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Products and devices that can help conserve electricity
As summer is just around the corner, the extended use of electric fans and air conditioning units is expected to counter the heat. But it is not going to be cheap. Apart from the cooling machines, the daily excessive use of gadgets and other appliances at home might also contribute to the increase of our electricity bills. If paying your energy bills hurt your wallet every month, the most obvious thing to do is to conserve electricity.
Advantech, AMTI lead the way to digital transformation
There’s no stopping the digital transformation of many countries, from the biggest business centers down to the smallest city or town in the world. Before 2020, we already live in a historically fast-paced environment. But this year has shown us that the future of digital experience is accelerating faster than ever before. IoT systems or the “Internet of Things” and solutions are rapidly growing and providers are multiplying their pace to meet the demands of consumers and companies.
Smartphones sold without a charger: Why is this a trend?
Apple was the first brand to sell a smartphone (the iPhone 12) without a charger. | Image: Apple via AFP Relaxnews After having made fun of Apple and its iPhone 12 sold without a charger, Xiaomi and Samsung are following suit. The Asian smartphone makers are limiting their costs while trying to limit their impact on the environment. The upcoming Xiaomi Mi 11 and Samsung Galaxy S21 will be sold without chargers. The first smartphone maker to follow in Apple’s footsteps is Chinese brand Xiaomi.
Are you sure that your beauty products haven’t expired already?
AFP Relax Even beauty products at stores may expired but there are ways to check. Photo: iStock There’s a way to check if your make-up has expired, whether at home or even at the store. Some make-up users were shocked by this TikTok user who discovered that some stores were stocking make-up manufactured in 2011. Whether it’s eye makeup, beauty creams, or nail polish how can you trust the products you find at the store are still safe to use?
Dinner off as Italy closes restaurants early in virus crackdown
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tightened nationwide coronavirus restrictions Sunday after the country registered a record number of new cases, despite opposition from regional heads and street protests. Cinemas, theatres, gyms and swimming pools must all close under the new rules, which come into force on Monday and run until November 24. Restaurants and bars will stop serving at 6:00 pm, Conte’s office said.
Why you should be incorporating baking soda in your beauty routine
AFP Relax How to use baking soda in your skincare routine. Picture: iStock It’s one of the best-known uses of baking soda for cosmetic purposes, since the substance naturally whitens teeth. Widely used as a daily cleaning product to descale bathrooms or remove bad smells from the fridge, baking soda also boasts beauty properties. Here are four ways baking soda can make you more beautiful. Baby-soft feet Soaking your feet for less than 20 minutes can rejuvenate them.
Will Twitter be your new answering service?
Brazilian Twitter users are testing out direct voice messages. Image: fizkes/IStock.com via AFP Relaxnews A few weeks after rolling out the possibility to exchange voice messages (with a maximum time of 140 seconds) on its platform, Twitter is testing out private audio messages. Twitter is taking over good old voice mail, allowing private contacts or public ones (depending on your settings) to send and receive short audio files.
'FIFA 21' reveal trailer spotlights young stars Mbappé, Alexander-Arnold, Haaland, Félix
A first full trailer for "FIFA 21" is spearheaded by some of European football's brightest young talents, not only cover star Kylian Mbappé but also Trent Alexander-Arnold, Erling Haaland, and João Félix. Revealing soccer game "FIFA 21" before its October 9 release is a new trailer from video game publishing and development giant Electronic Arts. The fresh take on the "FIFA" experience mixes live footage with a reasonable amount of social distancing with clips from the game.
France says no sign of virus rise after lockdown eased
As of Wednesday, there is no sign yet that France's easing of a lockdown to combat the coronavirus has boosted the epidemic There is no sign yet that France's easing of a lockdown to combat the coronavirus has boosted the epidemic, the health minister said Wednesday, as the latest figures showed daily deaths trending lower. France on May 11 eased its almost two-month lockdown in a bid to revive an economy clobbered by the epidemic.
Coronavirus lingers in rooms and toilets, but disinfectants kill it
Patients with the novel coronavirus extensively contaminate their bedrooms and bathrooms, underscoring the need to routinely clean high-touch surfaces, basins and toilet bowls New research from Singapore published Wednesday showed that patients with the novel coronavirus extensively contaminate their bedrooms and bathrooms, underscoring the need to routinely clean high-touch surfaces, basins and toilet bowls.
Twitter tests vanishing tweets to keep up with Snapchat, Facebook
The ability to send ephemeral tweets called "Fleets" is being tried out in Brazil, according to Twitter Twitter said Wednesday it is testing a way for users to "think aloud" with tweets that vanish after a day instead of having posts linger. The ability to send ephemeral tweets called "Fleets" is being tried out in Brazil, according to the San Francisco-based social media platform.
Hispano Suiza beefs up its Carmen in a new very limited Boulogne edition
Following on from last year's unveiling of the Carmen, the recently revived Hispano-Suiza brand has presented the Carmen Boulogne, an even more powerful of its electric supercar. The new automobile was due to make its grand debut at the Geneva Motor Show, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic. The most significant change is in the engine, which now has a power output of 820 kW, equivalent to 1,114 hp, as opposed to 750 kW for the original Carmen.
Blockbuster Rome show marks 500 years since Raphael's death
A visitor stands by the tomb of the High Renaissance master Raphael Italy is marking 500 years since the death of Renaissance master Raphael with a blockbuster exhibition whose preparations were marred by a row over a treasured portrait some feared was too fragile to move. The show at Rome's imposing Scuderie del Quirinale presidential palace includes 200 works by the prolific painter, designer and architect, a child prodigy who died aged only 37 in 1520.
New website helps US air travelers stay updated on travel developments during coronavirus
A new website has been launched as a one-stop-shop for air travelers looking for information during the coronavirus crisis A new web portal has been launched as a one-stop-shop for air travelers in the US whose travel plans may be affected by Covid-19. Advocacy group Airlines4America has launched www.AirlinesTakeAction.com in the aim of offering travelers the latest updates, information and resources regarding the airline and travel industries all in one space.
New normal in virus-hit China: High-tech tracking and fever checks
Workers wear protective clothing as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus as they monitor customers to make sure they stand 1 meter apart as they queue in a supermarket in Beijing Constant temperature checks, a "no mask, no service" ethos, and high-tech people-tracking: welcome to the new normal in China, where reminders of the country's national mobilisation against the coronavirus lurk around every corner.
Kacey Musgraves selling her stage clothes for Nashville tornado relief
The country superstar, who called East Nashville home for years, is partnering with Instagram resellers Stage to Closet for an online sale of items from her stage and daily-life wardrobe.
Brazilian beach tops TripAdvisor's list of best beaches 2020
Baia do Sancho beach, Brazil Dreaming of a sun-soaked beach holiday? In time for spring break, TripAdvisor has released the latest edition of its annual best beaches ranking, giving Brazil's Baia do Sancho the top spot. For the second year in a row, the beach of Fernando de Noronha was given the title of world's best beach in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards 2020 for its "heavenly" mirage-like view.
Bugatti's Chiron Pur Sport is the flattest, most agile Chiron yet
Bugatti's newly revealed Chiron Pure Sport is an iteration of the mid-engine supercar reduced to its foundational components; without the weight of unnecessary bells and whistles, this Chiron is left more agile than any previous rendition and just "yearn[ing] for corners and challenging country roads." Earlier this week, Bugatti unveiled the newest version of the Chiron supercar: the Chiron Pur Sport.
Coronavirus and how social media firms are combating the spread of misinformation about the disease
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the world's biggest social platforms have begun taking action against misinformation As panic about the coronavirus outbreak spreads seemingly faster than the disease itself, social media companies are taking action against fake news about it published on their platforms. With the coronavirus spreading to new places across the world, international panic continues to ensue online.
Louvre in Paris reopens after staff end coronavirus protest
The closure of the Louvre, which received 9.6 million visitors last year, had caused bitter disappointment among the thousands of tourists who flock each day to the home of the Mona Lisa The Louvre museum in Paris reopened to the public Wednesday after management took steps to allay staff fears over the coronavirus spread which had sparked a two-day work stoppage.
Ford's best-selling cargo van is going electric
Ford announces that its best-selling cargo van will soon be available with an electric powertrain On Tuesday, Ford announced that its 2022 Transit cargo van will be filing in alongside the Mustang Mach-E SUV and F-150 pickup after it gets the first electrified powertrain in the model's history. After introducing an all-electric SUV and pickup truck last year, Ford announced that it would be adding a fully-electric version of the Transit to the vehicle portfolio as well.
Tokyo asks no cherry blossom party over virus fears
Japan's cherry blossom season is feverishly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Many tourists plan their entire trips around the blooms, and Japanese flock to parks in their millions to enjoy the spectacle The Tokyo government urged residents on Wednesday to refrain from joining parties at parks during the famed cherry blossom season, in the latest disruption caused by concerns over the new coronavirus.
China reports fall in new virus cases for third day, 38 more deaths
China on Wednesday reported 38 more deaths from the new coronavirus but a fall in fresh cases for a third consecutive day China on Wednesday reported 38 more deaths from the new coronavirus but a fall in fresh cases for a third consecutive day. The death toll nationwide is now 2,981, the National Health Commission said, with more than 80,200 people infected in total.
Google cancels developers gathering due to coronavirus
Google on Tuesday cancelled its major annual gathering of software developers amid concerns over the deadly coronavirus Google on Tuesday cancelled its major annual gathering of software developers amid concerns over the deadly coronavirus. The internet giant said it nixed the festival-like event Google I/O event scheduled for May a short distance from the "Googleplex" in the Silicon Valley city of Mountain View.
South Korea adds 142 more coronavirus cases
South Korea reported 142 more novel coronavirus cases Wednesday, a significantly lower increase than the day before, taking its total to 5,328 -- the largest in the world outside China South Korea reported 142 more novel coronavirus cases Wednesday, a significantly lower increase than the day before, taking its total to 5,328 -- the largest in the world outside China.
Honeywell unveils plan for 'most powerful' quantum computer
The company said it had achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing, which uses subatomic particles to speed up processing, and would launch the new computers within three months US manufacturing and technology group Honeywell said Tuesday it will bring to market "the world's most powerful quantum computer" aimed at tackling complex scientific and business challenges.
Northern Europe poised for record warm winter
Unusual in places that are wild about winter sports, capitals like Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki saw little to no snow in January Northern European countries known for skiing and other snowy pursuits are poised to record one of the warmest winters ever after weeks of unseasonably high temperatures. In Sweden's capital Stockholm, cherry trees bloomed in January as much of the country recorded temperatures six to seven degrees Celsius higher than normal since December.
Bentley unveils the Mulliner Bacalar two-seater
In the wake of the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show in response to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, Bentley has presented a spectacular and luxurious two-seater. Only 12 copies of the new Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, which takes its name from a Mexican resort town, will be built. The Mulliner Bacalar features a roofless barchetta design with lines directly inspired by the EXP 100 GT concept, which was unveiled for the centenary of the brand in 2019.
Munich to host next IAA German car show: organiser
Frankfurt was home to the bi-annual IAA show for almost seven decades Munich will host the next edition of Germany's biggest car show IAA, its organiser VDA said Tuesday, as the industry scrambles to rebrand the fair after a poor showing in 2019. Frankfurt was home to the bi-annual show for almost seven decades, but last year's edition was marked by the absence of several international carmakers, a sharp drop in visitors and prominent anti-car demonstrations staged by ecologists.
Travel: countries affected by the coronavirus and the restrictions that apply
It is best to be informed about the restrictions imposed by countries in advance of your visit France has just reported its fourth coronavirus death, while Germany announced a sharp rise in the number of cases last weekend. According to the latest UN figures, Covid-19 has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide. The epidemic is of great concern to travelers who need accurate information on what to expect before packing their bags.
Architecture's top prize awarded to two women
1 / 2 Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara Dublin-based Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara were awarded the Pritzker prize on Tuesday -- the first time a female duo has scooped architecture's most prestigious award. The pair gained international fame for their blocky, brutalist-inspired structures that include Paris's Institut Mines Telecom building. Just three women have won Pritzkers before them and no Irish citizens have ever picked up the prize.
Volkswagen previews its first all-electric SUV, the ID.4
Volkswagen outlines that the ID.4 will have a range up to 500km Volkswagen has published teaser images of its very first all-electric SUV, now confirmed to be named the ID.4, glimpsed in its most revealing camouflage yet. In addition to confirming the name of the brand's first fully-electric SUV, Volkswagen published the most revealing images yet of the ID.4 and detailed a few of its performance specs.
The new Porsche 911 Turbo S is more powerful than ever
Porsche has finally unveiled -- through a video presentation -- the new 911 Turbo S and its convertible version. The German manufacturer had planned to present the two automobiles at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic. The new-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S offers an unprecedented level of power and comfort.
Coronavirus: latest developments worldwide
Students, wearing facemasks amid fears of the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, work in a coffee shop in Bangkok on March 3, 2020 With new tolls and key developments, here is the latest in the coronavirus crisis. - More than 3,000 dead - Across the world, 3,127 people have died from the new virus. More than 92,000 have been infected in 77 countries and territories, according to AFP's latest toll based on official sources at 1100 GMT Tuesday.
Berlin gets its first three-star rating from Michelin
Michelin has given Germany a new three-starred restaurant. Michelin released the selection of its 2020 guide for Germany, which includes a new three-starred destination in Berlin. Dishes at Rutz, helmed by chef Marco Müller, are described as "full of finesse, with a strong identity" and balanced flavors. The addition of Rutz brings the number of three-starred restaurants to 10 in Germany.
Hyundai's slick and glossy Prophecy concept EV foregoes a steering wheel
Hyundai has given the Prophecy EV a digital premiere after its Geneva Motor Show debut was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. Supposedly, Hyundai has steering wheel-less cars in mind for their future, a notion that was revealed Monday when the company detailed the Prophecy EV concept; the model represents the brand's "future vision" by embodying its "Sensuous Sportiness" and "Optimistic Futurism" design philosophies.
Brushing teeth three times a day could lower the risk of diabetes
Brushing your teeth more could help lower your risk of diabetes, according to new research New research has found that brushing teeth three times a day could lower an individual's risk of diabetes, while neglecting oral hygiene could actually increase the risk.
Square Enix planning mystery 'NieR' franchise celebration
Franchise producer Yosuke Saito and game director Yoko Taro are teaming up to celebrate "NieR" on March 29, while keeping the details a secret. Released on April 22, 2010 in Japan and over the following week internationally, "NieR" will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The original game was the last to be developed by Tokyo's Cavia studio, selling 500,000 copies and developing a cult following.
Being quarantined during the coronavirus outbreak could have long-lasting psychological impact
Medical staff wear face masks to protect against the COVID-19 coronavirus as they chat outside a hospital in Beijing New UK research has shown how being in quarantine, which is a common situation for many people around the world right now due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, could have a long-term effect on mental health.
Online hotel booking sites may be duping travelers: consumer rights group
A report recommends contacting hotels directly for a good room rate A new study out of the UK shows that travelers could score better bargains if they go directly through the hotel rather than book with an online travel agent like Booking.com or Expedia.com.
Google converts in-person Cloud Next ‘20 conference to digital event
Google is transforming Google Cloud Next into Google Cloud Next‘20: Digital Connect Instead of cancelling their Cloud Next ‘20 developer conference due to coronavirus concerns, Google took the initiative to make the event a digital experience.
Virus death toll tops 3,000 as airlines cut flights
Sweden barred flights from Iran -- where cases have rapidly ballooned -- while France, Germany and Britain said they would send medical and financial aid to the Middle Eastern nation struggling to contain the outbreak The global death toll from the new coronavirus topped 3,000 on Monday, as airlines cancelled or reduced flights and stock markets swung wildly.
Star US dancer Hallberg to take over top Australian Ballet post
Star US dancer Hallberg to take over top Australian Ballet post American Ballet Theater principal dancer David Hallberg has been appointed the new artistic director of the Australian Ballet, the company announced Tuesday. Hallberg, 37, the first American to be a premier dancer at the Bolshoi Ballet, was also the first international resident guest artist at the Australian Ballet, a position he has held for a decade.
Air pollution 'pandemic' shortens lives by 3 years: study
A 'pandemic' of air pollution shortens lives worldwide by nearly three years on average, and causes 8.8 million premature deaths annually, scientists said Tuesday A 'pandemic' of air pollution shortens lives worldwide by nearly three years on average, and causes 8.8 million premature deaths annually, scientists said Tuesday.
Suspended Grammys CEO fired by Recording Academy
Deborah Dugan replaced Neil Portnow, -- who left his position after saying women should "step up" for industry recognition -- last May, becoming the first woman to lead the Recording Academy The embattled former CEO of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammys, was fired Monday, the latest development in the body's infighting saga.
App that detects jaundice in newborns could save lives in Asia and Africa
A smartphone app that lets users check the eyes of newborn babies for jaundice may be an effective, low-cost way of identifying which cases need treatment, scientists reported Monday A smartphone app that lets users check the eyes of newborn babies for jaundice may be an effective, low-cost way of identifying which cases need treatment, scientists reported Monday.
Feminist, fashionable and fighting for sustainability: India's Anita Dongre
Fashion designer Anita Dongre (L) interacts with a worker at her factory on the outskirts of Mumbai With stores in India and New York, multiple clothing brands and a global celebrity following, fashion designer Anita Dongre is a feminist powerhouse in a male-dominated industry. But her true ambition is to create an environmentally sustainable company, she says.
Air pollution could shorten life spans by nearly three years: study
Air pollution could be shortening lives around the world by up to an average of three years, according to new research New European research has found that exposure to air pollution could be shortening the lives of people around the world by an average of nearly three years.
Talking about a menstrual revolution: Asia's period problems
Olivia Cotes-James, founder of LUUNA Naturals, speaking during a workshop in Hong Kong Olivia Cotes-James wants us to talk about menstrual health. Properly.
Apple agrees to $500 mn deal in iPhone-slowing suit
The company issued a software update to make it easier for customers to see if an aging battery is affecting performance Apple has agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims it covertly slowed older iPhones to get users to upgrade. A federal judge in California presiding over a group of lawsuits will be asked to approve the proposed settlement at a hearing in early April, according to a court filing on Friday.
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