use of these powers over 10 years: a disproportionate invasion of privacy for little benefit. The finance industry also warns that the organised gangs who carry out large-scale benefit fraud using sophisticated methods to avoid detection will easily find ways to work around the new powers.  Also on its way through the legislative process is the Data Use and Access Bill, which proposes to reduce the requirement for human oversight of automated decisions within government. If both Bills pass into law as currently drafted, there is a potential future in which the human-in-the-loop safeguards relating to digital bank surveillance are no longer legally required. This leaves the door open to hugely consequential decisions being made entirely by automated systems. We know that existing DWP fraud algorithms generate bias; the introduction of more automation and digital surveillance and the potential for less human oversight should trouble us all.  Increasing the number of people that are flagged for investigation via these new powers could put thousands more through the difficult process of fraud investigation. DWP’s own figures show that three-quarters of people whose benefit claims are flagged as suspicious actually have no fraud or error related to their claim at all. Ten million people receive the benefits that will be covered by the new powers: if even 1% of claimants are wrongly investigated many thousands of people will be affected.  As well as the immediate impact of these disproportionate powers, politicians need to be aware of the precedents they are setting, and how the legislation could be used by other administrations in future. Eliminating the need for the government to justify wholesale digital surveillance removes a basic protection against state over-reach. Only the state pension is explicitly excluded from the powers in the Bill: a government with an even more single-minded obsession with efficiency and fraud could roll out the bank surveillance to many, many other people. What will affect a minority now could become the norm for the majority. Anna Dent is an independent researcher and policy consultant, working on the digital welfare state and human-centred technology Read more about digital surveillance UK government outlines plan to surveil migrants with eVisa data: Electronic visa data and biometric technologies will be used by the UK’s immigration enforcement authorities to surveil migrants living in the country and to ‘tighten control of the border’, attracting strong criticism from migrant support groups. AI surveillance towers place migrants in ‘even greater jeopardy’: The use of autonomous surveillance towers throughout the English coast forces migrants into increasingly dangerous routes and contributes to their criminalisation. Invasive tracking ‘endemic’ on sensitive support websites: Websites set up by police, charities and universities to help people get support for sensitive issues like addiction and sexual harassment are deploying tracking technologies that harvest information without proper consent. In The Current Issue: UK critical systems at risk from ‘digital divide’ created by AI threats UK at risk of Russian cyber and physical attacks as Ukraine seeks peace deal Standard Chartered grounds AI ambitions in data governance Download Current Issue Microsoft entices developers to build more Windows AI apps – Cliff Saran's Enterprise blog Red Hat launches llm-d community & project – Open Source Insider View All Blogs

The Goizuetas, with three grown children and homes in Florida and Connecticut, have a veritable treasure-filled prior history, replete with some personal pieces that Dembo designed, measuredly, around. Consider the two guest bedrooms: “They were just white boxes,” says Dembo. But Elizabeth’s childhood bed proved to be a jumping-off point. “‘Wow, I’m going to design a whole room around this bed,’” the designer recalls, cast against a modernist, peach-nude wall mural from Fromental, a family heirloom desk, and bedside table imbue a layer of lineal history. Then, there’s a sculpture by Elizabeth’s brother Joe Thompson, titled Soho Cobbler, and crafted from shoes. Dembo placed it at the end of a hallway, a commanding location and a better-fitting one for a piece that had at first been placed in a closet in the primary bedroom.Collaboration was critical to the collectors. “A lot of the ideas that Hadas brought to the table, I wanted to wait and see how I felt about them for a while,” says Elizabeth, noting it took two years to procure bedroom chairs and a bit longer for the console. “She had a lot of great ideas which I originally rejected, and then we ended up going right back, full circle, to those ideas again, because it just takes me a little bit of time to ascertain if I really want something or not,” she says. “She understood very well what type of collector and person I am, and she waited.”The Pierre Abramovich sofa joins the couple’s vintage wood dining table, a Sergio Rodrigues hexagonal coffee, and a selection of antiques and vintage pieces that include Joaquim Tenreiro lounge chairs; a Charlotte Perriand Cansado Bench; Mies van der Rohe Cantilever chairs; and a 19th-century altar from Navarra, Spain. A second sofa, by Joaquim Tenreiro via R & Company, presides at left. The walls are clad in Dedar’s crepe wool fabric and limewash paint. The glass vase is by Thaddeus Wolfe; the Hombre silk pillows on the bench are by ABC Carpet & Home; and the glass bowl is by Jeff Zimmerman. A dramatic focal point of the dining area is the Deborah Thomas glass chandelier. The open-plan living-dining area transformed into the true artistic axis of the home, providing ample room to showcase an array of photography, painting, sculpture, and period furnishings. Works by surrealist painter Roberto Matta, a sculpture by Elizabeth’s father, and a Pierre Abramovich sofa are at home here, along with a new favorite of the couple’s, a hexagonal coffee of marble and rosewood by Brazilian furnituremaker Sergio Rodrigues. For the couple, who have traveled frequently to Mexico, Rodrigues’s work had special resonance. “I really like the way that the Brazilian furniture echoes, a little bit, the furniture by Luis Barragán,” shares the homeowner.A dramatic focal point of the dining area, Deborah Thomas’s glass chandelier from R & Company, is crafted from broken glass bottles. “I love the humble origins of it, and the idea that the eyes can play tricks on you—let your imagination assume that it’s something else, something much more elevated, perhaps, than just broken-up bottles,” says Elizabeth. And a curation of antiques and vintage pieces comprising Joaquim Tenreiro lounge chairs, the Cansado bench by Charlotte Perriand, Mies van der Rohe Cantilever chairs, and a 19th-century altar from Navarra, Spain, form a thoughtful composition. “When it’s successful,” says Dembo, “it looks like it just happened, but when it’s not it looks too worked-over. Always, what I’m trying to do is to get a mix.”

May 21, 2025Ravie LakshmananMalware / Windows Security Russian organizations have become the target of a phishing campaign that distributes malware called PureRAT, according to new findings from Kaspersky. "The campaign aimed at Russian business began back in March 2023, but in the first third of 2025 the number of attacks quadrupled compared to the same period in 2024," the cybersecurity vendor said. The attack chains, which have not been attributed to any specific threat actor, commence with a phishing email that contains a RAR file attachment or a link to the archive that masquerades as a Microsoft Word or a PDF document by making use of double extensions ("doc_054_[redacted].pdf.rar"). Present within the archive file is an executable that, when launched, copies itself to the "%AppData%" location of the compromised Windows machine under the name "task.exe" and creates a Visual Basic Script called "Task.vbs" in the Startup VBS folder. The executable then proceeds to unpack another executable "ckcfb.exe", runs the system utility "InstallUtil.exe," and injects into it the decrypted module. "Ckcfb.exe," for its part, extracts and decrypts a DLL file "Spydgozoi.dll" that incorporates the main payload of the PureRAT malware. PureRAT establishes SSL connections with a command-and-control (C2) server and transmits system information, including details about the antivirus products installed, the computer name, and the time elapsed since the system startup. In response, the C2 server sends auxiliary modules to perform a variety of malicious actions - PluginPcOption, which is capable of executing commands for self-deletion, restarting the executable file, and shutting down or rebooting the computer PluginWindowNotify, which checks the name of the active window for keywords like password, bank, WhatsApp, and perform appropriate follow-up actions like unauthorized fund transfers PluginClipper, which functions as a clipper malware by substituting cryptocurrency wallet addresses copied to the system's clipboard with an attacker-controlled one "The Trojan includes modules for downloading and running arbitrary files that provide full access to the file system, registry, processes, camera and microphone, implement keylogger functionality, and give attackers the ability to secretly control the computer using the remote desktop principle," Kaspersky said. The original executable that launches "ckcfb.exe" simultaneously also extracts a second binary referred to as "StilKrip.exe," which is a commercially available downloader dubbed PureCrypter that has been used to deliver various payloads in the past. It's active since 2022. "StilKrip.exe" is designed to download "Bghwwhmlr.wav," which follows the aforementioned attack sequence to run "InstallUtil.exe" and ultimately launch "Ttcxxewxtly.exe," an executable that unpacks and runs a DLL payload called PureLogs ("Bftvbho.dll"). PureLogs is an off-the-shelf information stealer that can harvest data from web browsers, email clients, VPN services, messaging apps, wallet browser extensions, password managers, cryptocurrency wallet apps, and other programs like FileZilla and WinSCP. "The PureRAT backdoor and PureLogs stealer have broad functionality that allows attackers to gain unlimited access to infected systems and confidential organization data," Kaspersky said. "The main vector of attacks on businesses has been and remains emails with malicious attachments or links." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE    

Macworld Compared to the iPhone and its complex functions, the Apple TV 4K is a relatively simple device. You’ve got a simple Home Screen with large icons, a few menus across apps, and just not much to set up, really. Nevertheless, tvOS enables power users to customize certain UI elements, system behavior, the Siri Remote, and more. Here are some of the essential settings tweaks that can help you personalize your Apple TV experience in as little as 15 minutes. 1. Customize the Siri Remote Before getting started, you’ll want to ensure that your Apple TV’s bundled Siri Remote behaves as expected. Head to the Settings app and visit the Remotes and Devices section. There, you can optionally speed up or turn off the remote’s touch surface after testing its default sensitivity. If you don’t often watch Apple TV+ content, you may also want to remap the Siri Remote’s TV button. By default, clicking it will launch the TV app, which houses TV+ and other compatible streaming services. When remapped via the same Settings section, it’ll take you to the Home Screen instead. This makes it faster to leave apps or switch between them. On the same page, scroll down to the Home Theater Control section and enable the Turn On Your TV with Your Remote toggle. This will let you control a compatible display using the Siri Remote, sparing you from needing separate remotes for your Apple TV 4K and the screen itself. That TV button can do a whole lot more than summon the TV+ streaming service.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry 2. Connect streaming services (and not just Apple’s) As mentioned above, the built-in TV app supports a wide range of third-party streaming services, including Disney+, Paramount+, Max (sorry, HBO Max), Hulu, and more. Some services let you subscribe directly from the TV app using Apple’s billing, while others can link your existing accounts. Regardless, by adding your streaming services to the TV app, you can enjoy a universal queue that surfaces all of your favorite movies and series. 3. Upgrade your setup with a HomePod (or two) Apple is known for its smoothly integrated ecosystem, and this can help us to get next-level audio with the Apple TV. If you’re unsatisfied with your TV’s built-in speakers and happen to have a HomePod or two lying around, you can set them up to wirelessly output Apple TV audio. Just go to the Settings app and select Video and Audio > Audio Output. On this page, your HomePod or HomePod stereo pair should automatically appear as an available option. Simply set it as the default audio output device. Not only will this enhance the sound quality of content you consume, but it’ll also let you control Apple TV media using the HomePod’s touchscreen. HomePods have their flaws, but their excellent audio quality will transform your TV binge-watching marathons.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry 4. Get more accurate audio and video There are thousands of unique TVs and speakers on the market, offering various specifications and technology. Naturally, the outputted colors and audio won’t necessarily be identical across the different models. That’s why we advise you to calibrate the color balance and wireless audio sync on tvOS. To do so, visit the Video and Audio page in the Settings app. Toward the bottom, you’ll find a Calibration section housing the Color Balance and Wireless Audio Sync options. Bring your iPhone close to your Apple TV 4K and follow the easy on-screen instructions. The first of those options helps display accurate colors when watching movies and shows, while the second one minimizes latency when relying on AirPlay or Bluetooth speakers for audio output. 5. Make the Home Screen work for you Like iOS, tvOS has a Home Screen where you can see icons for both installed and offloaded apps. You can tap and hold on an app icon to make it jiggle, then swipe on your Siri Remote’s touch surface to relocate it. You can also place an app icon on top of another to create a new folder housing both. If you find it hard to identify which app is selected when navigating through the dock, there’s a quick, permanent fix. Go to Settings and select Accessibility > Display. Under the Contrast section, you’ll find a Focus Style menu. Pick the High Contrast option. This will add a white border around selected apps on the Home Screen to make spotting them less challenging. Now head back to the main Settings page and go to Users and Accounts > [your name]. Under the iCloud section, toggle One Home Screen on. This will sync your current Home Screen layout to iCloud and apply it to existing and future Apple TVs linked to your account. Now it’s easy to see which app you’ve selected.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry 6. Avoid that syncing feeling If you live with family members or flatmates, then you may want to be careful which iCloud photos and videos sync to your Apple TV. Head to Settings and select Users and Accounts > [your name]. Under iCloud, go to Photos. There you can decide whether the Photos app on tvOS syncs your entire iCloud photo and video library, only shared albums, or nothing at all. It’s worth noting that the Apple TV’s Photos app won’t show the Hidden album no matter what setting you opt for. If you’re concerned about a few questionable shots, you can easily hide them using your iPhone and display the rest on the big screen. 7. Enjoy Apple’s beautiful screen savers Like macOS, tvOS offers a rich library of screen savers for when your Apple TV 4K is idle. To customize this feature, launch Settings and go to Screen Saver, then pick one of the four options. Aerials features videos taken in various countries and from outer space. Meanwhile, the Memories & Slideshows and Portraits options let you display photos from your synced library. Lastly, Snoopy showcases custom animations of classic cartoon characters. You can also adjust other screen saver preferences via the same Settings page. 8. Lock out intruders It would be a real shame if someone were to take over your Apple TV 4K’s screen and cast unwanted audio or video. Fortunately, tvOS lets you set mirroring boundaries effortlessly. Open Settings and go to AirPlay and HomeKit > Allow Access. The setting Everyone will let any nearby iOS user detect and cast content to your TV. Picking it enables you to optionally add a password to restrict malicious users nearby. Anyone on the Same Network requires the caster’s iPhone to be connected to the same router and similarly supports password protection. Only People Sharing This Home is the safest setting, as your Apple TV will only be accessible to those you’ve added to your Home app.

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.

Portable technology has evolved far beyond simple convenience. In 2025, designers and engineers are crafting devices that fit easily in your bag or pocket and also seamlessly blend innovation, style, and performance. The modern consumer demands more than just portability—they want devices that bring delight, spark creativity, and make everyday life smarter and more enjoyable. We have picked five impressive designs that set new benchmarks in their respective categories. We’re spotlighting a vibrant, hyper-compact laptop that brings a playful twist to work and creativity; a rugged, eco-friendly Bluetooth speaker designed for audiophiles who crave both sound quality and sustainability; and a trailblazing portable projector that brings true 4K cinema to the outdoors with industry-first cooling technology. 1. a_77 laptop In a market crowded with lookalike laptops, the a_77 is a breath of fresh air for mobile computing. Created by Braz de Pina, this device puts the keyboard at the heart of its design, resulting in a super-compact, visually vibrant laptop that strips away the unnecessary. The 65% keyboard layout dictates the overall footprint, making room only for what matters: a tactile typing experience, a responsive touch display, and essential navigation tools. The screen is small and nearly square, while the keyboard features unique touches like a standout power button and a dedicated CoPilot key for productivity. This laptop’s playful, colorful aesthetic is matched by thoughtful usability, making it a great choice for digital nomads, students, or anyone who values portability and a bit of fun in their tech. What we like Exceptionally portable and fun design. Smart, space-saving keyboard. What we dislike The screen could feel cramped. It may not appeal to traditionalists. 2. Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub The Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub redefines what a USB-C hub can be, introducing a blend of cutting-edge functionality and sleek design. Moving beyond basic connectivity, this accessory features a robust metallic chassis and an integrated touchscreen dashboard that brings an entirely new level of control to your workflow. Designed with the needs of demanding users in mind, it supports high-speed data transfers, external storage solutions, and simultaneous connections for multiple devices. At the heart of the Dockcase is its interactive display, which provides live updates on transfer speeds, power delivery, and SSD status. This real-time information gives users a clear overview of their setup, making it feel like a compact command center for all their connected tech. The hub is equipped with a variety of ports, including a 10 Gbps USB-C host connection, HDMI output capable of 4K at 120Hz, and slots for UHS-II SD and TF cards, making it as versatile as it is powerful. What we like Wide range of connectivity options, perfect for professionals who multitask and need reliable, high-speed access. The sturdy metal body ensures long-lasting durability, especially for frequent travelers. What we dislike The advanced features and detailed dashboard may be more complex than necessary for users who prefer straightforward, plug-and-play hubs. 3. B&O Beosound A1 3rd Generation For those who want their music to sound great wherever they are, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation sets a new standard for portable audio. This Bluetooth speaker takes the familiar, compact puck design and refines it with a focus on durability, rich sound, and sustainability. Its IP67 water and dust resistance make it suitable for any environment, from beach trips to rainy hikes. Under the hood, you’ll find a modular battery system that extends the product’s lifespan, plus a five-year warranty and Cradle to Cradle certification—the first for a Bluetooth speaker—demonstrating a serious commitment to eco-friendly design. Sound quality is impressive and immersive, easily filling a room or outdoor space, and the build feels solid enough for years of use. What we like Offers stunning sound and a sturdy build. Features a swappable battery, long warranty, and eco-friendly certification for guilt-free listening. What we dislike Costs significantly more than other portable speakers, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Focuses on music playback without voice assistants or advanced connectivity options found in some competitors. 4. NEBULA X Portable projectors often struggle to balance image quality and reliability in a compact package, but the Nebula X1 changes the game. This device is engineered for mobility without compromise, boasting a triple-laser system for true 4K UHD visuals and 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness—enough to project a crisp, vivid image on screens up to 300 inches. The star feature is its integrated liquid cooling, a technology rarely seen on portable gear, which keeps the projector running cool and quiet even during extended sessions. With Dolby Vision support, colors are rich and contrast is striking, allowing for true cinema experiences indoors or out. Despite its power, the X1 remains easy to carry, fitting neatly into a backpack for movie nights, presentations, or gaming anywhere. What we like Triple-laser tech and high brightness deliver sharp, vivid visuals even in challenging lighting. Liquid cooling ensures consistent performance and quiet operation during long viewing sessions. What we dislike Advanced features can drain battery faster, so extended use may require access to power. Premium features and performance come with a higher price tag, best suited for dedicated users. 5. Cylin The Cylin transforms the idea of portable computing by uniting a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses in a sleek cylindrical form. Addressing the challenges of today’s AR setups, the Cylin is engineered for flexibility, making it suitable for everything from streaming videos to tackling professional writing projects on the go. Its scroll-inspired design features a dedicated compartment for AR glasses, a fold-out keyboard for typing, and an integrated mouse for effortless navigation. By merging tangible controls with advanced AR technology, the Cylin delivers a fluid and intuitive user experience without compromising on size or mobility. This all-in-one device streamlines digital tasks and introduces a forward-thinking approach to portable tech, offering users both convenience and state-of-the-art capabilities in any setting. What we like Integrates AR glasses and essential computing peripherals into a travel-friendly device. Adapts easily to a variety of work and entertainment environments. What we dislike Not yet available on the consumer market. The novel interface may require an adjustment period for new users. The post 5 Best Portable Tech Designs For Power, Play & Productivity Anywhere first appeared on Yanko Design.