Latest news with #TERRA
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Newsweek
You Can Build an AI Compass That 'Translates Your Intentions' Into Routes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wish you could just wander around a new city without needing your phone for directions? One design firm has created a compass that can "translate your intentions" and map out your desired route with the help of AI. Dutch design studio Modem is preparing to launch the second generation of TERRA, its AI-powered compass designed to help people explore cities without relying on their phones. The updated version of the device, which aims to make digital navigation more mindful and tactile, will be released later this year, the company said, sharing the news of the release of the second generation as an exclusive first with Newsweek. "We're currently working on the second generation of TERRA, an open-source AI device designed to let you wander without your phone," Bas van de Poel, cofounder of Modem, told Newsweek. A close-up view of the TERRA device held in a person's hand (left); a person walking along a street holding the TERRA in their hand (right). A close-up view of the TERRA device held in a person's hand (left); a person walking along a street holding the TERRA in their hand (right). Modem Modem, which also recently released the Dream Recorder device that turns your dreams into video reels, has worked with clients including OpenAI and Google Deepmind. The studio has also done research papers with institutions such as the Harvard Graduate School of Design, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and UC Berkeley in California. "TERRA is a companion for mindful sophisticated AI translates your intentions, available time, and precise location into a tailored trail," according to its website. "Combining the science of AI with the principles of mindfulness, TERRA is a pocket-sized compass that transforms your intentions, available time, and precise location into a personalized trail of GPS coordinates," van de Poel said. Rather than operating like a traditional compass that simply points north, TERRA uses AI to provide a customized, distraction-free navigation experience, blending digital intelligence with analog simplicity. Astin le Clercq, Modem's cofounder and design director, described the inspiration behind TERRA as a response to modern screen dependence. "We wanted to create something that would encourage people to step away from their phones and explore the world with more presence," le Clercq told Newsweek. "The idea was to combine the emotional pull of an analog object with the intelligence of AI. Something that feels human and tactile, yet uses technology to guide mindful, intentional wandering." Images of the TERRA device, which can "translate your intentions" and map out your desired travel route using AI. Images of the TERRA device, which can "translate your intentions" and map out your desired travel route using AI. Modem The first generation of the device, released in April 2024, was launched as an open-source project. "Because TERRA launched as an open-source project, the community built dozens of devices and provided invaluable feedback," le Clercq said. That input helped shape the next version. "We're focusing on making assembly far simpler— like plug-in connectors instead of soldering—and streamlining the digital user experience, especially around how you create prompts," he said. The design director noted: "The goal is to make TERRA easier to build and even more intuitive to use." TERRA users can input prompts like "Le Marais tour in Paris with a patisserie and park stop," and the compass will guide them to curated locations using "gentle haptics and a discreet digital needle," le Clercq explained. The TERRA website echoes that simplicity, noting "amid the constant distractions of our phones, TERRA offers a different path. The interface is minimal, featuring only a tranquil compass needle and gentle haptic feedback." To build a TERRA, users can download the open-source software, 3D print the CAD files, and assemble the hardware components. The company says this DIY format will be even more accessible in the second generation, thanks to a redesigned printed circuit board (PCB) and simplified construction. Le Clercq confirmed the second-generation device is scheduled for release in the middle of the fourth quarter of 2025, pending finalization of the custom PCB. TERRA's goal, the company emphasizes, is not just to help people get from point A to B, but to change how we interact with the spaces around us—using tech to encourage presence rather than distraction. Do you have a technology-related story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
IOL News
06-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why the SodaStream TERRA Might Just Be Your Kitchen's New Best Friend (Especially During Load Shedding)
On Sale for R999 at Let's face it. There's something undeniably magical about sparkling water. It dances. It tingles. It makes your basic H₂O feel like it's ready to party. And now, thanks to the SodaStream TERRA Water Maker, turning your boring tap water into a fizzy fiesta is as easy as pressing a button—a wider, sleeker, beautifully designed button, no less. The SodaStream TERRA Water Maker is a small kitchen appliance with big main character energy. Image: Supplied / No Power? No Problem. If you're living in South Africa, you're no stranger to load shedding. That painful moment when your lights flicker off and your kettle sighs its last breath mid-boil. But guess what? The SodaStream TERRA doesn't care about electricity. That's right – it works entirely without power. Just pop in your CQC (Quick Connect) CO₂ cylinder, fill up your BPA-free reusable bottle, and with one satisfying click of that chonky button, you've got bubbly water ready to refresh. The reusable bottles are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning up a breeze. Image: Supplied / Eco-Chic Meets Kitchen Cool The TERRA is everything we loved about the original SodaStream but refined for modern kitchens and eco-conscious lifestyles. It's slim, sleek, and compact, so it won't hog counter space. With the ease of the quick connect cylinder, switching gas is fast and frustration-free, no wrenches, no weird twists, no drama. The reusable bottles are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning up a breeze. And let's be honest: there's something deeply satisfying about not adding more single-use plastic bottles to the planet. Sparkle Your Way – Pepsi, 7UP, or DIY Diva? Sparkling water is only the beginning. Enter the SodaStream Syrup line-up, your golden ticket to soda stardom at home. Craving cola? Reach for the SodaStream Pepsi Syrup (440ml) . Watching your sugar? The 7UP Diet Syrup has your back. Need a citrusy zing? Classic 7UP Syrup is here to quench. Feeling adventurous? Check out the Soda Maker Flavor Bible Cookbook – a hardcover treasure trove of homemade syrup recipes that will make you feel like a fizzy mixologist in your own kitchen. Mango basil fizz? Lemon-lavender sparkle? It's all possible. Whether you're obsessed with bubbles, cutting down on sugary drinks, or just love gadgets that actually make life easier, this little machine might just be your next obsession. Image: Supplied / Real Reviews from Real Humans Jane shares: 'Great product that does not require electricity to work. Quick connect your gas cylinder and you're good to go. Just don't overfill the bottle – trust me, I learned that the bubbly way!' Faith says: 'Honestly, I didn't expect to love it this much. I've cut down my store-bought soda habit, and my guests love customising their own drinks!' Mishka adds: 'SodaStream is my ultimate kitchen flex. It's sustainable, chic, and makes me feel like I'm living in the future – without the load shedding stress.' Final Fizz The SodaStream TERRA Water Maker is a small kitchen appliance with big main character energy. It's eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and most importantly, load-shedding-proof. Whether you're obsessed with bubbles, cutting down on sugary drinks, or just love gadgets that actually make life easier, this little machine might just be your next obsession. So go ahead, grab your TERRA, stock up on syrups, and let your kitchen sparkle one fizzy bottle at a time.
Business Upturn
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Eco Recycling expands capacity by 18,000 MTPA, sets up lithium battery facility near Mumbai
Eco Recycling (Ecoreco), one of India's leading e-waste management companies, is taking a big leap toward a cleaner and greener future. The company has expanded its recycling capacity by 18,000 MTPA and also set up a dedicated 6,000 MTPA facility to process lithium-ion batteries. This new, high-tech unit, spread across 40,000 sq. ft. in Vasai near Mumbai, aligns perfectly with India's E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. What makes this move even more impressive is that the entire investment—land, building, and machinery—was funded using internal resources, keeping the company debt-free. With no interest or EMI burdens, Ecoreco gains a clear financial edge, allowing greater flexibility and resilience in its operations. This expansion comes at a time when Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and environmental compliance are tightening, pushing the industry toward more formalized, eco-friendly practices. Ecoreco continues to offer end-to-end e-waste services, from collection and logistics to data destruction, refurbishment, and full EPR compliance, following global best practices. Its client base includes well-known, environmentally conscious brands. Adding to its achievements, Ecoreco has become the first Indian e-waste recycler to join TERRA (The Electronics Reuse & Recycling Alliance), a top international network of certified recyclers. This boosts the company's global reputation and ESG credentials. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Taraf appoints Al Firas General Contracting as main contractor for TERRA at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Project is strategically positioned in Jumeirah Golf Estates, TERRA blends architectural elegance with world-class amenities and vibrant community living Dubai, UAE – Taraf, the real estate arm of Yas Holding, has appointed Al Firas General Contracting LLC as the main contractor for TERRA Golf Collection, its exclusive villa development nestled within Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE), Dubai. TERRA Golf Collection is a gated enclave of 84 residences including six-bedroom standalone villas and townhouses spanning premium plots with unobstructed views across championship-level greens. Set to handover in Q2 2027, each thoughtfully designed residence will offer a harmonious balance of sophistication, space, and function featuring expansive layouts, smart home integration, and a private basement level perfectly suited for a gym, cinema, or entertainment space. Villas are also enhanced with dedicated provisions for private pools, offering residents the flexibility to personalize their outdoor living experience in the future. The community benefits from access to JGE's world-class amenities: two championship golf courses (Earth & Fire), the European Tour Performance Institute, wellness clubs, tennis and padel courts, gyms, swimming pools, as well as two retail centers. Located within a vibrant neighborhood of over 1,800 residences, TERRA also offers proximity to schools, dining options, and essential services. Strategically located just minutes from Dubai Expo 2020's precinct and Al Maktoum International Airport, the development marries exclusive retreat living with seamless city access. Mohamed Eldahan, CEO of Taraf, commented: 'With Al Firas's proven capabilities, we are confident that TERRA will set a new standard for luxury living in one of Dubai's most iconic communities.' Firas Mashal, Managing Director at Al Firas General Contracting added: 'We are proud to partner with Taraf on this landmark project. TERRA represents an exciting opportunity to deliver architectural excellence alongside premium lifestyle offerings.' Construction is now underway, showcasing Taraf's commitment to developing refined residences for discerning homeowners seeking sophistication, convenience, and investment opportunity in one of Dubai's premier golf communities. For Media inquiries Rana Hossam Email: About Taraf Taraf is a property developer that will deliver prime residential spaces in the UAE. Launched at the start of 2023, the developer plans to introduce exquisite and exclusive, luxury residential properties at iconic & prime locations for national and international clients. Taraf's attention-to-detail approach reflects its commitment to delivering high-quality, lifestyle-driven places that inspire its communities and customers to realise their full potential. Taraf is a company under Yas Holding, a leading investment group headquartered in the UAE. The launch of Taraf falls in line with the group's efforts to diversify its portfolio, support its growth plans, as well as set new standards for a luxurious lifestyle for residents and investors in the UAE and beyond. Website:
The Wire
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Wire
HKRI Taikoo Hui HKRI Centres Unveils TERRA: A Pioneering Third Space for the Future of Work
SHANGHAI, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HKRI Taikoo Hui HKRI Centres today officially unveiled TERRA, an innovative third space located on the 38th floor of HKRI Centre One, one of the complex's two premium Grade-A office towers. Designed by HKRI Taikoo Hui and operated by The Executive Centre, TERRA offers a comprehensive suite of high-end services including workspaces, meetings, events, dining and relaxation. Anchored in the principles of inclusiveness, convergence and sustainability, it aspires to set a global benchmark for high-quality, future-ready workplace environments that prioritise user experience and environmental responsibility. TERRA is a direct response to the evolving role of the workplace – shifting from a mere site for productivity to a dynamic hub for creativity and collaboration, propelled by digital transformation and a commitment to sustainable development. Through its flexible, multi-purpose spatial designs and seamlessly integrated green operations, TERRA redefines the ideal office environment to foster a harmonious balance between professional and personal life. Its outstanding performance has already been recognised with prestigious certifications, including RESET Embodied and Swire Properties' Green Kitchen and Green Performance Pledge (GPP) initiatives. Ongoing technological and operational enhancements will further bolster its environmental credentials. [Facility & Services] Thoughtfully zoned to maximise both efficiency and experience, TERRA provides a premium business destination tailored for today's leading professionals. Versatile meeting rooms, equipped with intelligent systems and dedicated support, facilitate seamless transitions across various formats – from private discussions to large-scale presentations. The FORUM event space commands panoramic views of Shanghai's cityscape and features modular partitions and adaptable layouts, which can be easily adapted to accommodate gatherings of varying scales and purposes. TERRA's exclusive food and beverage offerings – expertly curated by the renowned David Laris Creates – include superfoods, organic wines, and artisanal coffee crafted from the finest global ingredients, all aligned with sustainable wellness principles. The CORNER wellness room, incorporating a state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen capsule and therapeutic water bed, delivers targeted stress relief and profound relaxation, thereby fostering long-term work-life balance. [Community Focus] TERRA provides a people-orientated environment designed to spark collaboration and co-creation. Through regular gatherings, curated exhibitions and interdisciplinary workshops, it promotes resource sharing, knowledge exchange and community building, offering valuable opportunities for professional growth and meaningful connections. To celebrate its launch, TERRA is hosting the "Here / Beyond" art exhibition showcasing installations and new media artworks by eight pioneering artists from around the world. Blending natural materials such as plants and wood with glass, the artworks are seamlessly woven into the space, creating an immersive experience that highlights the interplay between nature and architecture. Strategically located in the heart of the Nanjing Road (West) shopping district, HKRI Taikoo Hui has long been instrumental in driving regional growth through its diverse and high-quality offerings. Since completion, the HKRI Taikoo Hui HKRI Centres have attracted numerous multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies, serving as a key operational base to establish their Chinese Mainland or Asia-Pacific headquarters. The complex was also the first development in Jing'an District to achieve LEED® Platinum certification, and this year attained the WELL™ Core Platinum certification, further cementing its position as a benchmark for premium office environments in Shanghai. With its adaptable spaces and comprehensive services, TERRA not only enhances the commercial appeal of Nanjing Road (West) but also presents a forward-thinking model for global business. As Shanghai continues to build its growth momentum, TERRA will pioneer novel approaches to workplace ecosystems – offering a compelling example for the resilient and sustainable urban development. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
