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Stay up to date with the latest in tech and innovation. From Apple’s new customization tools to stylish Prada spacesuits and clean energy initiatives, we’ve got the top headlines for you. Check out the week’s biggest tech news below!

Apple Expands Business Customization for iPhone

Apple will soon allow businesses to customize their brand’s appearance in emails, phone calls, and payments on iPhones. Through its Business Connect tool, companies can add logos and brand names to be displayed in apps like Mail, Phone, and Wallet. The new Branded Mail feature and Business Caller ID aim to make businesses more identifiable and reduce spam confusion, with the updates rolling out later this year and next. Additionally, businesses using Tap to Pay will be able to display their logos during transactions.

Prada and Axiom Collaborate on Stylish Spacesuits for NASA’s Moon Mission

Prada and Axiom Space have teamed up to design the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU).  The sophisticated new Prada spacesuit will be for NASA’s Artemis III mission. Of course, the suit will be built to withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar South Pole. In addition, the Prada suit combines high-performance materials and advanced features with a touch of Prada’s style. It includes custom-made gloves, lunar-ready boots, and a helmet with lights, an HD camera, and 4G/LTE communication. The AxEMU will debut on the moon no earlier than September 2026.

Amazon Invests in Nuclear Energy for Carbon-Free Power

Following Google’s recent deal, Amazon has announced new agreements to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) for clean energy. Amazon is partnering with Energy Northwest to fund and build four SMRs in Washington by the early 2030s, with potential expansion to generate 960MW. Amazon is also investing in X-energy, a startup working on advanced nuclear reactor designs, to support additional SMR projects across the U.S. by 2039. These efforts aim to provide carbon-free electricity to help Amazon and other tech companies meet their climate goals while addressing the energy demands of data centers.

Airbnb Launches Co-Host Network for Easier Property Management

Airbnb has introduced its new “Co-Host Network,” allowing hosts to find and hire co-hosts directly through the app. Co-hosts can assist with tasks like managing listings and communicating with guests, with various payout options available. The network, which has been piloted for years, is now available in countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK. This update is part of Airbnb’s 2024 Winter Release, which includes additional guest-focused upgrades.

Meta Adds Activity Status to Threads

Meta is introducing an “activity status” feature to Threads, allowing users to see who is currently online by displaying a green bubble next to their profile picture. This feature, aimed at encouraging real-time engagement, can be toggled on or off in the settings. Despite the absence of direct messaging on Threads, Meta hopes the feature will enhance user interaction. Additionally, the platform is working on a Community feature that could further leverage the online status for group-based communication.

Google Shopping Introduces Personalized Feed and AI Recommendations

Google Shopping is launching a personalized feed on mobile and desktop, offering users product recommendations based on their recent searches and YouTube activity. The feed includes recently viewed items, suggested products, and in-line videos, with options to refine preferences through a “thumbs-down” feature. Additionally, Google is rolling out a personalized deals tab and AI-generated product summaries, providing tailored shopping tips and recommendations. These updates are rolling out in the U.S. over the coming weeks.

Fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for cozy gatherings and elevated dinner parties. Likewise, the heart of any luxurious entertaining space is the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting intimate dinners or lavish soirées, a well-designed, upgraded kitchen can set the tone for the entire experience. For luxury homeowners in Southern California, where indoor-outdoor living is a key feature, incorporating seasonal elements and high-end upgrades can elevate fall hosting to new heights.

Here are some top tips for upgrading your luxury kitchen this fall, focusing on high-end kitchenware, cutting-edge appliances, and stylish décor that blend function with fall-inspired elegance.

1. Invest in Statement Kitchenware for Show-Stopping Entertaining

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen for fall entertaining is to invest in statement kitchenware that combines elegance with practicality. High-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub offer timeless cast iron cookware in seasonal colors like deep amber, burnt orange, and classic black. These pieces not only cook beautifully but also serve as stunning centerpieces on your dining table.

For table settings, consider fine bone china or handcrafted ceramics that feature intricate detailing, adding a touch of sophistication to any meal. Pair them with gold-plated cutlery and crystal glassware to create a luxurious, cohesive look. When you choose kitchenware with both form and function, you elevate your entire dining experience while making a stylish statement.

2. Upgrade Kitchen Appliances for a Seamless Cooking Experience

When it comes to luxury entertaining, having top-of-the-line appliances can make all the difference. This fall, consider upgrading to smart, high-performance appliances that streamline the cooking process and enhance your culinary creativity.

Smart ovens like those from Wolf or Miele offer precise temperature control and pre-set cooking modes, making it easy to bake perfectly browned pies or roast meats to perfection. For wine lovers, a built-in wine fridge from Sub-Zero ensures that your guests are always served at the ideal temperature, while a temperature-controlled warming drawer keeps dishes hot without overcooking, allowing for more relaxed, stress-free hosting.

Additionally, incorporating a built-in coffee station from brands like Thermador or Gaggenau ensures that your guests are treated to barista-level coffee and espresso, perfect for after-dinner indulgence. These high-end appliances not only improve functionality but also add a sleek, professional aesthetic to your kitchen.

3. Incorporate Seasonal Fall Décor with a Luxurious Touch

Seasonal décor is a great way to infuse your kitchen with the spirit of fall while maintaining an air of elegance. Opt for subtle, sophisticated touches that reflect the season without overwhelming your space.

Consider swapping out summer linens for rich, fall-inspired table runners and napkins in earthy tones like deep burgundy, burnt sienna, and forest green. Marble or brass serving trays with seasonal accents such as small pumpkins, fall foliage, or elegant candleholders can add warmth and charm to your countertop or island without sacrificing luxury.

For a more dramatic upgrade, you could even introduce a custom fall floral arrangement, featuring autumnal blooms like dahlias, chrysanthemums, or amaranth, arranged in a designer vase. This adds a touch of natural beauty and seasonal flair to your kitchen.

4. Optimize Your Kitchen Lighting for Fall Ambiance

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance for fall entertaining. Consider upgrading your kitchen lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests. Pendant lights over kitchen islands in luxe materials like brass or matte black can serve as both functional lighting and stylish décor.

Incorporate dimmable LED lights to control the brightness, allowing you to set the perfect mood as the evening transitions from casual cocktails to a formal dinner. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding under-cabinet lighting or even upgrading to smart lighting systems that let you adjust color temperature based on the occasion.

5. Create a Luxurious Beverage Station

A well-stocked beverage station is a must-have for fall entertaining. Consider setting up a designated space for mixing cocktails, serving coffee, or offering fine wines. High-end bar carts with brass detailing or custom-built beverage centers can serve as focal points, while adding function to your hosting setup. Stock the station with beautiful glassware, artisan spirits, and a selection of wines and mixers to keep your guests satisfied throughout the evening.

Conclusion

Preparing your luxury kitchen for fall entertaining involves more than just upgrading your appliances—it’s about creating a space that marries function with elegance. From top-of-the-line kitchenware to cutting-edge appliances and sophisticated seasonal décor, these luxury upgrades will ensure your fall gatherings are as effortless as they are unforgettable. By investing in these thoughtful touches, your kitchen becomes not only a hub of culinary creativity but also the centerpiece of your fall hosting.

Stay connected with the latest tech news from across the World Wide Web. From a Nintendo Alarm to Zoom AI and more, we have you covered! Check out the top tech and media headlines of the week below.

Nintendo Unveils Motion-Controlled Alarm Clock, “Alarmo”

Nintendo has announced a new gadget, Alarmo, a motion-controlled alarm clock set to release in early 2025 for $99.99. This unique Nintendo device allows users to snooze with a gesture or stop the alarm by getting out of bed. In addition, the Nintendo gadget features sounds from popular Switch games like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. It also includes sleep tracking, customizable alarm modes, and soothing bedtime sounds. While not a new console, the Nintendo Alarmo adds an interactive twist to waking up, with Switch Online subscribers getting early access to the device.

X Shifts Creator Payout Model to Focus on Premium User Engagement

X is changing how creators earn money by shifting from ad revenue based on verified users to payouts tied to engagement with content from Premium subscribers. This new system means the more Premium users interact with each other’s content, the more creators can earn. However, with Premium subscribers already prioritized in replies, it’s unclear if this will lead to higher payouts. Starting November 8th, revenue from verified ad impressions will no longer count, and up to 25% of Premium subscriptions will go directly to creators.

Amazon Introduces AI-Powered Shopping Guides for Tailored Product Recommendations

Amazon has launched AI-powered “Shopping Guides” on its mobile website and apps, designed to help users quickly find products based on specific features. Available for over 100 product types, including TVs, headphones, and skincare, these guides offer educational content and customer insights to assist in making informed purchases. By selecting a guide, shoppers receive personalized product recommendations based on factors like brand, use case, and connectivity, offering a more visual and intuitive way to filter options compared to traditional menus.

Zoom to Launch AI Avatars for Sending Messages in 2024

Zoom is set to introduce AI avatars that can attend meetings for you by delivering brief messages on your behalf. To create an avatar, users record a video of themselves, which Zoom’s AI uses to generate a digital likeness that looks and sounds like them. This feature, available through Zoom’s Clips, will be part of a custom AI Companion add-on launching next year for $12 per month. Zoom is addressing concerns about deepfakes with advanced authentication and watermarking technology, ensuring secure use of the avatars.

NYT Beta Testing New Word Puzzle Game “Zorse”

The New York Times is beta testing a new puzzle game called “Zorse”. The phrase-guessing game blends two phrases into one, focusing on wordplay. Currently available only in Canada, Zorse offers clues and a series of blank tiles. Players use the tiles to reveal and solve the puzzle. Likewise, the format resembles a mix of Wheel of Fortune and word games like Wordle. The game is part of the NYT’s ongoing expansion into puzzle games, with hopes of a wider release soon.

Rare Twiggy Macintosh Prototype Heads to Auction

A rare prototype of the original Apple Macintosh is set to be auctioned. The prototype features a 5.25-inch disk drive instead of the later 3.5-inch model. The auction will occur through Bonhams’ History of Science and Technology collection. This prototype is one of less than five known to exist and carries the model number #M0001. It is known as the “Twiggy Macintosh” because it uses the unreliable 5.25-inch drives from the Apple Lisa. Previously sold for $150,075, the prototype is expected to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000 this time.