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Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, and if you’re a Los Angeles local looking for exciting ways to make the most of the holiday, you’re in for a treat. While popular tourist destinations like Hollywood and Santa Monica have their charm, this guide is tailored to help you discover some lesser-known gems and unique activities that will make your long weekend truly special.

Explore Griffith Park at Dawn:

Start your Labor Day weekend with a breathtaking sunrise hike in Griffith Park. Skip the crowds by getting an early start and enjoy a peaceful walk to the Griffith Observatory or the iconic Hollywood Sign. The crisp morning air and panoramic views of the city are bound to energize you for the day ahead.

Visit the Getty Villa:

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by spending a leisurely afternoon at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Explore the stunning architecture, meticulously landscaped gardens, and an impressive collection of antiquities.

Cruise Mulholland Drive:

Take a scenic drive along the famous Mulholland Drive for breathtaking views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Stop at various lookout points to snap photos and soak in the beauty of Los Angeles from different vantage points.

Art Walk in the Arts District:

Discover the thriving arts scene in the Downtown LA Arts District. On the second Thursday of the month, the area comes alive with the Art Walk—a showcase of local galleries, studios, and street art. Stroll through the colorful streets, grab a coffee at a trendy cafe, and immerse yourself in the local creative culture.

Beach Bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach:

Gather your friends and family for a classic beach bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach. Arrive early to secure a fire pit, and spend the evening roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and enjoying the sound of the waves under the starlit sky.

Hike to Escondido Falls:

For a nature-filled adventure, embark on a hike to Escondido Falls in Malibu. This moderately easy hike takes you through a lush canyon to reach a stunning 150-foot waterfall. Pack a picnic and enjoy a serene afternoon surrounded by nature.

Chinatown’s Secret Alleyways:

Explore the hidden alleyways and vibrant street art of LA’s Chinatown. While many visitors stick to the main streets, locals know that the alleyways are where the real charm lies. Discover unique shops, quaint eateries, and colorful murals that tell stories of the neighborhood’s history.

Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre:

Movie buffs will appreciate the experience at Cinefamily, located at the historic Silent Movie Theatre. Enjoy screenings of classic films, independent movies, and documentaries in an intimate setting that pays homage to the golden age of cinema.

Shop at Melrose Trading Post:

Indulge in some retail therapy at the Melrose Trading Post, a beloved open-air market held every Sunday. Browse through a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Sunset Picnic at Point Dume State Beach:

Wrap up your Labor Day weekend with a serene sunset picnic at Point Dume State Beach. This quiet spot in Malibu offers stunning coastal views and a sense of tranquility that’s perfect for reflection and relaxation.

Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles offers a multitude of hidden treasures and exciting activities for locals to explore. From scenic hikes and cultural experiences to unique shopping and cinematic delights, this guide has provided you with a curated list of options that will make your holiday weekend truly unforgettable. Embrace the opportunity to discover new facets of your city and create lasting memories with friends and family.

In the age of smart homes, voice assistants have transcended from being mere technological novelties to essential components of modern luxury living. When integrated correctly, they blend effortlessly into the backdrop, providing convenience without disrupting the aesthetic charm of luxury interiors. Here’s how you can integrate voice assistants seamlessly into your opulent living spaces.

1. Choose the Right Assistant for Your Needs:

Start by deciding which voice assistant suits your lifestyle best. Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri all have their strengths. The right one for you depends on your existing tech ecosystem, desired functionalities, and personal preferences.

2. Hidden but Accessible:

Position your voice assistant device in a place where it’s not the focal point, yet can still effectively pick up your request. Using built-in solutions, like wall recesses or custom furniture with compartments, can help hide these devices while keeping them functional.

3. Match Your Interiors:

Many voice assistant devices now come in a range of colors and finishes. Choose one that complements your interior decor. Brands like Amazon and Google have also released devices with customizable skins and cases.

4. Go for Built-In Solutions:

Consider investing in high-end speaker systems or home utilities with built-in voice assistants. Brands like Sonos, Bose, and Bang & Olufsen offer incredible sound systems that have integrated voice control, blending performance with luxury.

5. Utilize Voice Assistant Routines:

One of the advantages of voice assistants in luxury spaces is their ability to create ‘scenes’ or ‘routines’. For instance, a simple “Good Morning” could draw the curtains, adjust room temperature, start your coffee machine, and play your favorite morning tunes.

6. Integrate with Home Automation:

Sync your device with your home automation system. Controlling lights, thermostats, security systems, and more becomes effortless, adding to the luxurious feel.

7. Maintain Privacy:

In luxury spaces, privacy is paramount. Regularly review and clear your voice command history. Many devices also come with a mute button, ensuring the device isn’t always listening.

8. Train Your Assistant:

Most devices improve over time by learning your speech patterns and preferences. Regular interaction, correction, and use of the training feature can make voice recognition more accurate and responsive.

9. Upgrade as Needed:

Voice assistant technology is rapidly evolving. To maintain the seamless integration, ensure you upgrade your devices when significantly improved versions become available.

10. Create Zones:

In larger luxury homes, you might need multiple devices to ensure accessibility from everywhere. Create zones (living area, bedroom, kitchen) and set each device’s settings appropriately for its location.

11. Limit Clutter:

While it’s tempting to have the latest in smart tech, avoid over-cluttering your space with too many gadgets. Remember, the goal is to enhance convenience without disrupting the home’s luxurious aesthetic.

12. Professional Installation:

To truly achieve seamless integration, consider hiring a professional. They can guide you on the best placement, and integration techniques and even train you on maximizing the utility of your voice assistant.

In Conclusion:

Voice assistants can elevate the luxury living experience, adding layers of convenience, sophistication, and modernity. The key lies in seamless integration, ensuring that while the assistant is ever-present to serve, it remains an unobtrusive part of the overall ambiance. Dive into the world of voice-activated luxury, and enjoy a living space that listens, learns, and luxuriates.

Connect with top headlines happening across the web in the world of tech! From Updates on YouTube to Threads on the Web and more, we have you covered. Read on for our weekly round-up of major changes and leading stories in technology and media.

Google, Amazon, Nvidia, and Additional Companies Invest $235 Million in Hugging Face

Hugging Face, an AI-focused platform raised $235 million in Series D funding. Its valuation now stands at $4.5 billion. Major investors include Google, Amazon, and Nvidia. CEO Clement Delangue stresses the significance of open-source AI. The company collaborates with Amazon’s AWS and hosts renowned AI models. The platform is often compared to GitHub, serving as a repository for machine learning. With its new funding, Hugging Face aims to further expand its offerings and solidify its position in the open-source AI community.

A New Hum-to-Search may soon be underway on Youtube

Google is trialing a new feature on YouTube. The feature allows users to hum or record short song snippets for identification, similar to Apple’s Shazam. During the test phase, only a select group watching YouTube on Android will have access. This hum-to-search capability was previously introduced in the Google app and Google Assistant in 2020. However, TechCrunch reports that YouTube’s version is faster. Additionally, Google is experimenting with a “channel shelf” feature on YouTube, bundling multiple uploads from a single creator, aiming to enhance user experience and lessen upload pressures on creators.

Audeze Acquired by Sony’s PlayStation division

Sony Interactive Entertainment is acquiring Audeze, a premium headphones manufacturer. This move is intended to bolster the audio experience of PlayStation games. While Audeze will remain autonomous and produce for various platforms, they’ll benefit from integration into the PlayStation ecosystem. Audeze headphones utilize unique planar magnetic drivers for enhanced sound, a feature Sony recently touted for its new PlayStation audio products. These products also leverage a novel technology, PlayStation Link, offering seamless audio for the PS5 and the new PlayStation Portal streaming device.

Threads on the Web

Meta has rolled out an enhanced web app for Threads. The web version enables users to post, interact with content, and view their feeds. Previously, Threads’ web version had limited functionality, essentially just viewing profiles without interactive features. Although the updated web interface resembles the mobile app, it lacks certain mobile capabilities like editing profiles or sending posts to Instagram DMs. Notably, there are discrepancies like the absence of a notification dot and quote post feature. Despite these gaps, which Threads’ team acknowledges and promises to address, many users, who prefer desktop browsing, appreciate even this basic level of functionality for convenience.

Podcasters Now Able to Customize Show Page on Spotify

Spotify is rolling out new features for podcast creators, allowing them to customize their show pages, highlight episodes, and access in-depth analytics. This revamp, focused on enhancing the creator experience, coincides with Apple Podcasts updating its subscription services for creators. With these changes, both companies emphasize the growing importance of podcasting as a significant business avenue. Previously, podcasters on Spotify had limited promotional options, but now they can link to social media, emphasize introductory episodes, and feature other Spotify content, enhancing their visibility and listener engagement.

Say Goodbye to Required Group Names on WhatsApp

WhatsApp is introducing a feature allowing users to create group chats without naming them, as revealed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. These unnamed groups will automatically receive a name based on the participants, streamlining the process for short-term or event-based chats. However, these auto-named groups will have a cap of six participants, and the group name will vary depending on how individual contacts are saved in participants’ phones. The feature is set to roll out globally on various platforms and adds to a slew of recent WhatsApp updates aimed at enhancing user experience.

For many luxury homeowners, a private cinema isn’t just a bonus—it’s a must. Offering a personal escape to the world of films, TV shows, and gaming, the home theater becomes the heart of entertainment. To ensure you get the truest and most luxurious cinematic experience at home, follow these steps to create your ultimate home theater.

1. The Perfect Space

Begin by selecting a room that can be dedicated to your home theater. Preferably, it should be away from the house’s main traffic areas, have limited natural light, and be spacious enough to accommodate seating, equipment, and potentially even a mini-bar or popcorn machine.

2. Soundproofing

Sound is as critical as the visuals. Use acoustic panels, soundproofing curtains, and carpeting to minimize sound leakage and optimize audio within the room.

3. The Right Screen

The heart of your theater is the screen. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a large OLED TV or a 4K UHD projector. Ensure the size is proportional to the room for the best viewing experience.

4. Superior Sound System

Invest in a high-quality sound system, like Dolby Atmos, which provides an immersive 3D sound experience. Consider a 7.1 or even 9.2 channel setup, ensuring speakers are strategically placed for optimal audio.

5. Comfortable Seating

Seating plays a pivotal role in the viewing experience. Invest in plush, reclining seats, preferably with built-in massage features and heated cushions. Remember, the aim is luxury and comfort.

6. Control Systems

Incorporate smart systems that allow you to control lighting, sound, and visuals via a remote or voice control. The best home theaters make adjustments effortlessly, from dimming lights to adjusting the volume.

7. Personalized Aesthetics

Your theater should reflect your style. Consider bespoke wall coverings, unique light fixtures, and even art. Think of elegant, cozy curtains and possibly a starlight ceiling for that magical touch.

8. Bar and Snacks

Consider adding a mini-bar stocked with your favorite beverages. For a classic cinema experience, a popcorn machine or even a candy counter can be a delightful addition.

9. Gaming Integration

For those who love gaming, integrate the latest gaming consoles. With the superior sound and visuals of your theater, gaming sessions will be an unparalleled experience.

10. Climate Control

Maintain the perfect ambiance with a good HVAC system or smart climate control. This ensures you remain cozy during those binge-watching sessions.

11. Regular Maintenance

Your luxury theater is an investment. Schedule regular maintenance checks for your equipment. This ensures longevity and the best performance each time you settle in for a movie.

12. Expand with Technology

Stay updated with the latest in audio-visual technology. With the rapid advancement in tech, there’s always something new that can enhance your viewing experience.

Setting up the ultimate luxury home theater is a journey of personalization, a blend of state-of-the-art technology and your personal touch. By paying attention to every detail and choosing the best equipment, you can transport yourself to magical worlds right from the comfort of your home. Lights, camera, action! Enjoy your luxury cinematic experience.