Lifestyle
Microsoft accused of stealing the Surface Earbuds design
The rapper says he pitched the idea to Microsoft 4 years ago
Ideally, it’s never a good idea to copy or steal someone else’s work. Being original has maximum benefits and is a testament to your capabilities. However, these ideals haven’t gone down well in the technology industry.
Microsoft unveiled the Surface Earbuds at its New York event and it is radically different from the usual in-canal elongated design of the AirPods. They’re quite huge and the large surface area houses a gesture pad that adds more functionality to a rather mainstream device.
While we’re glad that Microsoft came up with something different, someone wasn’t too pleased with it. American rapper will.i.am runs a tech startup called I.am+, where they launched wireless earbuds called BUTTONS back in 2016. The artist is accusing Microsoft of stealing his design.
This hurts…An African American start up struggling to inspire innercity kids with tech, only to find a GIANT steals our individuality & differentiation… #GetYOURownSTYLE your so 2000&LATE #cultureTHEFT…@Microsoft remember when I showed you our #BUTTONS 4years ago? pic.twitter.com/wUVBy1ef4m
— will.i.am (@iamwill) October 3, 2019
In a series of tweets, will.i.am says that as early as 2015, he pitched his design of the wireless earbuds to Microsoft in a meeting to be part of their Surface lineup.
The company, founded in 2012, initially focussed on consumer electronics devices such as headphones. The company is also developing an enterprise assitant called Omega and has recieved more than US$ 100 million in funding.
Microsoft hasn’t released a statement yet. It’s quite common to find conflicting designs today and it’s harder to prove theft or wrongdoing since the industry is well saturated.
Recently, employees of Xiaomi India have publicly accused Realme of stealing marketing ideas. There has been no response to these allegations, but we’re glad to see there are people who value originality and understand a creator’s hard work.
Entertainment
Transformers One trailer: Get to know Optimus Prime, Megatron’s origin stories
In cinemas September 18
Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Transformers One, the upcoming latest installment of the Transformers film franchise.
Before fans get excited for the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, this animated film focuses first on Optimus Prime’s relationship with his adversary, Megatron.
The origin story is set in Cybertron, long before the transformers land on earth in the chronological timeline.
The trailer reveals Optimus Prime’s previous name, Orion Pax. On the other hand, Megatron was previously known by D-16.
Joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, the two main protagonists journey to Cybertron’s surface, which hasn’t been explored beforehand due to the dangers it is said to have.
On the surface, the crew realizes that right away, but are bestowed the power to transform. After some figuring, they manage to utilize this ability to defend Cybertron from intruders.
Overall, the three-minute trailer gives a lighter and funnier vibe. That’s in contrast to the previous iterations where the story is more serious from the get-go.
The transformers’ appearance also looks simpler and more toned down, giving an old school feel which is appropriate, considering this movie is set an earlier time when Cybertron was more intact.
Transformers One is showing on Philippine cinemas on September 18. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson.
Gaming furniture remains one of the gaudier things you can own. While the market has mercifully moved away from unnecessary frills and an obsession with RGB lighting, everyone can still see the vestiges of a gaming lifestyle. If you’re looking for something subtler, your options are sparse. IKEA is thankfully adding a splash of color for your gaming rig.
If you wanted neutral furniture that looks good in any home, IKEA is the place to go. It’s still hard to imagine that the Swedish furniture maker can do something about the gaming market, but then again, this isn’t their first rodeo. Building on its previous partnership with Republic of Gamers, the brand is back with a new line of furniture for gamers tired of sticking out like a sore thumb.
The new BRÄNNBOLL collection includes pieces of furniture that goes well anywhere. It includes a comfortable inflatable chair, a versatile gaming station, a subtle castor on wheels, and convertible chairs. You’ll also get a complementary set of throws, rugs, and mousepad for your new setup.
The collection will launch in September 2024.
Today’s gaming furniture market is still obsessed with dark brooding colors and a tiny-but-stark neon accent. You know the look. Thankfully, other brands, IKEA included, are coming up with new collections to add personality to the market.
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with showing off your personality. But it’s also cool to look good while doing it.
SEE ALSO: IKEA, ASUS ROG launching affordable gaming furniture, accessories
Gaming
New PUMA collection lets you wear PlayStation’s iconic symbols
PUMA x PlayStation collaboration
PUMA and Sony Interactive Entertainment have joined forces to deliver what should be a hit collaboration for gamers and sneakerheads alike. The PUMA x PlayStation collection will be available starting April 18, allowing fans to wear the iconic PlayStation elements through PUMA’s famous Suede and RS-X sneakers.
As reported by Sole Retriever, both PUMA shoe models come in PlayStation’s signature colors: blue, grey, white, and black. The Suedes will be available in black and grey, although the latter looks more like it’s dirty white. Stamped down throughout the upper body are the PlayStation’s triangle, circle, X, and square symbols. The sole sports mostly a blue color, which transitions smoothly either to black or white with a dynamic gradient effect. Speaking of, you will see even larger versions of the elements underneath the shoe.
For those who love bulkier and high-cut shoes, the RS-X also adopts dominant black and dirty white colorways. The four symbols are distinctively visible on both the toe cap and tongue. Various parts of the shoes are colored differently, making up for a unique blend. Special hangtags featuring the symbols also accompany each pair.
There are just a lot of details on both shoes to adore. Especially if you have some personal connection with either the footwear and apparel brand or PlayStation itself. Per Sneaker Files, the Suede will retail for US$ 100 while the RS-X at US$ 120. The collection will be available from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected retailers.
Aside from the shoes, there are also various apparel choices like hoodies, tops, caps, and shorts, all emblazoned with the symbols. These go perfectly along with the shoes, with their white and light blue colorways. For now, it looks like the collection will only be available in North America. But who knows, may it’s just a matter of time before Southeast Asia and other regions get theirs, too.
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