Category Archives: Futurist

This New Year's Eve, the countdown to midnight could have all the makings of a rocket launch. Fashion is going retro-futuristic for the holidays, drawing inspiration from space exploration, all framed in a mood of extravagance. Rhinestones, sequins, feathers, fringes and shiny metallic colors are all the rage this year, in total contrast to last year's more understated holiday looks.

It's hard to find the perfect outfit for this year's end-of-year celebrations, with the Covid-19 pandemic making a resurgence. From the Christmas sweater to pajamas to glamorous get-ups, men and women seem to have made their choice, drawn towards something they haven't known for months and months -- chic styles laced with extravagance. The global fashion search platform Stylight * has seen a surge of interest in pieces that are both retro and space-inspired -- a trend it calls "Retro-Galactica." Buckle up, fashion fans!

Sparkle overdose

New Year's Eve festivities inevitably bring to mind glitter, gemstones and sequins -- a must for this time of year. But it seems that, after spending several months in sweatpants and slippers, men and women are ready to really go to town and turn heads. Lashings of sparkling details will be seen on pieces with both retro and futuristic inspirations, oscillating between the glamour of the 70s and 80s, and modern space exploration. All that may sound hard to follow but, rest assured, there's something for everyone. Really!

Those still wavering between comfort and glamour can cut to the chase with a shiny or sparkly jumpsuit, a piece that's going down a storm around the world. Stylight reports a 928% increase in clicks for the category this year-end, compared to the same period last year. Glittery details seem to be on the agenda, so why not go for a head-to-toe look? Pantyhose with glitter and gems are the center of attention online, with a 392% increase in clicks on the global platform. Space exploration also means metallic shades, which are proving very popular, with a 122% uptick in clicks for metallic items of all kinds.

Story continues

Feathers, fringes and face gems

Often associated with the Roaring Twenties, feathers -- symbols of lightness -- are looking popular for the party season (+146% for feather dresses), not to mention fringing (+223% for fringed dresses), which was all over the Fashion Week catwalks for spring-summer 2022.

As for accessories, we can forget sneakers -- too casual for seeing in the new year. If you want to turn heads, go for platform heels (+105%) that will take you a step back in time. The most daring will wear them with socks -- yes, honestly! -- a trend that has been on the rise for several weeks now. But the hottest trend of the moment is none other than face gems, a viral hit on TikTok, and something that's on the radar of many beauty forecasters for 2022. It simply involves finishing your make-up look by adding stick-on gems to your face. Search interest for face gems tripled in November 2021 on Google.

* This report is based on Stylight's internal data collected from its 120 million annual users across its global platforms. Clicks were analyzed across products for the period November 1-25, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. Data is also based on Google Trends figures, beginning November 2021, compared to the same periods in 2020, unless otherwise stated.

Christelle Pellissier

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Retro and futurism collide as fashion maxes out on glam for the party season - Yahoo Singapore News

There are still many driving families out there for whom a massive SUV is not quite the right answer to their multiperson journeys or load of kid-related cargo.

To provide what is perhaps the most futuristic answer to that need, and to largely transcend the ignominy faced by those who spent their childhoods in earlier-generation minivans, Kia has a new answer. Especially since domestic carmakers, besides Chryslers Pacifica and its fleet-only Voyager, have largely abandoned that space.

Say hello to the very distinctive Kia Carnival. No exotic e on its name, as I initially thought; just wholesome, California-designed, American-focused, seven-or-eight-person, people-moving power wrapped up with showy features and great capability.

Kia itself does not hold back any punches, highlighting bold and boxy as a positive attribute here and positioning Carnival as sort of a minivan/SUV blend much as Pacifica, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna have also tried to shed the minivan label. You probably know which of those have opted to add all-wheel drive or hybrid versions to their lineup; for the moment, Carnival is simply front-wheel drive and powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.

Whatever the case, its a big leap from the outgoing Sedona, with looks that are very much in line with the impossible-to-find Telluride full-size and the somewhat smaller Sorento SUVs. It also feels about as big as a Chevy Tahoe, though the center of gravity and the various passenger access points are much lower to the ground.

That means 168 cubic feet of passenger room and 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room, the latter of which outclasses even the new taller and more capacious Chevy Suburban. It rides on a 121.7-inch wheelbase and is 203 inches long; Tahoe is only 8 inches longer. That bigness means a lot of territory in parking spaces, so the surround-view mirror, 360-degree camera and reverse-collision-avoidance sensors certainly help.

There are four trim levels, and mine was the nearly top-of-the-line SX priced at an attractive $42,770 with a list of options that might cost that much alone on a German import, if they made not-quite minivans. That means dual (and just slightly in-the-way) rear video screens, sci-fi-style elevated roof rails, 19-inch wheels and ventilated seats, while a snazzy Ceramic Silver paint job was an extra $495.

That V-6 also gives it 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which is a lot of power for what still, frankly, often feels like a very large, empty box. It sometimes takes a bit of coaxing uphill, as its just over 4,600 pounds, but on Front Range roads, it will fly. The power also means 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.

My biggest issue was how absolutely sucked into 18-wheeler ruts the Carnival got on the freeway; its overall handling was more than adequate for its size, and the ride is acceptably hollow if you have all the seats dropped to, perhaps literally, park a Kia Soul in the back. Maybe.

The seats and passenger setup are of course inventive here, with moderately violent yank-flop-and-fold third-row seats that disappear into the floor or leave a gigantic stroller, luggage or keg-sized cargo space if the seats are up.

The second row is sort of a Space Shuttle setup, with 40/20/40 seats mounted on rails that seem like they slide about 6 feet with the third row stowed. You can, I guess, socially isolate one (or two) of your rear passengers, which might be helpful in large families. Dual power-sliding doors, two rows of sunshades and an interesting two-layer cargo shelf system on the rear wall all speak to versatility, and easy kids and child-seat access.

Looks are a continuation of the very forward design aesthetic seen in Kias larger SUVs, which includes such oddities as metallic fish-scale panels on the Carnivals C-pillars and dramatic, wraparound LED lights.

Inside, its more of the Telluride/Sedona look, including piano-black haptic controls, nearly real looking wood highlights and a broad, unified console featuring Mercedes-styled metal-look toggles for seat heat and the camera. Everything is hyper-styled, featuring a checkerboard/Matrix design, from the front grille to the speaker vents.

Andy Stonehouses column Mountain Wheels publishes Saturdays in the Summit Daily News. Stonehouse has worked as an editor and writer in Colorado since 1998, focusing on automotive coverage since 2004. He lives in Golden. Contact him at summitmountainwheels@gmail.com.

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Mountain Wheels: Kia's Carnival blends the world of SUV and futuristic minivan - Summit Daily

The winners of Fords Smart Mobility Challenge this year were interesting, with a rideable bench the designers call TOD. Thats short for talk or drive, according to Ford. The award-winning design tries to scale back on the need for cars within urban centres, with whats basicallyjust a smaller car. Minus the roof, of course.

Im being a smart arse, because, actually, its a pretty cool idea. The two design students that developed the project, Corentin Janel and Guillaume Innocenti, have been awarded a grant by Ford of Europe to make a TOD protoype.

The design is fully modular, and has two distinct modes. Ford isnt kidding when it says this is a rideable bench. Its supposed to be good at being a seat, in a so-called static mode, as the carmaker describes:

TOD is designed as an adaptable system with a static mode and mobile mode. In static mode, it is a bench that can be extended to accommodate three people. Accessories such as chairs and corners can easily by added using a plug-in style kit system, while a flat square can be connected to two benches to form a picnic table.

And its also decent at moving people around, in its mobile mode, per Ford:

In mobile mode, the sit-on scooter is for up to two people, with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. A hatch in the middle provides space for luggage, while stretching bands on the back and sides enable users to transport small and long items. Users can locate and book a bench or sit-on scooter using the dedicated app.

The max speed is pretty slow, topping out at about 19 km per hour, but thats not bad when you consider the context of the design. TOD is something you could find in a courtyard or park, maybe a footpath. I wouldnt want to go too fast if I were riding one of these things. In any case, the speed isnt the point.

Its a cool design that Ford says would make for sustainable urban mobility, which likely means this would be an EV. Its creators imagine it would be partnered with an app. It would be like a better, actually-useful version of those Bird scooters people leave unceremoniously strewn on the footpath in big cities.

The worlds cities are desperately in need of less traffic congestion. Paris and London have already started looking for alternatives that can work better for dense urban centres. TOD may be a little quirky, but it could be just the ticket.

This post has been updated since it was first published.

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You Can Chill on These Futuristic, Tiny Benches or Drive Away Slowly - Gizmodo Australia

Kaboom!!Big Bang

Tesla owner Tuomas Katainen got so fed up with expensive repair costs, error messages and poor customer service that he blew up his 2013 Model S with 60 pounds of dynamite.

A YouTube channel that regularly posts videos of large explosions shared footage of the Model S destruction late last week, and it clearly touched a nerve, racking up more than 2.3 million views.

In the video, Katainen explains how he towed his Tesla to a local dealership where it sat for about a month before he heard back. When he finally did, it wasnt good news. Katainen, from Finland, says hed have to replace the entire battery cell for just more than $22,000 and Tesla would need to give its permission for mechanics to make the repair.

So I told them now Im going to explode [the] whole car, Katainen says via English subtitles in the video.

The goal of the video is probably to capture Teslas attention and convince them to address ongoing performance and production issues. The destroyed car even included a doll driver with the face of the automakers CEO, Elon Musk, printed on it.

Musk probably wont even notice the video,since hes been too busy tweeting about Web3 and NFTs. But even if he did see it, Musk is a giant troll. Hes sure to recognize this stunt for what it is. And as the team hides in their bunker from the blast, shows off multiple slow-mo camera angles of the detonation and walks away to a helicopter while superhero action movie music plays in the background, its pretty obvious the point of this video is the views.

All told, youll excuse us if were skeptical of the owners intentions. Perhaps an organized protest or calls to lawmakers to investigate Tesla oversights could, you know, actually improve safety and production for all Tesla owners. This video is just for shock value, and probably wont change a thing.

More on Tesla lawsuits: Tesla Sued Over Elon Musks Feud with Elizabeth Warren

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Man Hates His Tesla So Much He Blows It Up With 60 Pounds of Dynamite - Futurism

Sounds like a nightmare.Crime Wave

A rising number of burglary and homicide cases in LA is causing rich celebrities to stockpile bulletproof cars, reenforce windows, add barbed wire to their fencing and even install safe rooms inside their homes, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The report found that private security firms have seen a massive uptick in business as they rush to handle the wealthys requests for additional protections an ominous data point about crime, but probably moreso about its perception by the most privileged members of society.

Its been crazy busy, Aaron Jones, president and CEO of Malibu-based International Protective Security, told THR. We understand the urgency of whats going on. Its nonstop Business has quadrupled.

High-profile crimes recently included, for example, the late October robbery at the Encino home of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Dorit Kemsley, who lost $1 million in luxury handbags, jewelry, watches and more. Actor and former BET host Terrence Jenkins escaped a robbery in November, and 81-year-old philanthropist Jacqueline Avant was shot and killed during an attempted burglary at her Trousdale Estates home this month, according to THRs roundup.

Americans perception of crime, its worth pointing out, isnt always in line with reality. Though theres been a spike in homicides over the pandemic, violent crime overall has declined steeply and consistently since the 1980s.

Regardless, Hollywoods elite are arming up. Many of the shops on Rodeo Drive have hired new private security, and one source told THR that street has more security cameras per square foot than any other city in the world. Estate manager Bryan Peele, president and founder of the LA-based Estate Managers Coalition, told the publication that celebrities are even purchasing fully-equipped safe rooms they can live in for several days and which include internet and other luxurious amenities.

If the current crime spree continues, its only a matter of time until thieves start hitting easier, less fortified targets. Many of those wont have access to the same security measures the rich do, and , owner of the Grove shopping center, said recent events are disturbing but will likely impact the less affluent more.

The underpinning of the economy for greater Los Angeles are small businesses, Caruso told THR. Individual restaurant owners and shopkeepersmaybe cant afford that.

More on tech-savvy crime: Bank Robbers Steal $35 Million by Deep-Faking Boss Voice

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The Wealthy Are Suddenly Hoarding Safe Rooms and Bulletproof Cars - Futurism

When youre trying to pinpoint where the enemy team is approaching from or scouting the nearest weapons drop, you dont want to get distracted by static sounds and communication delays from your teammates. Most gamers can handle slight disruptions, but when your headset cannot maintain a signal at all it becomes a real problem, significantly affecting your gameplay and potentially ruining the fun. The solution? Upgrade to a one of the best gaming headsets.

Get clear, concise sound, and a reliable mic input, so that you and your team can communicate quickly and effectively to take down the opposition. Regardless of whether you prefer wired or wireless devices, theres a headset out there for you. Keep reading to learn how to pick one of the best gaming headsets for your console or gaming PC.

Best Overall: HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset Best Budget: Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset Best Wireless: SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset Best Wired: Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset Best for PC: Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset

Related: Build out your setup with one of the best gaming laptops.

Years of experience in online gaming helped inform my picks for the best gaming headsets. I considered over 30 possible options, conducting extensive research into each product and examining the provided sound quality and feature pack. To select the best headsets, I assessed each products quality based on drivers, frequency response, connection style, and special add-ons that helped to improve the product or the user experience.

A given headsets drivers and frequency response information were essential for assessing sound quality and loudness of their speakers. Both wired and wireless connection models are popular in the gaming community, so I included top-quality products from both connection types. However, if a product included specialized features that enhanced the users experience or improved the overall quality of the device, then these products were typically given preference over similar options.

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Why It Made the Cut: With large, 53mm drivers, console and PC gamers can be sure that this headset can keep up with volume demands.

Specs:Type: Wireless Frequency Response: 15Hz to 20,000Hz Drivers: 53mm

Pros: Impressive 30-hour battery Detachable noise-canceling microphone Built-in microphone monitoring Console and PC compatible

Cons: Headset must be recharged regularly

As the best gaming headset overall, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset is a top-quality product that boasts large, powerful 53mm drivers, enabling this headset to pump out gameplay music at high volume. Gamers can communicate clearly with their teammates using the noise-canceling microphone, and take advantage of the built-in microphone monitoring system to listen to your own voice, ensuring re heard loud and clear in the voice chat.

If you dont play well with others some days or you just prefer to play single-player games, then you can take advantage of the removable microphone to improve the comfort of the headset. This gaming headset is designed with a durable, lightweight aluminum frame and comes with an adapter for both PC and console gaming. It has a frequency response range of 15Hz to 20KHz, which comfortably covers the audible range for the average person. It also has a 30-hour battery, which yields over a day of uninterrupted wireless gaming. Just dont forget to charge the headphones before the next session.

Why It Made the Cut: This affordable gaming headset is ideal for new and younger gamers who are still optimizing their gaming setup making it the best budget gaming headset.

Specs: Type: Wired Frequency Response: 12Hz to 28,000Hz Drivers: 40mm

Pros: Affordable price Lightweight and comfortable Built-in audio controls Flexible noise-canceling microphone

Cons: PC-only surround sound

There are many high-priced products available that give users an impressive array of features and clear voice-chat communication. However, for gamers that are just starting out, $100 for a headset may be asking too much. You can still get excellent sound quality and effective voice-chat with the Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset. The Razer Kraken X headset has a slim, attractive design that will improve the aesthetics of any gaming setup. That means new gamers get to enjoy an aesthetic upgrade as well as a boost in sound performance.

This lightweight gaming headset comes with built-in audio controls like a microphone mute button, and a volume-control slider underneath the left earcup, ensuring gamers get to keep their eyes focused on the match. The 40mm speaker drivers offer decent loudness, and the broad frequency response range from 12Hz to 28KHz helps users experience the spectrum of music and sound effects in their favorite games. That said, this headset does not maintain the same sound quality for console gaming, so if surround sound is important, use this headset for PC gaming only. Browse more affordable options with the best cheap gaming headsets.

Why It Made the Cut: You can take advantage of the integrated Xbox wireless connectivity to connect directly to an Xbox One or Xbox Series XS console.

Specs:Type: Wireless Frequency Response: 20Hz to 22,000Hz Drivers: 40mm

Pros: Over 20 hours of battery life On-ear ChatMix control Integrated Xbox wireless connectivityLow lag

Cons: High price

Gamers that prefer titles on the Xbox One or Xbox Series XS consoles will want to invest in the best wireless gaming headset, the Steelseries Arctis 9X gaming headset, which has been designed to connect directly to Xbox consoles without the need for a cable or USB dongle. With over 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, the headset allows gamers to focus on the match instead of worrying about a fading battery. Whats more, users can connect to Bluetooth and Xbox simultaneously to listen to music and take calls while they game.

If the balance between music, calls, and game effects seems off, just make a quick adjustment with the on-ear ChatMix control, which allows you to mix sonic inputs seamlessly. The headset also features 40mm drivers and a frequency response range of 20Hz to 22KHz for reliable sound. It has a noise-canceling microphone for improved clarity; and it rarely encounters lag issues. However, this wireless headset does come with a high price tag that may not be viable for some gamers. Get started with the best Xbox games.

Why It Made the Cut: This wired headset from Razer delivers lagless quality sound.

Specs:Type: Wired Frequency Response: 12Hz to 28,000Hz Drivers: 50mm

Pros: Excellent microphone clarity USB sound card with THX Spatial Audio for surround sound Sleek, light, competitive design Removable microphone

Cons: Surround sound is only available with the USB sound card

The high-quality Razer Blackshark V2 gaming headset has a traditional wired design, with consistent, reliable connectivity. No more intermittent signals and broken audio that can cause undue confusion in a tight match: Users can connect this wired headset to a console or PC gaming setup to enjoy great sound quality no matter how they choose to play. The classic black and green exterior, and the sleek, lightweight build are a big aesthetic improvement over common blockier headsets.

As the best wired gaming headset features powerful 50mm drivers and a broad 12Hz- to 28KHz-frequency response range, helping to immerse gamers in yourfavorite fictional worlds. When playing as a single player, users can remove the microphone from the headset to improve the comfort and fit. While this headset does feature THX Spatio Audio surround sound, this feature is only accessible when its used with the included USB sound card.

Why It Made the Cut: Logitech G PRO X is the best PC gaming headset because youll have the ability to stream, record, or enjoy multiplayer games with accurate sound quality and excellent microphone clarity.

Specs: Type: Wired Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz Drivers: 50mm

Pros: Blue VO!CE microphone technology sounds great Detachable microphone Durable aluminum and steel design Includes a carrying bag

Cons: Limited range due to wired connectivity

Many gamers and content creators prefer the Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset because of its comfortable fit and high-quality communication made possible by the Blue VO!CE microphone technology. This feature filters the users voice in real-time, reducing ambient noise and improving sound quality to make their communications richer, cleaner, and more professional. This headset is made with durable aluminum and steel that helps prevent damage from falls or drops. It has 50mm drivers and a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20KHz, allowing full spectrum enjoyment of audible frequencies.

The wired connection limits the range of the user while the headset is connected, but it also increases the reliability of the headset, so gamers wont miss what their teammates are trying to tell them. However, the microphone can also be removed from the headset, if gamers want to enjoy single-player titles without having the microphone in front of their face. It also comes with a signature carrying bag for storage when not in use.

Dont just buy the first gaming headset that catches your eye, because great aesthetics dont necessarily mean great sound. Educate yourself on the various product factors so that you can make an informed decision when youre shopping for the best gaming headset for your console or PC.

Drivers are one of the most important components in a set of headphones. They convert electronic signals into audio and communication help create the sound that you hear. They range in size, with small earphones often featuring drivers that measure about 8mm to 15mm in diameter, while premium headsets typically include drivers about 20mm to 50mm. Oftentimes, the size of the driver is taken as a defining factor for the sound quality of the headset, but this isnt the whole story. The size of the driver impacts the loudness of the headset, so the larger the drivers the more sound the headset can produce. It should be noted that larger drivers can produce cleaner bass sounds, though they often struggle to create clear treble frequencies.

In most cases, a mid- to high-end multi-driver headset performs better than a similar quality single-driver headset. This is because each driver in a multi-driver headset manages a specific range of frequencies, allowing for discrete bass, mids, and trebles that dont sacrifice each others clarity. However, the number of drivers in each speaker doesnt necessarily improve the sound quality of a sub-par product. Poor multi-driver headsets will regularly be outperformed by high-end single-driver products. Performance depends on the optimization of the whole. So also make sure to consider the quality of the device as a whole, rather than choosing on the first multi-driver set that you see.

One of the more common terms that comes up when discussing headphones, earphones, speakers, or headsets is frequency response. This refers to the range of frequencies that a device can reproduce, as well as the accuracy of that reproduction. Typically, frequency response is measured in Hertz (Hz) and most headsets have a frequency response range from 20Hz to 20KHz. Thats because this spectrum is the normal audible frequency range for the average person. Very low and very high frequencies are often felt more than they are heard, so headsets that are capable of accurately reproducing sounds outside of the 20Hz to 20KHz spectrum introduce a new level of experience to the user.

However, the accuracy of the device is the most important factor to consider when looking at the frequency response of a headset. Thats because the goal of a speaker is to reproduce the original input sound with as little deviation as possible. While a perfectly accurate output isnt always possible, a good rule of thumb is that the closer a headset can get to perfectly reproducing the input sound, then the higher quality the device is.

When it comes time to decide on the type of gaming headset you need, there are two broad categories. These are wired headsets and wireless headsets.

Wired headsets are the most commonly used option for most gamers because they are capable of producing clear, reliable communication through the speakers and microphone without having to worry about wireless latency delays. These headsets are also typically more affordable than wireless headsets because they are made with older, more widely available technology. This also makes it easier to connect a wired headset to a console, PC, tablet, or even most phones, though some newer phone models do not have a headphone input. In which case you need to use an adapter to connect a wired headset.

The other obvious drawback to a wired headset is that you are literally connected to the device that you are using. Its difficult to get up and move around when there is a cable that keeps the headset securely attached to the console or PC. With a wire headset you should also be careful to avoid cable wear, because it can gradually destroy the wire inside the rubber cable exterior.

Wireless headsets have traditionally been unreliable options that may seem like a cool investment until you begin to use them. However, in recent years there have been significant improvements in wireless technology that have led to the increased popularity of wireless headsets. While they still dont have the steadfast reliability of a direct connection, wireless headsets allow you to get up, move around, stretch, or even go grab a drink without missing any of the conversation. If a difficult fight is coming up in game and you need to do some jumping jacks to calm your nerves, then having a wireless headset is ideal.

Just keep in mind that wireless devices rely on battery power, so if you dont regularly charge your headset, you may find your headset out of power when you want to play. Unfortunately, wireless headsets also tend to cost more than wired headsets. However, if you like the freedom and maneuverability, then a wireless headset may be worth the higher price.

Q: Are wired or wireless headsets better for gaming?Whether a wired headset or wireless headset is better depends on your personal preferences. If you like to get up and walk around with the controller in your hand, then a wireless headset is probably a better idea. However if you are looking for the most reliable sound quality and connection, then a wired gaming headset would be best.

Q: What headset does Shroud use?Shroud is a professional streamer, YouTuber, and gamer that specializes in first-person shooters, like Counter-Strike or Apex Legends. Shroud used to have a HyperX Cloud Flight gaming headset, but last year he switched to the Logitech G PRO X Headset.

Q: How much does a gaming headset cost?Gaming headsets can vary in price, with inexpensive products starting around $50 and high-end gaming headsets that can exceed $200. Look for the features you want in a gaming headset, and take some time to put money aside for a premium product if it matches your needs.

Related: Elevate the experience in an affordable way with the best budget gaming monitors.

When youre looking for the best gaming headsets, I recommend you choose high-quality sound and clear communication with the built-in mic monitoring system of the HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset, or get great sound and keep more money in your wallet with the affordable Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurisms owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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Optimize Your Experience with the Best Gaming Headsets - Futurism

Bastille coincidentally began working on their album in 2019- before the pandemic (Picture: Getty Images)

Bastille clearly have an accurate crystal ball because the band have accidentally recorded an album about an apocalyptic world that sounds a hell of a lot similar to our current, real life pandemic.

The Pompeii hitmakers are set to release their fourth studio album, Give Me The Future, in February.

It features themes of an apocalyptic future where humanity relies heavily on new technology while exploring the dark side of lives lived online, with playful yet thought-provoking pop vibes.

However, the catch is that the band actually began working on the album in 2019 months before the real life pandemic unfolded and long before the majority of us were introduced to Zoom.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk about the record, Dan said: We accidentally always seem to be one step ahead. Our last album was about a house party during the apocalypse and being stuck inside and looking outside and seeing the world falling apart. Little did we know that that 2020 version of the apocalypse would happen.

A lot of our fans were calling us out but we were like, It wasnt on purpose, we didnt know.

The singer speaking ahead of Bastilles MTV UK Unplugged airing tonight continued: We did start thinking about it and writing about it before the pandemic but obviously with the lockdowns and everything happening in the world, it only served to help and give us more ammunition to write about how complex and strange our relationship with technology is now that its seeped into every corner of life every aspect of what we do, how we live and interact with each other, in amazing ways but also sort of dark f****d up ways as well.

It feels fitting to have made an album sometimes remotely, sometimes over Zoom in very separate ways but also collaboratively.

Give Me The Future features the track Thelma & Louise, a nod to the classic 90s crime drama, and is also inspired by sci-fi films such as The Matrix and Ex Machina.

Dan had a ball rewatching these movies through a 2021 lens and explained: Thats what fascinated me and it was really fun to decide that the album was going to be science fiction because theres this genre of literature and film exist where people have imagined versions of the future that speak to the present and things that are going on.

Its fascinating in science-fiction that peoples imagined future is manifested in real life in terms of how society develops and technologically.

Matrix, for example, or Minority Reports a really interesting one because thats a film where within it theres driverless cars and advertising that speaks to you directly personally. Since that film came out until now, all of those things have happened and more.

Thats whats weird with sci-fi is we look back and were beyond them.

Bastille will appear on screens tonight with their acoustic session for MTV Unplugged, performing minimalist versions of their biggest hits such as Pompeii, Of The Night and Happier.

Dan said of the anticipated set: Were so honoured to be asked to be part of it. As a band weve always had different strands of what we do, we have our albums but in the years since weve been touring, its always been a challenge to strip those songs back and do intimate acoustic versions.

As a band weve always really enjoyed trying to break out of the conventions of what people would expect of just four blokes in a band or any kind of indie labels we might be given.

Thats what I love about being in Bastille is that there are no rules.

Fans may have noticed a theme with Bastille over the years they love a Christmas song.

In 2014, they featured on the charity single Do They Know Its Christmas? as part of Band Aid 30, and covered Slades Merry Xmas Everybody last year.

Can we expect an anthemic festive album from Bastille in the future?

Dan laughed: In lockdown last year me and my friend started writing a bunch of Christmas songs. Maybe well build up a little collection of stuff. Its always fascinating every year to see which artists have decided to take that plunge into the Christmas world.

I dont think were there yet but if were lucky enough to still have this job in a couple of years then maybe.

I think everyone wants to crack that, dont they? To write a Christmas song that is both original and interesting but also speaks to the things that people want to think about at that time of year, he added.

MTV Unplugged: Bastille airs Thursday, December 23 at 9pm on MTV UK.

Bastilles new album Give Me The Future is out on February 4, 2022.

Got a story?

If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you.

MORE : Louise Thompson nearly died as she reveals she gave birth to son weeks ago: Ive been in hospital for a month with various serious complications

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Bastilles Dan Smith on accidentally predicting pandemic with album - Metro.co.uk

Jason Silva is an Emmy-nominated and world renown TV personality, storyteller, filmmaker, and sought-after keynote speaker and futurist.

Jason is known for hosting 5seasons of the Emmy-nominated, global hit TV series Brain Games, on the NationalGeographic Channel, broadcasted in over 171 countries.

His inspirational videos, Shots of Awe, have received over 100 million views across social platforms. The videos exploretopics such as futurism, technology, creativity, the science of awe, disruptive innovation,relationships andmental health.

Most recently Jason hosted the global miniseries ORIGINS: The Journey Of Humankind, on the National Geographic Channel, seen in 171 countries.

A global keynote speaker, Jason has given talks at events for Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, Oracle, Adobe, Electronic Arts, Cannes Lions, TribecaFilmFestival, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, 20th Century Fox, Cosmopolitan, PHD Worldwide, Google Zeitgeist, TED Global, The Economist, and more.

A Timothy Leary of the Viral Video Age was howThe Atlanticdescribed Silva, partTimothy Leary, part Ray Kurzweil, and part Neo from The Matrix.

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Jason Silva | Storyteller, Futurist, Keynote Speaker

While 2022 may throw a few curveballs, the beginning of the new year is always a perfect time to focus on career growth.

According to the Department of Labor, the economy is rebounding and some industries have recovered their job losses from the early days of the pandemic.

As a futurist and business strategist who's trained thousands of executives to navigate booming markets, I've identified five skills that can make you an especially valuable professional in 2022 and free online courses that teach them.

In the future, it will pay to think critically and creatively about your work and to add unique skills, experiences and connections to your professional toolkit.

Your efforts to exist outside-the-box will not only help you come up with novel solutions, but will give you the tools to communicate that you are capable of solving new and exciting problems.

For example, time spent analyzing a different kind of business or connecting with folks in a different industry may help you find new ways to think about a problem or new tools for your team to use. That's what employers and customers are looking for in a rapidly changing market.

Recommended free course: Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success

Highlights: Learn how to pick a type of brainstorming alphabet brainstorming, grid brainstorming, morphological chart to apply to a challenge.

Futurists don't predict the future. We identify trends in society or a market and consider the impact that these trends might have.

By using "what if" scenarios to role-play different strategies and their outcomes, we help people determine which strategic direction to take and plot alternate strategies in case of a sudden, unexpected turn in the future.

You can apply that same technique to your own career or business. Learning how to consider the different directions that your industry or career path may take in the future can help you intentionally map your future moves, come up with a plan B, and protect yourself against uncertainty.

Recommended Free Course: Strategic Planning Skills

Highlights: Learn how to create a compelling mission, gather key business intelligence and assess potential opportunities to chart a winning course forward.

We will all be called on to make fast and impactful choices in 2022. This is true even if we don't have the same level of information or the time to plan as we did in the pre-Covid era.

Feeling unqualified to do that? Join the club: Making mistakes was the biggest fear in the workplace even before the pandemic.

Ninety-nine percent of leadership is a willingness to keep making decisions. Coach yourself on how to exercise good judgement and trust your instincts, and you'll stand out from those who are too nervous to be decisive.

Recommended Free Course: Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision Making

Highlights: Learn how to absorb and rationally analyze data in the face of uncertainty.

A recent study published by McKinsey & Company found that companies who scored in the study's top-quartile for ethnic or cultural diversity on executive teams were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability.

People who will achieve business success in 2022 and beyond will know how to draw on a wide range of talents, perspectives and skills. That requires the ability to really listen to other people and their opinions.

Recommended Free Course: How to Listen

Highlights: Learn how to gather insights from others and deepen connections through active listening.

If your day-to-day schedule looks like controlled chaos, you're not alone and you may need to mentally prepare for 2022.

Deadlines are getting tighter and job responsibilities are getting greater. In the next few years, you'll be called upon to think like a project manager, even if that just means finding more effective ways to cram in after-school activities with your kids on top of a hectic remote work schedule.

The secret to success here is mastering the art of logistics. If you can manage to get to grandma's house this year for the holidays through crowded airports, travel restrictions and all you've got what it takes to efficiently prioritize your time and other resources.

Recommended Free Course: Introduction to Project Management

Highlights: Learn how to apply the fundamentals of project management to your work and life.

Scott Steinbergis a futurist, keynote speaker on business trends, and bestselling author of"Fast >> Forward,""Think Like a Futurist,""Make Change Work for You"and"Becoming Essential."He is also an award-winning strategic consultant and has been named by Fortune magazine as a leading expert on innovation.

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These are the 5 most valuable skills to learn in 2022, says futuristand where to find free online courses - CNBC

You know the old saying: the only thing constant is change.

But wed wager most people dont think that line applies to the actual rules of the universe itself. As it turns out, though, researchers at Microsoft, along with scientists at Brown University and even one expert who consulted for Disneys Wrinkle in Timethink the laws of physics might actually be slowly changing, complicating our quest to understand the cosmos.

Popular Mechanics published a lengthy explainerthis week about a paper, titled The Autodidactic Universeand published earlier this year, in which the team argued for that precise mind-bending hypothesis. An autodidact, of course, is someone who learns without a mentor or teacher and,these researchers say, the universe itself may be one.

We ask whether there might be a mechanism woven into the fabric of the natural world, by means of which the universe could learn its laws, the authors wrote in the paper, which has not yet been peer reviewed.

Over time, the theory goes, the universe has sought stability. PopMechdraws parallels to animal evolution, too. There are no trilobites or dinosaurs anymore, but cats and dogs have survived because they adapted to the environment around them and the cosmos may have done the same.

In an early version of the universe, for example, Newtons laws of gravity that all matter in the universe attracts other matter with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers might not have been true yet.

Over time, that system will teach itself, and some fundamental laws will arise, and thats really what theyre talking about [in the paper], Janna Levin, a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia Universitywho wasnt involved in the research,told PopMech. If the universe can compute with a given set ofalgorithms, then maybe it can do the same kind of thing we see in artificial intelligence, where you have self-learning systems that teach themselves new rules. And by rules, in cosmology we mean laws of physics.

The papers authors also acknowledge their own skepticism and wrote their conclusions with caution, warning that their work is only a baby step in the formation of a new theory and requires additional research.

Of course, this is just a first step, the authors write. There are varied potential spin-offs from our approach.

Its mind-bending to imagine that the laws of physics might learn and adapt over time. But it reminds us that the universe is stranger than well ever know.

More on the wide world: Heres Everything You Wanted to Know About the Cosmos

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Scientists Say the Laws of Physics May Be Changing - Futurism