Coloroscopio
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The video-sharing giant YouTube boasts millions of uploads daily, encompassing everything from music videos to cat compilations. But where did it all begin? The very first video uploaded to the platform, a grainy 19-second clip titled "Me at the zoo," holds a special place in YouTube's history. Uploaded on April 23, 2005, by Jawed Karim, a co-founder of YouTube, the video features Karim himself standing in front of elephants at the San Diego Zoo. In a casual tone, Karim remarks on the impressive length of the elephants’ trunks, concluding with, “And that's pretty much all there is to say.” While simple by today’s standards, “Me at the zoo” marked a turning point in online content sharing. Though posted a month before YouTube's official launch in May 2005, “Me at the zoo” embodies the platform's core concept: empowering everyday people to share their experiences with the world. The video's enduring popularity, with over 317 million views as of today, speaks to the power of user-generated content and the platform's ability to connect people on a global scale. https://observer.com/2016/04/this-week-in-tech-history-bp-oil-spill-first-youtube-video-uploaded/ https://www.good.is/you-tubes-first-ever-video-was-published-19-years-ago-and-it-was-filmed-at-a-zoo https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/me-at-the-zoo-the-news-and-his-face Image: Jawed Karim
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The famed Louvre Museum in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa, is adding an unexpected element to its offerings in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games: fitness classes. Known for its vast collection of art and historical artifacts, the museum will now also serve as a unique venue for yoga and sports sessions, embracing the athletic spirit with a program dubbed “Run in the Louvre.” Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workouts—think dance, yoga, and cardio sessions—all while surrounded by the museum's iconic paintings and sculptures. The workout sessions will take place in various prestigious areas of the museum, each chosen to enhance the specific activity. Imagine flowing through yoga poses in the serene Marly Courtyard, a reconstruction of the gardens where King Louis XIV once rested. Meanwhile, the Salle des Caryatides, a former royal ballroom adorned with elegant statues, will host dance sessions, drawing inspiration from the very space itself. Choreographer and dancer Mehdi Kerkouche, who helped orchestrate the events, shared his inspiration, saying, “I was completely inspired by each space in the museum.” This program aligns with the Louvre’s recent exhibition, “Olympism. An Ancient Heritage, a Modern Invention,” which explores the historical roots and enduring legacy of the Olympic Games. Altogether, they add to the excitement of the first Olympic Games in France for 100 years, offering a unique way to experience the museum and celebrate the athletic spirit. Would you consider a workout session at the Louvre? https://www.reuters.com/sports/parisians-warm-up-olympics-with-workouts-louvre-museum-2024-04-24/ https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/2024-olympics-louvre-workout-classes-1234704553/ https://news.artnet.com/art-world/louvre-yoga-sessions-olympic-games-2475619 https://hyperallergic.com/907150/louvre-museum-launches-a-fitness-program-ahead-of-summer-olympics-2024/ Image: Tnymand | Dreamstime.com
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Potato chip giant Lay’s is kicking off the 2024 soccer season with a new twist on tradition, partnering with Lionel Messi to introduce a fresh rally cry. The iconic “Olé, Olé, Olé” chant, typically reserved for goal celebrations, may face some friendly competition this year with the catchy “Oh-Lay’s, Oh-Lay’s, Oh-Lay’s, Oh-Lay’s.” A chip off the old block? This clever wordplay references Messi’s mastery of the “chip shot”—a delicate maneuver where the ball is lofted over the goalkeeper's head and into the net. A new commercial showcases the soccer legend effortlessly transitioning the “Olé” chant into the playful “Oh-Lay’s” version. To celebrate Messi’s signature move and the “Oh-Lay’s” rally cry, the Frito-Lay brand is pulling out all the stops. Fans will have the chance to win a unique piece of soccer memorabilia—limited-edition, soccer ball-shaped Lay’s bags commemorating Messi’s first “chip shot” goal of the season. But wait, there's more! One lucky winner will also snag a Messi-autographed Lay’s jersey, just like the ones featured in the new commercial. “When it comes to the perfect blend of skill and flavor, few can match the iconic taste of Lay’s chips or the mastery of Messi on the field, so we knew we had to bring the chip icons together to recognize their greatness,” notes Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing, PepsiCo Foods North America. “With the introduction of ‘Oh-Lay’s,’ we’re thrilled to continue our commitment to spark moments of joy for soccer fans everywhere, reminding them that there's no better snack for watching soccer than Lay’s potato chips.” So, will “Oh-Lay's” become the new roar of the crowd, or an ear-worm for sporting enthusiasts? Only time, and the beautiful game itself, will tell. https://people.com/food/lionel-messi-partners-with-lays-on-a-goat-collection/ https://www.foodandwine.com/lionel-messi-lays-potato-chips-oh-lays-contest-8633653 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-potato-chip-icon-lays-teams-up-with-soccer-icon-lionel-messi-for-reveal-of-new-soccer-rally-cry-oh-lays-oh-lays-oh-lays-oh-lays-302117494.html Images: PRNewsfoto/Frito-Lay North America
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A terrifying near-death experience at the hands of a serial attacker at age 21 fueled her desire to help bring criminals to justice. This personal connection, coupled with her artistic talent, honed through a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and the FBI Academy’s Forensic Artist Course, led Lois Gibson to become a formidable force in the fight against crime. As a forensic artist for the Houston Police Department, Gibson’s keen eye and unwavering dedication have made her a legend. But it’s her record-breaking success that truly cements her legacy. As of February 2024, Gibson holds the Guinness World Record for the most criminals positively identified due to the composites of one artist—a staggering 1,313 individuals. These unmaskings have played a crucial role in countless investigations, leading to arrests and convictions that would have otherwise remained unsolved. Beyond the statistics, Gibson’s impact goes deeper. She possesses a unique ability to connect with victims, often in a highly emotional state, and translate their fragmented memories into detailed sketches. These composites become not just images, but crucial pieces of evidence, helping jog public memory and lead to breakthroughs in cases. They’re a reminder that even the smallest details can make a world of difference in the pursuit of justice. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/4/forensic-artist-who-escaped-serial-murderer-has-helped-catch-1-300-criminals-768440 https://www.fox26houston.com/news/police-reflect-on-houston-artist-with-guinness-world-record-solving-crime https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/an-artist-for-the-people Image: generated on AI
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Tech giant Apple has struck a significant deal with stock media leader Shutterstock to fuel its development of artificial intelligence. According to a Reuters report, Apple has licensed millions of images, videos, and audio files from Shutterstock's vast collection. While the company might be late to the AI game, it’s probably better late than never. This partnership highlights its growing focus on in-house AI development and the crucial role high-quality data plays in the process, while positioning it alongside other tech behemoths like Google and Meta. The Cupertino-based company has allocated $25 million to $50 million to tap into Shutterstock’s extensive collection of images, videos, and audio content. These licensed assets will serve as the building blocks for training Apple’s AI models, enabling them to recognize patterns, learn from data, and make informed decisions. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the agreement, the influx of diverse content from Shutterstock could primarily benefit Apple’s image recognition and editing functionalities on iPhones and other devices. By training its AI models on a massive dataset of labeled images and videos, Apple can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of tasks like object identification, scene understanding, and automatic image organization within your photo library. The implications extend beyond just photos. Shutterstock’s library also boasts a rich collection of audio and video content. This could potentially enhance voice recognition features like Siri, leading to more accurate voice commands and dictation. Automatic captioning and transcription could also see improvements as Apple's AI learns to better interpret audio data. The Bigger Picture It’s worth noting that Apple isn’t the first tech company to leverage Shutterstock's resources. Major players like Google, Amazon, and Meta Platforms have reportedly already utilized Shutterstock’s data to train their own AI systems. This partnership is just one piece of the puzzle for Apple. The company is also reportedly in talks with various publishers to secure access to text-based content for training its large language models. By combining these data sources, Apple aims to create a well-rounded AI foundation that can power a variety of features and functionalities across its device ecosystem. The alliance also builds upon Apple’s recent advancements in AI, particularly the development of its on-device AI system called ReALM (Reference Resolution As Language Modeling). Unveiled earlier this year, ReALM focuses on improving conversation understanding through its unique approach to deciphering references within dialogue. This allows ReALM to better grasp the context of a conversation and respond accordingly, potentially leading to more natural and productive interactions with virtual assistants like Siri. Rumors swirling suggest Apple might be venturing into hardware robotics as well. These personal home robots, still in the early stages of conception, are envisioned to be mobile and could potentially follow users around their homes. So, how do you envision AI impacting your Apple devices in the future? https://www.inc.com/kit-eaton/apple-signs-deal-for-ai-training-data-from-image-service-shutterstock.html https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/apple-strikes-deal-with-shutterstock-for-ai-image-training https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/apple-partners-with-shutterstock-for-ai-image-training/ https://www.reuters.com/technology/inside-big-techs-underground-race-buy-ai-training-data-2024-04-05/ Image: Lester69 | Dreamstime.com
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In a rare interview with the prestigious Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) ahead of the Watches and Wonders Geneva trade show, Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour cautioned against viewing luxury timepieces as mere investment vehicles. Dufour emphasized the inherent dangers of treating watches like stocks, which prioritize short-term gains over long-term value and brand heritage. “I don’t like it when people compare watches with stocks,” Dufour told NZZ. “This sends the wrong message and is dangerous.” Dufour’s comments highlight a growing tension within the luxury watch industry. While Rolex and other high-end brands have experienced surging demand in recent years, some fear a speculative bubble fueled by flippers—those who buy watches solely to resell them for a quick profit. This not only frustrates genuine watch enthusiasts who struggle to obtain new models at retail prices, but it also risks devaluing the craftsmanship and heritage that Rolex has cultivated for over a century. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-08/rolex-ceo-says-comparing-watches-to-stocks-is-dangerous https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/luxury/rolex-ceo-says-comparing-watches-to-stocks-is-dangerous/ https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/watches-are-not-investments-comparing-to-stocks-risky-says-rolex-ceo-124040800826_1.html Image: John6863373 | Dreamstime.com
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IMDb, as you’re well aware, is the go-to resource for unmasking the actors, directors, and myriad creatives behind your favorite movies and shows. But what about the countless unsung individuals shaping the digital landscape beyond traditional media? Enter Mosaic, a new, free-to-use platform, launched by the Creators Guild of America (CGA), that aims to be the “IMDb for Everyone.” Mosaic addresses a critical gap in the digital world: credit attribution for creators working in the ever-expanding realm of short-form content. Platforms like TikTok churn out viral videos daily, yet the photographers, videographers, and editors behind them often remain invisible. Mosaic seeks to rectify this by providing a platform for these creators to claim ownership and build a record of their work. Functioning similarly to IMDb, Mosaic offers individual profiles where creators can list their projects, collaborators, and even brand sponsorships. A key feature is the platform’s emphasis on peer-reviewed credits. To ensure accuracy and prevent misuse, Mosaic requires verification from other creators familiar with the work before crediting individuals on projects. While still in beta, this creator’s “IMDb” might be what the community needs to step out of the shadows. It could also provide added color to copyright disputes, providing verifiable records of their contributions. https://try.onmosaic.com/ https://petapixel.com/2024/04/02/photographers-can-get-credited-for-tiktok-videos-with-new-imdb-for-everyone/ https://www.lightstalking.com/mosaic-offers-creators-imdb-style-proof-of-work/ Screenshot: Mosaic
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Adidas recently caused a stir when it listed a peculiar new product on its Confirmed app for exclusive sneakers: the aptly named ‘Box Shoe’. Images showcased a curious design—a shoe constructed entirely from a familiar blue and white Adidas shoebox, complete with Three Stripes branding. On April 1, the truth was revealed. With a wink and a nudge, the brand confirmed the Box Shoe to be a good-natured April Fools’ Day prank. However, the fun didn’t stop there. Those who set reminders for the cardboard footwear’s launch and inquired about its price were appeased with a chance to win a custom shoe cabinet by multidisciplinary artist Gab Bois. Truly thinking out of the box, Adidas is also handing out a commemorative sample of the coveted Box Shoe! https://sneakernews.com/2024/03/27/adidas-the-box-shoe-april-fools/ https://sneakerbardetroit.com/adidas-the-box-shoe/ https://www.kicksonfire.com/adidas-the-box-shoe/ https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/782810-adidas-pulls-april-fools-prank-with-new-box-shoe-design-sneaker-news Images: Adidas Confirmed app
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Meet Razer’s new gaming beast that’s so powerful, it’s practically mythical. With eight independent robotic arms, the Cthulhu Chair caters to your every whim, ensuring you never have to leave your seat again. The company has been sitting on one question for ages: how can you truly immerse yourself in the gaming universe when real-world interruptions constantly pull you away? Cue the Razer Cthulhu, whose AI-powered arms extend from the chair, each equipped with a three-fingered claw capable of handling various tasks. From fetching snacks and drinks to offering mid-game massages, the Cthulhu promises unparalleled convenience. No More Interruptions: Tired of getting up for bathroom breaks or snack refills? The Cthulhu’s arms fetch your refreshments, so you can stay focused on your game. Ergonomic Bliss: The award-winning ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended gaming sessions. But the Cthulhu takes it further—massages on demand! Say goodbye to stiff shoulders and sore backs. Food Delivery at Your Fingertips: Hungry? Simply think about your favorite snack, and the Cthulhu’s arms will deliver it to you. No more messy keyboard mishaps. Always Listening: Powered by Razer Skynapse Chips, these tentacles boast over 1,337 TB of training data. They’re practically telepathic, always ready to respond to your commands. However, a closer look reveals the Cthulhu’s true nature: an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank. The advanced gaming furniture is even depicted gripping onto the Razer Razor, last year’s April Fools product turned real. The Cthulhu cleverly taps into the gamer’s desire for ultimate comfort, focus, and fantasy. Its design, inspired by the mythical creature Cthulhu, is equal parts awe-inspiring and unsettling. https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/04/01/razer-cthulhu-gaming-chair-is-something-you-might-wish-wasnt-just-a-joke/ https://siege.gg/news/razer-unveil-cthulhu-a-not-at-all-scary-ai-powered-gaming-chair https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-cthulhu https://www.gizmochina.com/2024/03/31/razer-april-fools-prank-gaming-chair/ Images: Razer
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For many, Wi-Fi conjures images of seamless internet connectivity, a lifeline to the digital world. But the name itself doesn’t give off many signals about what it means. While commonly thought to be an abbreviation for “Wireless Fidelity,” akin to “Hi-Fi” for high-fidelity sound, the truth is a little less literal. The true story behind Wi-Fi’s moniker can be traced back to the ingenuity of Interbrand, a branding agency responsible for iconic names like Prozac and Compaq. Faced with the uninspiring technical term “IEEE 802.11” in 1999, Interbrand knew this wouldn’t resonate with the mainstream. Its solution? A name that was catchy and memorable that hinted at the technology’s function. Curiously, inspiration struck not from the world of radio waves, but from the world of audio equipment. “Hi-Fi,” a term signifying “high fidelity” sound reproduction, had been a mainstay in marketing since the 1950s. Interbrand saw an opportunity for clever wordplay. Thus, “Wi-Fi” was born—a name that cleverly but unofficially referenced the established “Hi-Fi” brand while alluding to the concept of wireless fidelity (a term, ironically, never officially used in technical circles). Per Interbrand: The Wi-Fi Alliance, the organization now responsible for certifying Wi-Fi products, even used the tagline “The Standard for Wireless Fidelity” for a short while, unintentionally solidifying the misconception. So, if it’s not “Wireless Fidelity,” what is it? The answer is simply Wi-Fi. It’s a brand name, chosen for its catchy sound and positive connotations. According to Phil Belanger, a founding member of the Wi-Fi Alliance: Says Interbrand: The brilliance of “Wi-Fi” lies in its simplicity. It’s short, easy to pronounce, and evokes a sense of reliability and quality—all crucial elements for a new and unfamiliar technology. Eventually, it transcended technical jargon and became a household name. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/wifi-what-does-it-stand-for-acronym-meaning_uk_6603e7f7e4b06dedef7e9d96 https://gizmodo.com/wi-fi-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-means-1851369424 https://boingboing.net/2005/11/08/wifi-isnt-short-for.html https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/privacy/what-is-wifi https://medium.com/iotforall/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-wifi-fe638076c0c Image: Andrei Dzemidzenka | Dreamstime.com
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Artifact, the AI-powered brainchild of Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, might be back from the brink. Just two months after announcing its demise, Artifact is defying the odds and (possibly) giving news curation another shot. Artifact, launched in 2023, aimed to revolutionize news consumption with its personalized recommendations and focus on in-depth articles. The app, praised for its clean design and user-friendly interface, garnered a loyal following but struggled to gain widespread adoption. The already crowded news aggregation market, dominated by established players like Apple News and Google News, proved too difficult to crack. However, Systrom recently told TechCrunch the app is now running on minimal resources, with him and Krieger at the helm. They’re exploring various options, including a potential sale. Maybe a knight in shining armor, in the shape of a venture capitalist with a checkbook, will emerge to save the day? Artifact’s initial appeal stemmed from its innovative use of AI to curate news from trusted sources. It offered cool features like summarizing articles and demystifying clickbait headlines. Although its creators said the app would wind down in February, it appears to still be running. Today’s Artifact is a pared-down version, minus the social features like commenting and posting. But the core functionality—news reading and AI summarization—remains. Have you used Artifact? What are your hopes for its future? https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/26/instagram-co-founders-ai-powered-news-app-artifact-may-not-be-shutting-down-after-all/ https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/300058/artifact-never-shut-down-and-now-it-may-keep-going Image: Kevin Systrom
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Communicating effectively with your favorite artificial intelligence composer has become an essential life skill. And while prompt engineering seemed to be a whole new language months back, now, it can be as easy as filling in the blanks. That’s the promise of the ChatGPT Super Prompt Generator, actually. Developed by Wendy Nguyen, employee experience lead at FlexOS, the Super Prompt Generator resembles the classic children’s game of Mad Libs. It gives you a template, and you click through dropdown menus and fill in blanks with relevant information about your desired output, and the tool crafts detailed instructions to guide the large language model (LLM) towards a specific outcome. Traditionally, crafting effective prompts requires a deep understanding of the LLM’s capabilities and limitations. This generator simplifies things by translating user intent and nudges the AI in the right direction. Is the user a lawyer, IT specialist, or graphic designer seeking creative writing, factual summaries, or code generation? What details can they feed the tool to deliver the most relevant results? Once these are filled in, the Super Prompt Generator creates a concise yet comprehensive prompt that feeds the LLM with the necessary context to deliver the desired results. https://www.flexos.work/tools/chatgpt-super-prompt-generator https://bgr.com/tech/this-free-site-is-like-mad-libs-for-chatgpt-and-it-helps-make-ai-so-much-better/ Images: FlexOS
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Does the ‘S’ in Samsung’s S Pen stand for something else? Several users are kicking up a big stink about a strange odor emanating from the S Pen on the latest Samsung Galaxy S Ultra phones, specifically the S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra, and S22 Ultra. The pungent punch has been likened to many things. Among them: “cooked plastic barbecue,” Nintendo Switch cartridges, and rubbery playground mulch. Online discussions on Reddit and Samsung Community suggest this isn't exactly a brand-new issue, with reports dating back to the 2022 S22 Ultra. “You might be putting it in the wrong hole,” one user jokes. The likely culprit? A design change. Unlike the glossy S Pen of the Galaxy Note days, the newer models boast a grippier, rubberized coating. This new material seems to be off-gasing a faint odor, especially when nestled in the phone where it gets some heat from the phone's internal components. Samsung hasn’t stayed silent. A moderator on their EU community forum acknowledged the issue and offered an explanation similar to the heat-and-plastic theory. Samsung’s website itself assures users the odor is temporary and should fade eventually. More importantly, it emphasizes the S Pen meets safety standards, so you can scribble away worry-free. So, is the smelly S Pen a major problem? Not really. It seems more like an annoyance than a safety hazard. However, it’s not exactly ideal. Hopefully, future S Pens will find a grippier solution that doesn’t come with an unexpected side effect that kind of (or very much so) stinks. Have you experienced the S Pen aroma? Is it a minor inconvenience or a pen-demonium waiting to happen? https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/03/users-complain-that-the-samsung-galaxy-s24-stylus-smells-bad/ https://9to5google.com/2024/03/22/samsung-ultra-s-pen-stink-galaxy-note/ https://phandroid.com/2024/03/22/does-your-samsung-s-pen-smell-funky-youre-not-alone/ https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-s-pen-odor-3427157/ Images: Kawee Wateesatogkij | Dreamstime.com, r/samsung
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Feeling colorblind about your next project? Try banishing beige for brilliance with this new AI Color Combination Generator. Launched by Chrome extension Muzli, this nifty text-to-color tool (no downloads necessary) takes the guesswork out of picking the perfect palette, whether you’re a seasoned designer or a weekend DIY warrior. Need a color scheme for a beach wedding or an e-commerce website stocked with pet supplies? Perhaps you’re seeking a midcentury vibe for your living room or a set of seasonal tones? Type your vision into the machine and watch it whip up some vibrant options. This artificial intelligence generator might be a boon for artists, designers, marketers, or anyone who wants to make informed decisions about the hues they use in their work, paving the way for visually delightful and impactful creations. https://colors.muz.li/ai-color-combination-generator/
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In the late 1990s, the internet was a vastly different beast compared to today. Search engines were still finding their footing, and Google, a young upstart, was trying to carve its niche. This brings us to a now-infamous Google advertisement from 1999 that has “aged like milk,” meaning it hasn’t held up well in the face of time: The ad, likely found in a tech magazine, touted Google as a “pure search engine” promising the absence of: Weather News feeds Links to sponsors (sponsored ads) Ads Distractions Back then, the nascent internet landscape was cluttered with flashy banners and other such elements, so imagine how refreshing it was to find an option with a clean, focused search experience. However, viewed through a 2024 lens, the ad appears laughably naive. Here’s why: Sponsored Ads are King: Today, Google’s entire business model revolves around targeted advertising. Sponsored search results, often placed at the top of a search page, are a major source of revenue for Google. News and Weather Integration: Google now incorporates news snippets and weather information into search results, offering users a more comprehensive experience. It’s become a user expectation, not a distraction. Focus Shifted: Today, the focus isn’t just on pure search but on understanding user intent and delivering the most relevant results possible, even if they aren’t strictly text-based. This might involve images, videos, or knowledge panels integrated into search results. The Takeaway: The 1999 Google ad serves as a historical reminder of how drastically the internet search landscape has evolved. What was once considered a perk—a clean and ad-free search experience—is no longer the primary goal. Today, it’s about a balance between relevant information, user experience, and monetization through targeted advertising. The snippet may have resonated in its time, but its re-emergence proves how quickly technology and user expectations can change. https://scoop.upworthy.com/old-google-ad-from-1999-resurfaces-and-people-are-pointing-out-how-it-has-aged-like-milk https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/google-ad-1999 Opening image: Dennizn | Dreamstime.com
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Apple. Sleek design. Fluid user experience. But have you ever noticed something missing from their website? Exclamation points! Those little punctuation firecrackers are noticeably absent, as noted by ZDNet’s Chris Matyszczyk. This seemingly minor detail reflects a larger philosophy about how the company positions itself against its competitors. And it’s seemingly not a random omission, with Apple’s website and marketing materials favoring a more understated tone. Think about it—exclamation points can scream “excitement!” a little too loudly. For a brand like Apple, confident in its design and technological prowess, exclamation points might seem unprofessional, detracting from the perceived seriousness and importance of its lineup. Instead of relying on punctuation for emphasis, Apple lets its inherently clean features and design speak for themselves. No need to shout about them. By being subtle, you retain visual harmony. While there's no official ban on them, exclamation points could possibly be discouraged in Apple’s internal style guides. They do appear occasionally in informal settings, but on the whole, they’re out. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about one’s brand philosophy—assured, understated, and letting the products themselves do the talking (without exclamation points, of course). https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-doesnt-use-exclamation-points-on-its-website-ever-wonder-why/ Images: Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com, Apple
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Apple is reportedly planning to rebrand its well-known Apple ID to the more descriptive “Apple Account” sometime this year. This change is expected to be implemented alongside the release of iOS 18, likely around fall 2024. Whispers of the rebrand first surfaced in February 2024, and tech insiders like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman have fueled the fire. The official announcement is likely to happen at Apple’s upcoming World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) this June. By fall, we can expect to see “Apple Account” seamlessly integrated into iOS 18 and other software updates like macOS 15. Apple might even ditch “Apple ID” entirely within a year, making “Account” the new king of the login jungle. So, why the name change? The exact reasons remain under wraps, but it could be a move towards clarity. “Apple Account” is a more straightforward term, encompassing the vast array of services users can access with their login, like the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music. It also brings Apple in line with competitors like Google, which uses “Google Account” for its user login system. This might seem like a minor tweak, but a clear and consistent name can improve user experience by making it easier for people to understand what their account unlocks. Plus, it aligns with Apple’s existing terminology—it already refers to account balances as “Apple Account balance.” https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-03-17/apple-aapl-revamped-carplay-becomes-last-hope-after-apple-car-is-canceled-ltvif8zt https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-id/ https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/03/17/apple-id-rebrand-to-apple-account-expected-in-fall-launches Image: Boumenjapet | Dreamstime.com
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Luxury carmaker Bugatti and shaving giant GilletteLabs have joined forces to create a smooth ride for your face with a Special Edition Heated Razor. Going from 0 to 100, this posh grooming tool actually features a heating element that activates with a button press, delivering soothing warmth for a more comfortable shave. The handle boasts a sleek Bugatti Agile Bleu finish, inspired by the legendary French racing color. The iconic Bugatti Macaron emblem adds a touch of sophistication, while the premium aluminum-zinc construction reflects the innovative materials used in Bugatti’s high-performance cars. Says Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director at Bugatti International: “Bugatti embodies passion for perfection, in addition to performance, revolutionary design, and unrivaled quality. GilletteLabs shares these very same values. We are therefore delighted to be working with the world's leading company in the field of grooming. At Bugatti, we pride ourselves on providing the pinnacle of luxurious experiences in everything we do, staying true to our mantra: “If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.” The razor, which comes with a magnetic charging dock, is priced at $170. https://gillette.com/en-us/products/gillette-labs/bugatti-heated-razor-by-gillette https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gillette-bugatti-heated-razor https://www.gadgetify.com/gillette-bugatti-heated-razor-with-adjustable-temperature/ Images: Bugatti, Gillette
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Bitcoin Sudoku is a mobile game for iOS and Android users that combines the classic Sudoku puzzle format with the world of cryptocurrency. Developed by Bling Financial and PlayDay Studios, it offers a familiar brain teaser with a twist: the chance to earn in-game points redeemable for small amounts of Bitcoin. The Sudoku mobile game remains faithful to the traditional number placement puzzle. Players encounter grids with missing numbers and must use logic and deduction to fill them in, ensuring each row, column, and mini-square contains the digits 1 through 9 without repetition. This brain teaser app caters to beginners and seasoned Sudoku enthusiasts alike, offering various difficulty levels to adjust the challenge. Coins for points While the core gameplay revolves around solving Sudoku puzzles, the logic puzzle game integrates a system where players can earn “Bling Points” for completing puzzles. These points can then be accumulated and potentially converted into small fractions of Bitcoin. Note that earning significant Bitcoin rewards through this casual mobile gaming experience is highly unlikely. The conversion rates typically translate to fractions of a cent per play session. Bitcoin Sudoku provides a familiar and entertaining brain training puzzle with a dash of cryptocurrency intrigue. However, it’s crucial to remember that the potential Bitcoin in-app rewards are minimal and shouldn't be the primary motivation for playing. If Sudoku isn’t your strong suit, the developers also have games like Bitcoin Solitaire, the Tetris-like Bitcoin Blocks, the match-three puzzle Bitcoin Blast, its Ethereum counterpart Ethereum Blast, and Word Breeze under their belt. Note: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Image: Bitcoin Sudoku
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg isn’t holding back when it comes to his competitor’s latest offering. In a series of social media posts and a recent company meeting, Zuckerberg has been firing shots at Apple's highly anticipated Vision Pro mixed reality headset. The crux of Zuckerberg’s critique seems to be that the Vision Pro prioritizes high resolution over user experience. While he acknowledges the superior resolution of the Apple device, he argues that the Vision Pro suffers from drawbacks like weight, motion blur, and less precise controls. “If Meta’s Quest were to weigh this much or have the same motion blur issues,” Zuckerberg said on Threads, “then that means we'll have regressed significantly.” He emphasized that Meta’s Quest prioritizes comfort, affordability, and intuitive controls, making it a more well-rounded VR experience for most users. Here is a comparison of the specs if you somehow aren't convinced by the biased words of a CEO. Feature Apple Vision Pro Meta Quest 3 Display Micro-OLED, Calculated 3660 x 3200 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate LCD, 2064 x 2260 per eye resolution, 120Hz refresh rate Field of View (FOV) 100° horizontal Wider FOV (110° horizontal and 96° vertical) Weight 21.2 - 22.9 oz (600-650 grams) 18.3 oz (515 grams) Controllers Included, ergonomic design Included, similar design to Quest 2 controllers Hand Tracking Yes Yes Audio Integrated speakers with spatial audio Integrated speakers with 3.5mm headphone jack Price $3,499 $499.99 Focus High-resolution display, advanced augmented-reality features Affordability, comfort, mixed-reality experiences https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/apple-vision-pro-mark-zuckerberg-facebook-meta-b2496160.html https://tech.hindustantimes.com/wearables/news/mark-zuckerberg-criticises-apple-vision-pro-again-says-meta-quest-3-is-better-71709964642159.html https://appleinsider.com/inside/apple-vision-pro/vs/apple-vision-pro-vs-meta-quest-3-compared---displays-prices-graphics Images: Mark Zuckerberg
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While most of us know and love him as Cookie Monster, it appears our crumb-loving friend may have gone by a different moniker in his pre-cookie days. The blue Sesame Street resident has made this fact known several times over the years. In fact, his journey began not with cookies, but with cheese crackers! Back in the mid-1960s, the Muppet who would eventually become Cookie Monster was first developed by Jim Henson for a snack commercial. Unofficially nicknamed “Arnold the Munching Monster” due to his penchant for stealing wheel-shaped snacks, this character went through various iterations before landing on Sesame Street in 1969. In 2004, Cookie Monster himself hinted at a past life with a different name at “birth,” singing that he only went by “Cookie” after he started devouring cookies. In 2010, Sesame Street’s Twitter account echoed this claim, sharing a quote from Cookie Monster suggesting that “Sidney” was his best recollection of his name before his dessert obsession took over. In a 2017 video produced for Wired, Cookie Monster also stated that his "real name" was Sid Monster in response to a Google search question. Despite these revelations, Cookie Monster’s friends on Sesame Street have rarely called him “Sid,” and the character himself has expressed a preference for being called “Cookie Monster.” In a tweet from 2022, he said, “Did you know me name is Sid? But me still like to be called Cookie Monster.” https://fox8.com/news/cookie-monster-has-a-real-name-and-it-isnt-cookie-monster/ https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/cookie-monsters-real-name/ Image: Gididreamstime | Dreamstime.com
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The LEGO Ideas team is calling builders to turn back time and unleash their creativity with the LEGO Ideas 80s Challenge, inviting fans to design sets inspired by iconic properties and themes from the 1980s. The challenge revolves around the 1980s, encouraging submissions based on popular movies, TV shows, toys, music, or any other facet of that vibrant decade. Retrophiles have until April 9 to pitch their ideas, and LEGO’s judges will then review them and select up to 5 finalists to proceed to the next stage. The fate of our design will then be in the hands of the community. From April 16 to 25, fans will be asked to vote for their favorite proposals, and the one receiving the most votes will be crowned the winner. Being the overall champ means you get 1% of the total net profit from the sales of your design, 10 free copies of your creation once it becomes a LEGO set, and recognition in the kit’s materials as the LEGO Ideas Fan Designer. https://ideas.lego.com/challenges/6e21d7aa-7751-4f19-9fed-f2500018cf5b Image: LEGO Ideas
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X (formerly Twitter) CEO Elon Musk has confirmed plans to ditch the like and retweet buttons from user feeds, potentially redefining how we interact with content on the platform. Responding to a post about the possibility of hiding like and retweet counts, Musk gave a definitive answer: “That is definitely happening.” This means the familiar heart icon and retweet arrow will disappear from your timeline, although the number of views for each post will remain visible. So, while you won't be able to publicly like or retweet directly from the feed, you'll still have an idea of a post’s reach. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1765560226462486988 https://twitter.com/culturecrave/status/1765535563158081769 Image: Dimarik16 | Dreamstime.com
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While the news may have had its ups and downs, people kept things light with meme-worthy moments. This week, Facebook and Instagram suffered a worldwide outage, and shortly after, LinkedIn went down too. A disastrous Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow, UK, that made children cry became meme gold, introducing a couple of characters previously Unknown to Roald Dahl's lore. Social media users also gathered their popcorn buckets to discuss Dune: Part Two, which was released on March 1. A video of an Indonesian minister who tried scanning his hand on a screen, which revealed what looked to be a Windows Media Player interface, also went viral. These moments were repackaged by the internet and shared along. Enjoy this fresh batch of memes. Which ones did I miss? Image: Boumenjapet, Dave Pillow, Mikhail Primakov | Dreamstime.com on background generated on AI
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A new Hermès scarf for your wrist? The Apple Watch Hermès Tricot Knitted Band is a new luxury band option released by the two giants in their own right. It is made from a single loop of polyamide yarn, and is designed to comfortably hug the wrist like a glove. It is available in four colors: Bleu Jean, Jaune de Naples, Orange, and Beige de Weimar. The band is compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm Apple Watch models. These luxury threads are only available as a single tour band, and cost $389. In a nutshell: It is made from a single loop of polyamide yarn, which is a type of nylon. It is available in four colors: Bleu Jean, Jaune de Naples, Orange, and Beige de Weimar. It is compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm Apple Watch models. It is only available as a single tour band. Being $389, it's one of the most expensive Apple Watch bands available. https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/04/apple-watch-hermes-tricot-released/ https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MWP73AM/A/apple-watch-hermès-41mm-jaune-de-naples-tricot-single-tour Images: Apple
