Latest news with #Macintosh
Fast Company
15 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Meet Soot, an explosive new media experience that's killing the social feed
My daughter is 7 years old, and when she wakes up, the first thing she'll often do is position herself in the center of an unruly pile of stuff on our basement floor. Construction paper. Tape. Stuffed animals. Pipe cleaners. Markers. Bits of ribbon. To me, it's the definition of disarray. To her, it puts the creative process in arm's reach. It provides exactly what she needs to, minutes later, emerge with a charming invention or piece of art. I mention this not only as a proud father, but because it's the best metaphor I've been able to find to describe Soot. Soot is a visual catalog that's in many ways reminiscent of Pinterest, Behance, or even Instagram. But with $7.7 million in funding, its team is focused less on building the next social network than challenging the status quo of creative UX. Instead of showing just one image or a few images at a time, Soot displays hundreds to thousands of images on your screen at once, allowing you to mainline loosely sorted visual information. Built upon open-source AI and data viz technologies, Soot sorts and organizes images by visual similarity, or by metadata like an artist's name. The spacing is intentionally organic rather than overly rigid, so that what you're looking at becomes a resolved shape instead of a grid. And what you're left with is less a feed or website than it is a digital painter's palette, or a vast mood board of visual inspiration for you to wade through with your cursor. In this sense, the premise of Soot is perhaps more philosophical than directly practical. 'It's 2025, and we're still surfing in the vertical linear scroll. [People] look at the feed as the upper limit of what we can do,' says Soot cofounder Jake Harper. Harper believes that the file structures of the Macintosh share the same logic with the scroll of TikTok or Instagram. These are linear organizational views optimized to show you one thing buried under another at a time. The folders and subfolders that inhabit our desktop interfaces force us to inefficiently dig for information and can devolve from discovery to compulsion. 'Instead of having information in a scroll, you could see from structures that [pool] like a well that's not as insidious as the feeds,' he says. 'A lot of the negative impact of computers is inherent to the geometries of the interface.' An exploratory interface Harper began his career designing as a sound artist with Soundwalk Collective, before making his way to the self-driving car company Zoox (acquired by Amazon) to lead the expression and communication of robotic vehicles. His cofounder, Mary Nally, is the founder of Drop Everything, a creative retreat taking part every two years on the tiny Irish island of Inis Oírr. Soot is organized into invite-only personal spaces, and then everything from the service combines onto a site called Soot World. That includes 4 million pieces of media at the moment, from its 25,000 users in a private beta. Each Soot space can be built from media sourced in all sorts of ways, from direct uploading to copy and pasting URLs from YouTube or a social media account. Monthly subscriptions will be available for individuals, and also companies, as the service scales. But what about the Soot experience itself? A tour through the Guggenheim's catalog demonstrates how the interface sings. Drag around, and you'll see the groupings of impressionists like Monet abutting geometrically focused futurists like Gino Severini, before arriving at the dynamic explosions of Wassily Kandinsky. In terms of art history, you can tap into each piece to see its name, year, and provenance, revealing that it's all a bit of a blender. But zoomed out visually, Soot creates a gradient vibe that just makes sense. 'I remember the first time I saw all my own artwork in Soot,' Harper says. 'It was like, damn, seeing things from 15 years ago—a rejected student project next to something I made a week ago. It was a really weird experience.' The interface is fascinating in that it demonstrates just how low a lift our single image feeds are in an era when we all have supercomputers in our pockets. The fact that I can mouse over thousands of images through my browser, without my aging Macbook cursing at me through the fan, is a most certain demonstration that our computers are able to do a lot more than we ask of them these days. Zooming in and out in Soot with my trackwheel is instantaneous. And the entire school of images (they do self-organize almost like fish) moves with a satisfying inertia. That said, in my own observations, I found that I was really only focusing on one image at a time. Soot didn't open some new capacity in my brain. But seeing these interrelated ideas in my peripheral vision still seemed meaningful. And being able to explore a swatch of images in X, Y, and Z space felt more like true exploration than the whims of the algorithm. I am curious to see where Soot goes next, and can only imagine how we might begin to push the norms of UX as ideas like this leave the web browser and entire spaces like VR. I honestly don't know if the next 20 years of visual interface looks more like this, or more like the conventions in the 20 years we've had before. But I do think that, in the era of AI and seemingly limitless processing, we need more experimentation rather than less. We need to stretch what we think might be possible before we settle for what's worked so far. 'We're not fully there yet. Right now we're in our GPT2 era,' says Harper, alluding to the moment before OpenAI went mainstream. 'The core users love it, but it's not ready for mass-market adoption.'
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
GREEN HOUSE CAFE 推出全新「Lost in Apple」巨型裝置藝術展
延續備受關注的藝術香爐《Lost in Apple》系列，GREEN HOUSE CAFE再次發力，推出一件以 Apple Macintosh 為靈感的巨型裝置藝術作品，試圖以設計與藝術探索科技時代中人類的依賴與精神狀態。這次的展覽不僅是一場懷舊與創新的對話，更是一場沉浸式的體驗之旅，邀請參觀者「走進電腦」，感受 128K 時代的純粹浪漫。 GREEN HOUSE CAFE 作為結合藝術與生活的創意空間，長期以來為蘋果設計迷打造獨特的文化氛圍。主理人 John 擁有對 Apple 設計哲學的深厚研究，過去曾推出多件與蘋果相關的創作，包括將 M0100 第一代滑鼠改裝成藍牙版本「GREEN HOUSE CLICK」、與 XH55 合作打造 Macintosh 地毯等，均引發廣泛討論。這次全新裝置藝術以玻璃鋼為主材，將經典的 Apple Macintosh 放大至可進入的空間裝置，讓觀眾能真切感受科技與記憶交織的情感世界。 裝置內部的設計細節同樣充滿驚喜。現場展示了一套搭載原裝 Mac OS 系統的 1984 年 Macintosh，搭配復古 L 型辦公桌，讓參觀者能親手操作，重溫那個屬於科技純粹的年代。同時，空間內還融入 GREEN HOUSE 的標誌性設計作品，包括 G4 Cube 改裝花盤與 G4 檯燈等，層層鋪陳帶來極具沉浸感的氛圍，讓人彷彿置身於數位與情感交融的時光膠囊。 此次展覽不僅是對 Apple 經典設計的致敬，更是一則關於當代數位焦慮的啟示。過熱、資訊過載，這些現代人的精神投影，透過這件裝置作品被具象化為一種對未來秩序的浪漫想像。展覽傳遞的，是對數位世界過度擾動的反思，亦是一場對 128K 時代的浪漫回望。為配合展覽，GREEN HOUSE CAFE 還推出多款主題周邊，包括 T 恤、帽款與限定禮品，讓「Lost in Apple」的故事不僅停留於展覽空間，更能融入日常穿搭與生活之中，感興趣的朋友切勿錯過。 >McDonald's 香港金鐘站首間全新「Mood-Engine」概念店 >LEGO 正式推出 Nike Dunk 積木模型套組 >Rarify 攜手 Gantri 使用 USM Haller 模組化零件推出可擴展桌燈「Cube One」
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Billionaires, artists, and geniuses share one surprising habit, and you can teach it to your child
iStock Beneath every billionaire, artist, or genius may lie an early love for music. Neuroscience reveals that playing an instrument activates nearly every part of the brain, nurturing imagination, time-awareness, and innovation. (Representational image: iStock) It might not be coding, advanced math, or public speaking. In fact, the most transformational skill shared by some of the world's most brilliant minds is far more rhythmic, soulful—and often underestimated. According to a report from CNBC Make It , from tech titans like Steve Jobs to classical artists, polymaths, and scientific thinkers, there's one habit that echoes through their lives: playing a musical instrument. Behind the melodies and scales lies a secret neurological workout that shapes some of the sharpest, most adaptable, and successful minds on the planet. In a now-famous interview from the 1995 documentary Triumph of the Nerds , Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reflected on what made his team different. It wasn't just their coding prowess—it was their creative backgrounds. 'The people who made the Macintosh were musicians, poets, artists, zoologists and historians… who also happened to be the best computer scientists in the world,' Jobs said. — curiouscamilo (@curiouscamilo) Far from being a casual hobby, music was central to their innovative DNA. Science backs him up. When a person learns to play an instrument, their brain engages in complex, multi-sensory processing. Areas related to motor coordination, auditory pattern recognition, emotion regulation, and even decision-making light up—firing in synchrony like an orchestra of neurons. Over time, this rewiring strengthens cognitive abilities that spill over into every domain of life. Musicians don't just play notes—they visualize entire performances. They anticipate the feel of the keys, the swell of the crescendo, and the emotion of an audience long before they step on stage. This kind of mental simulation becomes second nature, a potent psychological tool that helps them manifest real-world outcomes. It's the same kind of visualization elite athletes and CEOs use to win matches or lead teams through high-stakes decisions. For most people, time feels like something to chase or escape. But for musicians, time becomes something to live within. Every second is measurable—each beat, pause, and phrase precise. In this discipline, distraction isn't just a nuisance; it has a cost. The focused attention required to stay in tempo wires the brain for presence, purpose, and patience. That sacred relationship with time carries over into how these individuals manage meetings, relationships, and even crises. Every musician hits a wall. A note out of reach. A rhythm too fast. But there's no shortcut—you have to keep showing up. This practice of facing difficulty head-on cultivates mental grit. You learn to view struggle not as failure but as a gateway to mastery. This is why so many high achievers don't fear discomfort—they seek it. Music is emotional architecture. It helps individuals not just express but shape their internal state. Whether calming nerves before a speech or shifting tone during conflict, musicians grow adept at managing emotions with deliberate control. This emotional intelligence proves invaluable in leadership, negotiation, and creativity. Where others label a task boring, musicians get curious. Why is attention drifting? What are we trying to improve? With clear goals, even repetitive scales become meaningful. This mindset transforms how we approach any 'boring' task—from emails to spreadsheets. It trains the brain to ask: 'What is this building toward?' And that shift—finding purpose in process—is a hallmark of top performers. Sometimes a hand won't stretch far enough on the fretboard. Sometimes a passage just won't click. So musicians adapt. They rearrange, improvise, try again—until friction sparks a breakthrough. This ability to think flexibly, especially in the face of limitation, is the birthplace of innovation. It's not about perfection. It's about persistence—and pivoting. Once you've trained your ear to distinguish between 'good' and 'great,' you can't unhear it. That sensitivity builds an internal compass. Whether it's a product, a conversation, or a presentation, musicians often bring a heightened sense of quality control. Excellence becomes the expectation—not out of arrogance, but out of reverence for what's possible. There's a shift that happens when you perform. You're no longer just playing—you're communicating. Musicians intuitively begin creating with the audience in mind. They ask: Will this move someone? Will this matter? That ethos translates to everything—from business pitches to community-building. It's not about impressing—it's about connecting. If you're a parent, this might be the most important investment you can make in your child's future. If you're an adult, it's never too late to begin. Learning to play an instrument is not about becoming the next Mozart—it's about equipping your mind for resilience, focus, empathy, and creation. In a world of hacks and life shortcuts, music offers no easy way out. But perhaps that's exactly why it works so well. After all, the most successful minds don't just think differently—they listen, feel, and adapt differently. And often, that begins with a single note.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Billionaires, artists, and geniuses share one surprising habit, and you can teach it to your child
It might not be coding, advanced math, or public speaking. In fact, the most transformational skill shared by some of the world's most brilliant minds is far more rhythmic, soulful—and often underestimated. According to a report from CNBC Make It , from tech titans like Steve Jobs to classical artists, polymaths, and scientific thinkers, there's one habit that echoes through their lives: playing a musical instrument. Behind the melodies and scales lies a secret neurological workout that shapes some of the sharpest, most adaptable, and successful minds on the planet. Steve Jobs knew it and neuroscientists agree In a now-famous interview from the 1995 documentary Triumph of the Nerds , Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reflected on what made his team different. It wasn't just their coding prowess—it was their creative backgrounds. 'The people who made the Macintosh were musicians, poets, artists, zoologists and historians… who also happened to be the best computer scientists in the world,' Jobs said. — curiouscamilo (@curiouscamilo) Far from being a casual hobby, music was central to their innovative DNA. Science backs him up. When a person learns to play an instrument, their brain engages in complex, multi-sensory processing. Areas related to motor coordination, auditory pattern recognition, emotion regulation, and even decision-making light up—firing in synchrony like an orchestra of neurons. Over time, this rewiring strengthens cognitive abilities that spill over into every domain of life. Imagination becomes a mental rehearsal Musicians don't just play notes—they visualize entire performances. They anticipate the feel of the keys, the swell of the crescendo, and the emotion of an audience long before they step on stage. This kind of mental simulation becomes second nature, a potent psychological tool that helps them manifest real-world outcomes. It's the same kind of visualization elite athletes and CEOs use to win matches or lead teams through high-stakes decisions. Time turns sacred For most people, time feels like something to chase or escape. But for musicians, time becomes something to live within. Every second is measurable—each beat, pause, and phrase precise. In this discipline, distraction isn't just a nuisance; it has a cost. The focused attention required to stay in tempo wires the brain for presence, purpose, and patience. That sacred relationship with time carries over into how these individuals manage meetings, relationships, and even crises. Discomfort becomes the path, not the obstacle Every musician hits a wall. A note out of reach. A rhythm too fast. But there's no shortcut—you have to keep showing up. This practice of facing difficulty head-on cultivates mental grit. You learn to view struggle not as failure but as a gateway to mastery. This is why so many high achievers don't fear discomfort—they seek it. Music is emotional architecture. It helps individuals not just express but shape their internal state. Whether calming nerves before a speech or shifting tone during conflict, musicians grow adept at managing emotions with deliberate control. This emotional intelligence proves invaluable in leadership, negotiation, and creativity. iStock From visualizing success to handling failure with grace, playing an instrument trains you for greatness, making it one of the most powerful skills for lifelong success. (Representational image: iStock) Boredom becomes data, not doom Where others label a task boring, musicians get curious. Why is attention drifting? What are we trying to improve? With clear goals, even repetitive scales become meaningful. This mindset transforms how we approach any 'boring' task—from emails to spreadsheets. It trains the brain to ask: 'What is this building toward?' And that shift—finding purpose in process—is a hallmark of top performers. Sometimes a hand won't stretch far enough on the fretboard. Sometimes a passage just won't click. So musicians adapt. They rearrange, improvise, try again—until friction sparks a breakthrough. This ability to think flexibly, especially in the face of limitation, is the birthplace of innovation. It's not about perfection. It's about persistence—and pivoting. Your standards skyrocket—and stay there Once you've trained your ear to distinguish between 'good' and 'great,' you can't unhear it. That sensitivity builds an internal compass. Whether it's a product, a conversation, or a presentation, musicians often bring a heightened sense of quality control. Excellence becomes the expectation—not out of arrogance, but out of reverence for what's possible. You create for others, not just yourself There's a shift that happens when you perform. You're no longer just playing—you're communicating. Musicians intuitively begin creating with the audience in mind. They ask: Will this move someone? Will this matter? That ethos translates to everything—from business pitches to community-building. It's not about impressing—it's about connecting. If you're a parent, this might be the most important investment you can make in your child's future. If you're an adult, it's never too late to begin. Learning to play an instrument is not about becoming the next Mozart—it's about equipping your mind for resilience, focus, empathy, and creation. In a world of hacks and life shortcuts, music offers no easy way out. But perhaps that's exactly why it works so well. After all, the most successful minds don't just think differently—they listen, feel, and adapt differently. And often, that begins with a single note.
CNBC
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNBC
The No. 1 skill to teach your kid 'as early as possible,' says psychology expert—even Steve Jobs agreed it makes you more successful
As a leadership consultant who studies workplace psychology, I've spent 30 years working with high performers across all industries. Again and again, one truth keeps proving itself: Being artistic in some way can transform you. Even Steve Jobs agreed when he was interviewed for the PBS documentary "Triumph of the Nerds" in 1995: "I think part of what made the Macintosh great was that the people working on it were musicians and poets and artists and zoologists and historians, who also happened to be the best computer scientists in the world." Of all the artistic fields, I've found that mastering a musical instrument is the most powerful for rewiring the brain for greatness. Playing an instrument — whether it's the piano, trumpet or guitar — activates nearly every part of your brain: motor control, pattern recognition, emotional regulation, creativity and stamina. That's why I believe parents should encourage their kids to learn an instrument as early as possible. Studies have consistently found that children who learn music are more likely to have increased IQ scores and better language development. Plus, it encourages their brain to operate at full capacity, building the neural foundation for mastery in pretty much everything. Here's why: Musicians don't just practice, they fantasize. They see the stage, hear the notes and feel the outcome long before it happens. Hence, musicians build skill while just visualizing playing. That ability to rehearse and mentally simulate outcomes is a superpower: You learn not just react to reality, but to create it. When you practice an instrument, time stops being abstract. You feel in real-time the cost of distraction and the miracle of being fully focused. Over time, you become fiercely time-conscious — not in a stressed way, but in a sacred one. You don't want to rush, you want to This discipline shapes everything, from how you run meetings to how you build relationships. Every musician has to face the parts of the music they hate and struggle with. There's no shortcut. You can't outsource it, nor avoid it. You have to lean in until the failure becomes fluency. While most people avoid uncomfortable moments in life, playing an instrument teaches you to seek those moments. You no longer panic at pain; you see it as a sign of growth. Music isn't just output. It's a way of regulating your inner world by changing your emotional state with sound, breath, rhythm and in how you prepare. It becomes an invaluable skill you carry into everything, like before a stressful conversation or during a conflict. You don't just express emotions anymore — you direct them. Musicians don't just play scales mindlessly. They know what they're aiming to improve: precision, control, phrasing. Without that goal, their attention drifts, and practice becomes boring. We often think stuff we do is boring, but boredom is . It's your brain telling you: "Show me what this is building toward." The insight that boredom is the absence of a goal changes everything. Instead of labeling tasks as boring or dull, you ask, "What's my goal here?" This makes you sharper, more engaged and harder to distract in any setting. Sometimes you can't play it right. Your hand won't stretch. Your fingers trip. So, you try it a different way. You improvise, rearrange, compose. Suddenly, the failure becomes fuel. This teaches you a profound lesson: When you can't follow the map, draw a new one. Innovation isn't a gift; it's a response to friction. Once you've heard the difference between "okay" and "exceptional," you can't unhear it. Once you've experienced how moments of excellence feels, mediocrity becomes unbearable. Music teaches you to expect more from yourself and others, not out of perfectionism but out of respect for what's possible. When you're playing an instrument, you can't help imagining an audience, maybe to impress but mostly to move someone, to say something without words. That habit reshapes how you approach everything. Your work becomes an expression of your standards, your values, your imagination. It forces you to ask: Is this good enough to matter to someone else? Will this make them think, feel, grow? Your brain's plasticity and ability to learn allows you to pick up a new instrument at almost any age, so it's never too late if you didn't learn to play music as a kid. 1. Pick the one that sparks emotion. You don't need logic hereWhat's an instrument that moves you? That makes you feel something? Piano, guitar, trumpet — follow the spark. 2. Practice for at least 20 minutes a day. Studies show that 20 to 30 minutes of focused practice can induce measurable brain changes, particularly in areas tied to motor skills and attention. 3. Celebrate improvement, not performance. Don't worry about being good. Track what you can do today that you couldn't do yesterday. Mastery is just small progress, compounded with love.,
