Category: feature

As December breezes on by, it’s time to dial into what’s happening in the world of tech. From verified profiles on Reddit to Figma’s latest AI tools and more, we have you covered. Check out the top news from the week in today’s blog!

Reddit tests verified profiles

Reddit has begun a limited verification test that adds a subtle gray checkmark to the usernames of selected public figures and trusted partners who opt in and remain in good standing. The company says the test is voluntary, focused on clarity rather than status, and designed to help moderators and users quickly identify authentic profiles without changing Reddit’s pseudonymous core. Currently, there’s no public request flow — verification is by invite for the initial alpha — and existing “Official” labels will be replaced by the new checkmark where applicable. Expect moderation teams to appreciate the reduced verification overhead, while some users may debate what verification means for a platform that’s historically prized for anonymity. Watch for a careful, slow rollout as Reddit balances authenticity signals with community norms. 

Meta’s Avocado signals a future paid model for AI research & products

Meta teased Avocado, an upcoming AI model that the company hinted might carry a price tag rather than being fully free — a shift that would signal Meta moving from purely open research releases toward hybrid commercial models. The hint reflects an industry trend where foundational models and the compute they require are increasingly seen as monetizable assets, not just open scientific contributions. Meta’s messaging frames any charge as a way to sustain advanced research and infrastructure, though the balance between openness and revenue will spark debate among developers and academics. If Meta does commercialize Avocado features, expect new pricing tiers, access controls, and possibly premium tooling that sits alongside open research releases. The move is another example of big AI labs testing business models as costs and demand scale rapidly. 

Figma brings Photoshop-style AI edits 

Figma added more advanced image-editing AI tools that let designers erase objects, isolate elements, and perform Photoshop-style edits without leaving the vector workspace, effectively narrowing the gap between pixel and vector workflows. The features speed iterative mockups and let product and marketing teams prototype composited imagery faster — perfect for landing-page visuals, ad creative, or quick social assets. By embedding content-aware tools directly into Figma, teams can keep versioning, components, and collaboration unified instead of juggling multiple apps. That consolidation shortens creative cycles and reduces handoffs between designers and editors, but power users will still rely on heavyweight tools for fine-grain retouching. Overall, it’s a practical productivity push that respects modern creative workflows. 

Aurora’s CEO: hundreds of autonomous trucks by the end of 2026 

Aurora’s CEO said the company expects “hundreds” of driverless trucks on the road by the end of 2026. This comes as the company scales its commercial operations, signaling a serious push from pilots toward fleet-level logistics deployment. The plan combines hardware, software, and operations learnings gathered during earlier pilots. In addition, it emphasizes safety validation, route selection, and fleet management tooling. If Aurora meets that goal, shippers and fleets could see meaningful capacity for long-haul or regional routes that reduce driver hours while offering predictable, scheduled transit windows. The timeline still depends on regulatory green lights, insurer comfort, and continued reliability in varied road conditions — all levers Aurora is actively working on. For supply-chain leaders, Aurora’s cadence is the clearest signal yet that autonomous trucking is moving from R&D into commercial-scale trials. 

ChatGPT apps plug into Adobe 

OpenAI’s ChatGPT apps now let users call Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat, and other creative tools directly from chat. Of course, this means you can ask the assistant to apply edits, annotate PDFs, or perform quick design tweaks. The integration is engineered to keep creators in a single, conversational flow. For teams, it lowers the friction between ideation and execution. Likewise, a PM or marketer can request a composited asset in plain language and get a near-final result. Adobe and OpenAI emphasize user control and the need for human oversight, especially for production work. Likewise, the convenience factor for routine tasks is massive. Expect these conversational toolchains to reshape internal workflows where speed and iteration beat perfect single-pass production. 

Facebook’s redesign borrows Instagram’s visual rhythms 

Meta is reshaping Facebook’s feed to favor photo-forward layouts and Instagram-style visual algorithms. Likewise, the change makes image posts more prominent and nudges the network toward discovery patterns that work for visual content. The redesign is less about copying features and more about aligning user behavior across Meta’s properties. Of course, this is geared towards people who enjoy scrollable visual streams. For brands and creators that rely on strong imagery, the change increases the payoff for polished visual storytelling. Meta is calibrating algorithmic signals to blend familiarity with fresh surface areas for creators to be discovered. The update is a reminder that platforms constantly repivot UI to chase attention patterns that favor rich media.  

As winter nights draw in and the city slows down, Los Angeles transforms into a shimmering canvas of lights, color, and festive cheer. For residents and visitors alike, the search for the best holiday glow becomes a seasonal pastime. If you’re looking to soak up the magic, here are the top destinations to experience holiday lights in Los Angeles — each with its own vibe, from cozy and whimsical to grand and dazzling.

Enchanted Forest of Light

Where: Decanso Gardens | La Cañada Flintridge 

When: Until Jan 4, 2026

One of the most elegant displays in the city, Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light offers an immersive, artful alternative to traditional light shows. Meander through glowing forests, whimsical installations, and a festive model railroad. It’s a bit pricey at peak times—but utterly worth it for a magical night out.

Enchant Los Angeles 

Where: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia

When: Through December 28, 2025. 

This year, a 10‑acre holiday maze sweeps into Arcadia with a claim to fame: the “world’s largest Christmas light maze.” On top of wandering through twinkling labyrinths, you can glide on real ice, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, and browse a festive village filled with local artisans and seasonal treats. 

L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow – Griffith Park

Where: L.A. Zoo | Griffith Park

When: Until January 11, 2026, 

This luminous experience brings oversized glowing animal lanterns, dazzling tunnels, and playful installations to the Los Angeles Zoo. Enjoy an immersive light spectacle that invites guests to wander through glowing trails illuminated by oversized animal lantern sculptures and seasonal displays. It’s a playful, family‑friendly twist on holiday lighting — especially under the California night sky. 

Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms

Where: Irvine

When: Until December 28

Tanaka Farms in Irvine transforms after dark into Hikari, a glowing holiday wonderland filled with festive lights and Japanese lanterns. Guests can explore the illuminated fields by wagon ride or on foot, then stick around for the petting zoo, games, crafts, and Santa photo ops. A holiday market, Christmas tree lot, and fresh produce stand round out the cheerful experience. Be sure to grab tickets in advance—weekday visits are more budget-friendly, and weekend parking requires a pass.

Christmas Tree Lane 

Where: Altadena

When: Until early-January

This historic avenue of deodar cedar trees becomes a glowing spectacle each December. Thousands of lights drape the branches, turning a simple drive through the neighborhood into a magical, nostalgic holiday ritual. The display typically begins in early December — ideal for a quiet, drive‑through lights experience outside the bustle. 

Candy Cane Lane

Where: E. Acacia Ave & California St | El Segundo

When: December 14–23

For more than 75 years, Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo has been one of the South Bay’s most beloved traditions. Each December, this quiet residential street transforms into a glowing corridor of elaborate holiday displays, larger-than-life decorations, and homes lit from roofline to sidewalk. The neighborhood draws visitors from all over Los Angeles who come to experience the nostalgic, small‑town charm that feels worlds away from the nearby airport.

Holiday Road

Where: King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas

When: Until December 27

Holiday Road transforms King Gillette Ranch into a glowing winter escape, complete with towering light installations, a whimsical Christmas village, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The nearly mile‑long walking trail winds through the Santa Monica Mountains and offers countless photo moments, festive décor, and seasonal bites from food trucks along the way. It’s a charming outdoor experience ideal for families, date nights, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in holiday magic.

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

Where: Marina del Rey

When: December 13 at 6:00pm

This beloved coastal tradition brings dozens of dazzling, light‑covered boats sailing through the marina for a festive waterfront spectacle. Crowds gather early at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village to secure the best views as the illuminated vessels glide by. With this year’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, expect creative displays, spirited competition, and plenty of holiday cheer on the water.

Tips for Enjoying the Lights Like a Local

• Visit earlier in the evening or mid‑week to avoid crowds — the most popular displays often get packed after 7 p.m.
• Dress in layers — even SoCal evenings can get brisk. A cozy scarf, light jacket, and warm drinks go a long way.
• For immersive/ ticketed events (like Enchant or Zoo Lights), buy tickets in advance — many sell out fast.
• Combine lights with dinner or a casual stroll to turn your outing into a full holiday experience.

This season, whether you crave a stroll beneath glowing lanterns, a dazzling holiday maze, or a nostalgic drive through tree‑lined streets wrapped in light, these picks for the best holiday lights in Los Angeles offer something for every mood. Light up the winters — and let the city’s festive glow be your own Southern‑California kind of snow.

‘Tis the season to deck the halls, but if your home leans modern, high-end, or minimalist, the traditional red-and-green overload might not quite fit the vibe. Fortunately, there’s a way to infuse your space with holiday spirit and maintain its polished, upscale charm. This guide to luxury holiday decorating offers ideas that feel festive without ever looking fussy.

1. Embrace a Refined Color Palette

Skip the expected and opt for a palette that blends seamlessly with your existing décor. Neutrals like ivory, champagne, and soft gray act as elegant backdrops, while metallics—think brushed gold, warm bronze, and pewter—add just enough seasonal sparkle. A few deep green or navy accents can add depth without veering into kitsch.

2. Go Minimal with Max Impact

When it comes to luxury holiday decorating, less is more. Instead of cluttering every corner, choose a few key focal points—your fireplace mantel, dining table, or entryway—and style them with intention. Use clean lines, natural elements, and sculptural shapes to keep the overall look elevated. A single oversized wreath made of eucalyptus or olive branches makes a bigger statement than a dozen garlands.

3. Layer in Natural Textures

Luxury doesn’t have to be cold. To create warmth and texture, blend natural materials into your décor: linen table runners, wool throws, wooden candleholders, and seasonal greenery like cedar or pine. These organic elements bring in the cozy charm of the holidays while still fitting into a modern aesthetic.

4. Add Subtle Twinkle with Lighting

String lights don’t have to scream college dorm. Choose warm white bulbs and wrap them around architectural details like stair railings or interior windows. Battery-powered LED fairy lights can also be tucked into glass cloches or woven through tabletop centerpieces for a soft, ambient glow. For a more dramatic touch, add dimmable lanterns or smart candles to your holiday lighting plan.

5. Create a Sculptural Tablescape

Elevate your holiday table with a curated, artistic approach. Use layered textures—like stoneware plates on velvet runners—paired with modern glassware and metallic flatware. Add height with staggered taper candles or minimalist vases filled with dried florals. Even classic elements like pinecones or ornaments can feel luxe when styled sparingly and intentionally.

6. Choose Ornaments That Complement, Not Compete

Your tree should feel like an extension of your interior design. Stick to a limited color scheme that reflects your home’s palette, and mix materials like matte glass, ceramic, or metallic finishes. Consider skipping the traditional topper in favor of a sleek geometric accent or a large paper star.

7. Scent with Sophistication

Skip the overly sweet candles and opt for elevated seasonal scents like cedarwood, clove, or amber. Diffusers or oil blends with subtle holiday notes can create a festive atmosphere without overwhelming the senses.

When done right, luxury holiday decorating enhances your home’s style instead of disrupting it. With a little restraint and a focus on timeless textures and thoughtful accents, you can celebrate the season beautifully—without compromising your design sensibility.

As the first week of December comes to a close, it’s time to check in on what’s happening in the world of tech. From Mirumi’s companion robot to Google Photos’ 2025 Recap and more, we have you covered. Dive into the latest news in this week’s blog!

Garmin’s inReach Mini 3 Plus adds Color Touchscreen and More

Garmin refreshed its compact satellite communicator with the inReach Mini 3 Plus, which now includes a color touchscreen, support for sending and receiving photos via a paired phone, and 30-second voice messages that the device can transcribe when silence is needed. The Mini 3 Plus keeps physical buttons for gloved operation but makes long text and messaging far less tedious than the old scroll-through alphabet approach. Battery life remains strong for an always-on safety tool — Garmin quotes up to hundreds of hours depending on reporting cadence — and satellite features still require a subscription tier. At $499.99, it’s pricier than the Mini 2, but the usability upgrades (and photo/voice tools for rescue or troubleshooting) make it a real upgrade for serious adventurers. For anyone who spends time off-grid, this is a practical commuter-to-wilderness lifeline with much nicer UX than previous generations. 

Google Photos’ 2025 Recap shows how many selfies we took

Google Photos’ 2025 Recap tools now offer playful but revealing metrics — like how many selfies you snapped — alongside highlight reels and smart montages that summarize the year in images. The recap leans on Google’s image models to pick standout moments and surface trends from your library, then packages them into shareable stories and suggested edits. It’s a nudge toward reflexive nostalgia (and social sharing) while subtly demonstrating how much personal data these systems already understand about our lives. For creators and casual users alike, the recap is useful for quick year-end edits, but it also raises the perennial question of how much automation you want for curating your memories. If you like a one-click memory movie, Google Photos is doing the heavy lifting — and counting your selfies while it does. 

Amazon’s Fire TV / Alexa Plus gains “skip to scene” so you can find the exact moment you remember

Amazon expanded Alexa Plus on Fire TV with a “skip to scene” capability that lets viewers ask the assistant to jump to a particular moment in a show or movie — think “skip to the part where the boat leaves the harbor” — and have the player seek there automatically. The feature depends on richer indexing and caption/timestamp alignment, so it’s as much a search backend improvement as it is a voice trick. For binge watchers and anyone who can never remember which episode had that one line, it’s a practical QoL upgrade that turns vague recollection into immediate navigation. Amazon frames it as part of Alexa Plus’ broader aim to make the assistant proactively useful on big screens, not just reactive. Expect the convenience to be especially welcome in households where multiple people argue about which scene was “the one.”  

Mirumi, the furry companion robot, moves from concept to preorder on Kickstarter

Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi — a small, furry companion robot with expressive motions and haptics — is now available for preorder on Kickstarter. The robot aims to be a tactile, petlike presence for people who want low-stakes robotic companionship. Mirumi combines soft fur, articulated motion, and playful behaviors to respond to touch and simple voice cues, positioning itself as a comforting desktop or bedside companion rather than a task robot. Early pricing and preorder terms put it in the accessible gadget range, and the Kickstarter route signals a direct maker-to-community approach for iteration and feedback. For folks craving the warmth of a pet with fewer commitments (and no allergy worries), Mirumi leans into emotional design as the product’s core feature. As always with crowd-backed hardware, backers should weigh delivery timelines and support pledges before pledging. 

Indiegogo launches “Express Crowdfunding” to speed delivery for creators and backers

Indiegogo rolled out Express Crowdfunding, a program that lets vetted creators skip long waiting periods and ship products faster by working with pre-approved manufacturers and logistics partners. The goal is to reduce the classic crowdfunding latency — where backers wait months or years for fulfillment — by certifying supply chains and shortening time-to-ship for campaigns that qualify. For creators, that means a faster path from campaign success to revenue realization; for backers, it promises less anxiety and more predictable delivery windows. The program could shift the crowdfunding landscape toward hybrid launches that blend presales with readiness verification, but it also raises the bar for who can participate. If it works, Express Crowdfunding could make crowdfunded purchases feel closer to normal e-commerce — but with the early-adopter premium still attached.  

Android beta’s “Call Reason” flags why someone is calling before you pick up

Android’s beta introduced a “Call Reason” feature that asks callers to briefly state the purpose of their call before you answer, then displays that reason on the incoming screen so recipients can triage calls more intelligently. It’s a smartly modest UX tweak that reduces interruption friction: you can decide whether a call is worth picking up right now (or sending to voicemail) based on a one-line reason. The feature is built with privacy in mind — callers type or record the reason and can skip it — and it fits a broader trend of giving users contextual signals to manage attention. For professionals juggling many incoming requests and for anyone tired of unexpected interruptions, Call Reason is a useful filter that keeps real conversations for when they matter most. Expect the feature to evolve (and be tuned for spam filtering) as Android tests user behavior. 

As the calendar winds down and the holiday season kicks into full swing, it’s easy to let home maintenance fall to the bottom of your to-do list. But for high-end homeowners, a little year-end prep goes a long way toward preserving property value, avoiding costly repairs, and stepping into the new year with peace of mind. This luxury homeowner checklist breaks down practical and proactive steps to take before the ball drops.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Even in Southern California, where rainfall is lighter, clogged gutters can lead to serious water damage when winter storms roll in. As a luxury homeowner, it’s important to clear out debris to prevent overflow and ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. This small step protects landscaping, hardscaping, and the home’s structure—especially in hillside properties where drainage is critical.

2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Luxury homes often include multiple levels, guest suites, and integrated garages—all of which require careful safety planning. Replace batteries and test all smoke and CO detectors. If your system is older than 10 years, consider upgrading to smart alarms that integrate with home automation platforms and alert you via mobile if an issue arises.

3. Schedule HVAC and Chimney Maintenance

With fireplaces crackling and heating systems running more frequently, now is the time to schedule professional inspections as a luxury homeowner. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected for buildup or structural issues. For HVAC systems, replace filters, clean vents, and check thermostats—especially if you’re relying on smart or programmable options to balance comfort and efficiency.

4. Review Homeowners Insurance and Coverage Gaps

The end of the year is ideal for reviewing your homeowners’ insurance policy. Have you renovated, purchased high-value artwork or jewelry, or added new security systems? Ensure your coverage reflects current assets, especially in homes with custom finishes, luxury furnishings, or climate-controlled wine cellars. Speak with your agent about potential bundling discounts or coverage for short-term rental use.

5. Deep Clean and Restock Guest Spaces

If you’re expecting visitors during the holidays, or simply value a well-maintained home, this is a great time to refresh guest rooms and bathrooms. Launder linens, restock toiletries, and consider thoughtful extras like candles, seasonal décor, or a mini carafe of water at each bedside. Small details make lasting impressions as a luxury homeowner.

6. Prepare Investment and Rental Properties

For those luxury homeowners with second homes or investment properties, this luxury homeowner checklist also applies. Winterize any vacant properties, inspect for signs of wear and tear, and update listings or marketing materials ahead of the new year. If you plan to list or rent in the coming months, now is the time to address staging and light renovations.

7. Backup Smart Home Settings and Tech

From lighting to audio to irrigation systems, luxury homes often rely on complex smart tech ecosystems. Make sure you back up system settings, update firmware, and check for any connectivity issues before heading out of town. If your home is monitored remotely, confirm that all security feeds and alarms are functioning correctly.

8. Declutter and Donate

Make room for the year ahead—literally. Sort through closets, pantries, and garages to donate what no longer serves your lifestyle. Many local organizations offer year-end pickups, making this both a feel-good and space-clearing win.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it is time to wrap up this week’s major tech headlines. From Perplexity’s AI Shopper to Amazon’s Leo Satellite and more, we have you covered with the top trending news. Read on below for this week’s round-up!

Perplexity’s personal shopper adds PayPal “Instant Buy” for smoother holiday buys

Perplexity rolled out an AI shopping assistant that remembers your preferences (say, commute-ready jackets for foggy ferry rides) and surfaces curated product cards with specs, reviews, and a checkout path that uses PayPal’s Instant Buy. The feature aims to move discovery and purchase into one conversational flow so recommendations convert without sending shoppers hopping between tabs. Perplexity says the agent remembers prior context to refine later suggestions and frames the service as more exploratory than a bare search bar. Merchants that support the integration can keep direct customer relationships while benefiting from Perplexity’s discovery layer. It’s another example of assistants moving from advice into action as companies stitch payments and preferences into chat. 

Wyze’s Window Cam watches the yard from indoors with improved night vision

Wyze introduced a Window Cam that mounts on the inside of a window and looks outward, offering HD video and enhanced night-vision modes so you can monitor a yard without exterior hardware. The indoor mount avoids weather and wiring issues while still letting owners keep tabs on deliveries, activity at the curb, or wildlife—useful in rentals or where outdoor installation is restricted. Wyze says the design preserves privacy by keeping the camera inside and adds easy setup for people who don’t want an outdoor rig. Image quality and night performance are notable upgrades versus many previous window-facing options, making it a practical choice for low-friction home monitoring. If you want a discreet, renter-friendly cam that still captures usable footage after dark, this one aims to hit that sweet spot. 

Meta’s trade-in credits make Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses cheaper to try

Meta launched a wearables trade-in program that gives credits toward Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses when customers trade in eligible older devices, softening the upgrade cost for curious buyers. The program is part of Meta’s broader push to expand its wearable ecosystem and lower a practical barrier to adoption: price. Trade-in credits can help convert hesitant users into testers of on-face computing by reducing sticker shock and making comparative upgrades feel less risky. Meta positions the program as both sustainability (device reuse) and customer-friendly pricing, though credit values and eligible models will determine real-world appeal. For anyone on the fence about smart glasses, trade-in offers make it easier to experiment without fully committing. 

Amazon previews the Leo Ultra antenna for enterprise satellite internet use

Amazon showcased a high-performance satellite antenna aimed at enterprise customers. The Leo Ultra aligns with the company’s push on satellite internet offerings that compete with established players. Likewise, the Leo Ultra Satellite emphasizes faster transfer rates and rugged deployment options. The new Leo antenna is geared toward business and remote-site use cases where terrestrial connectivity is thin and reliability matters. This means think emergency response, remote offices, and industrial sites. Amazon frames the Leo Ultra product as part of a broader, multi-layer connectivity play that pairs antenna hardware with managed service options. For organizations evaluating last-mile redundancy or global connectivity, the preview signals that more competitive hardware options are arriving. Expect pilots first, with pricing and carrier integrations to follow as Amazon moves from a demo of the Leo Ultra to commercial availability.  

Spotify makes playlist imports painless — bring your mixes from other services

Spotify simplified importing playlists from other streaming platforms, so listeners can move their curated mixes without manual copying and preserve playlists when switching or experimenting with hybrid services. The update is a subtle but important quality-of-life improvement: it reduces the friction that keeps people locked into a single service for the hassle of rebuilding a library. For creators and curators, easier imports mean broader reach and fewer excuses for listeners to leave. From a business perspective, it’s part of a retention play—make it simple to stay, even if the user is trying other apps. Expect similar cross-service conveniences to keep turning up as streaming companies compete on user experience rather than exclusive catalogs alone.