LSN : News : ByteDance launches AI earbuds in China

Colony’s biophilic workspace reimagines co-working

A Cloudscape Oasis, Colony. Design by Spacemen. Photography by David Yeow, Malaysia

Malaysia – Colony has introduced a new co-working space, A Cloudscape Oasis, located atop The Met Corporate Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Designed by architectural firm Spacemen, the project is a retreat from the urban hustle, drawing inspiration from the sensation of being suspended among clouds. The design transports visitors into an ethereal space where billowing fabrics, neutral tones and natural materials foster a serene atmosphere.

At the reception, an abstract rock garden welcomes guests, setting a calming tone that flows through the Cloud Room, a lounge with floating fabrics that mimic the sky. The Glassbox ballroom has a nearly 360-degree view of Mont Kiara and a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

The co-working area’s material palette includes terrazzo, stucco and travertine, enhancing the airy, cloud-like ambience. The integration of natural elements continues in the boardroom and Sun Room, making Colony’s latest project feel less like an office and more like a tranquil sanctuary in the sky.

In our Work States Futures report, we explored how architects are bringing the inspirational qualities of nature into workplace design through biophilia, creating positive workspaces that protect and enhance users’ wellbeing.

Strategic opportunity

Consider how you can implement biophilic design features – such as plants, sustainable materials and organic textures – into your workspace to reduce stress and promote wellbeing through a connection with nature

Aescape’s robotic massage tables arrive at the Four Seasons

Aescape, US

US – Aescape, the company behind on-demand robotic massage technology, is expanding into the hospitality sector with upcoming launches at Four Seasons Resort Orlando and Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. From 18 October 2024, guests at Four Seasons Orlando, and the general public, can experience Aescape’s high-tech massage system, with the Hotel Baltimore expected to follow later in the year.

As wellness tourism continues to rise, Aescape is tapping into the demand for premium self-care services. The AI-driven massage table offers a personalised experience by scanning users’ bodies to generate more than 1.1m data points, tailoring massages to specific needs. ‘Aescape’s accessible and intuitive massage experience makes it easier for travellers, residents and locals to maintain their healthy lifestyle habits,’ said Derek Hofmann, senior director of spa at Four Seasons Orlando.

Aescape previously partnered with luxury fitness brand Equinox in March 2024 to unveil its AI-enhanced massage table at 10 locations across New York.

For more insights on the rise of science-backed and tech-charged wellness retreats head to our Glow-up Getaways microtrend report.

Strategic opportunity

How can your business bring cutting-edge, wellness technologies into your hospitality offering? Consider incorporating robotics and AI into your service to create personalised and unique experiences for luxury consumers

ByteDance launches AI earbuds in China

ByteDance, China

China – TikTok owner ByteDance has launched its first wearable technology, Ola Friend earbuds.

Launched exclusively in China, the £130 ($170, €157) earbuds integrate the company’s popular AI chatbot, Doubao. The AI chatbot allows the earbuds’ functionality to extend beyond audio playback, acting as a travel guide or language assistant and offering companionship without the need for a smartphone.

The earbuds feature an open-ear design for comfort, enabling users to interact seamlessly with the chatbot by simply saying ‘Doubao Doubao’, a voice command linked to ByteDance’s generative AI.

Available in four colours — purple, silver, black and white — Ola Friend marks ByteDance’s further expansion into hardware following its acquisition of wearable audio device company Oladance and VR headset maker Pico.

In Five Brands Shaping the Future of Voice-Activated AI Wearables, we spotlighted the companies harnessing voice-activated AI to seamlessly integrate wearable tech into our everyday lives and unpacked the shift towards touchless devices playing out in the technology industry.

Strategic opportunity

Develop AI wearables that enhance productivity by integrating language learning, multitasking support and voice automation. This ensures seamless functionality that fits effortlessly into users’ daily routines

Stat: Consumer demand for healthy snacks continues to grow

Chocolatier Omnom in collaboration with Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir, Iceland

Global – As people’s eating habits evolve, snacking has shifted from an occasional indulgence to a frequent replacement for meals, with almost half (48%) of global consumers eating more than two snacks per day, according to a report from HealthFocus International.

It also revealed that 45% of people prioritise finding the healthiest snack options, while 38% take a balanced approach and allow themselves indulgent snacks as part of a healthy diet.

‘Made with fruits and vegetables’ is now the third-highest factor driving snack selection, according to the report, and this growing demand for healthier, clean-label products is pushing food manufacturers to rethink ingredients. Brands such as Cheerios are responding with Veggie Blends, while children’s food specialist Once Upon a Farm offers a range of products with nutrient-rich ingredients such as sweet potato, spinach and banana.

Beyond snacking, our recent Functional Feasting macrotrend report unpacked consumer preference for food items that do more with less, bringing flavour and fun back into functional nutrition.

Strategic opportunity

The better-for-you snack market is crowded, but there is still an opportunity to create nutritionally complete snack products filled with fruit, vegetables and clean-label ingredients that function as meal replacements for time-pressed consumers