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Today β€” 16 January 2025Main stream

Mark Cuban is ready to fund a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol

16 January 2025 at 10:44

Entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban is ready to fund a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol, he shared in a TikTok video posted on Wednesday. In anticipation of the coming U.S. TikTok ban, which will go through on Sunday unless paused by the Supreme Court, users have been fleeing to other video platforms, including […]

Β© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Dotdash Meredith Lays Off 143 Staff, Citing a Shifting Media Landscape

16 January 2025 at 10:49
The digital media company Dotdash Meredith, which is home to dozens of editorial brands including People, Southern Living, and Food & Wine, laid off 143 staff in a round of cuts on Thursday morning, according to a person familiar with the matter. The company confirmed the layoffs to ADWEEK. The cuts affect staff across multiple...

Rokt Closes $335 Million Secondary Transaction and Merges With mParticle

16 January 2025 at 10:40
Rokt is merging with customer data platform mParticle through a $300 million investment. The deal will allow mParticle clients to easily advertise through Rokt, which runs ads on the purchase confirmation page of ecommerce websites like Macy's and Just Eat. MParticle runs a customer data platform that brands use to manage their data. This technology...

Duolingo sees a spike in users learning Mandarin as Americans flock to Chinese TikTok rival RedNote

16 January 2025 at 10:47
The Xiaohongshu logo is seen on the Chinese Apple app store.
Xiaohongshu is fast becoming the site of a US-China cultural exchange ahead of a possible ban of TikTok in the US.

Cheng Xin/Getty Images

  • Americans are flocking to Chinese app Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, as a potential US TikTok ban looms.
  • Some of them are learning Mandarin in an attempt to bridge the language divide on the app.
  • Language-learning apps Duolingo and Drops told BI they've seen an increase in US users learning Chinese.

The threat of TikTok going dark in the US appears to have compelled some Americans to start learning Mandarin as they look to communicate on a rival Chinese app.

Many Americans are joining Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, as a potential TikTok ban looms in the US. As they hop from TikTok to RedNote, some of the so-called "TikTok refugees" are learning Mandarin to bridge the language divide on the Chinese app.

Language learning apps Duolingo and Drops told BI they've seen a jump in US users learning Mandarin on their platforms recently.

"oh so NOW you're learning mandarin," Duolingo joked in a tweet Tuesday.

oh so NOW you’re learning mandarin

β€” Duolingo (@duolingo) January 14, 2025

However, the spike in interest is real, according to the company.

Duolingo told BI it's seen roughly 216% growth in new Mandarin learners in the US compared to this time last year. The company says this is "a much bigger increase" than that of other languages, even when it comes to some of its most popular offerings. Spanish, for example, saw just 40% growth in the same period.

Duolingo also asked new users in a survey how they heard about the app, and said it's seen "a corresponding spike in people selecting 'TikTok' as their answer."

Duoling was the 18th most downloaded free app in Apple's App Store on Thursday.

Another language learning app, Estonia-based Drops, said it has seen an increase in Chinese-language learners too.

Frederik Cordes, general manager at Drops, told BI the app has welcomed "three times as many users learning Chinese during the past few days and five times more US-based users learning Chinese" than what it expected based on the previous two weeks.

While the company has recently added new features, Cordes believes "the current spikes do indicate there are external factors with strong contributions to installs."

NoΓ«l Wolf, a cultural expert from Babbel, which does not offer Chinese, told BI that the influx of Americans to RedNote "marks an unprecedented level of direct cultural exchange facilitated by language learning and communication at a scale we've never seen before."

In one TikTok, a user pointed to a cat before saying in Chinese, "Hello, this is my cat. I am learning Mandarin. This is day one."

"Me after literally 2 hours on RedNote," the person captioned the video.

A second TikTok featured another user speaking Chinese, with the text overlay on the video reading, "Trying to learn Chinese to be a more respectful RedNote user."

"I hope this came out alright," the user captioned the video.

@_jen_hamilton_

I hope this all came out right

♬ original sound - Jen Hamilton

And it turns out RedNote's popularity isn't just driving some Americans to learn Chinese. As new users flood the app from the US, some of RedNote's Chinese users are learning English from Americans new to the app.

More than 700,000 new users joined Xiaohongshu in two days, Reuters reported, citing a person close to the company. While the growth is notable, that would represent a fraction of TikTok's 170 million US users.

For now, TikTok's future in the US remains up in the air.

TikTok could be banned from US app stores from Sunday under a law that would require it to divest from its current owner, Chinese company ByteDance. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing TikTok's appeal.

There are some potential US buyers who could swoop in to prevent the ban, though, and President Biden could grant a 90-day extension if there's "significant" progress on a deal.

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office Monday and supported banning TikTok in his first term, has recently expressed interest in keeping the app operating in the US, saying he has "a warm spot in my heart for TikTok."

Read the original article on Business Insider

No one does daring fashion like Zendaya. Photos show the boldest looks she's worn.

16 January 2025 at 10:46
Zendaya attends a Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2022.
Zendaya attends a Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2022.

Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

  • Zendaya is a certified style icon both on the red carpet and off.
  • Her fashion is often daring, feminine, and fashion-forward.
  • The Emmy-winning actor gravitates toward sheer dresses and historical fashion pieces.

No one does fashion quite like Zendaya.

The 28-year-old actor has been making showstopping appearances on red carpets since the start of her career, and her style only seems to get better with time.

Just look at the orange Louis Vuitton gown she wore to the 2025 Golden Globes and the flashy engagement ring she debuted with it.

She also knows a thing or two about daring ensembles. Here's a look at the boldest looks she's ever worn, from see-through dresses to silver armor.

Zendaya made her first Met Gala appearance in May 2015.
zendaya first met gala
Zendaya attends the Met Gala in New York City on May 4, 2015.

Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Zendaya's standout dress was designed by Fausto Puglisi. It had a sleeveless black bodice and a red miniskirt with embroidered suns. The latter piece was especially unique, as it extended into a train behind her.

To complete the look, she wore a gold sun headband and matching bracelet.

In December of that year, she wore a pair of very wide-legged pants to Rihanna's Diamond Ball.
zendaya
Zendaya attends the Diamond Ball in Santa Monica, California, on December 10, 2015.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Her striped pants, as well as her single-sleeved crop top, were designed by Rosie Assoulin. Though both pieces are now sold out, they previously retailed for a combined total of $3,490.

The actor paired a black dress with a wild pair of shoes for a Grammys after-party in February 2016.
zendaya
Zendaya at Universal Music Group's Grammys after-party on February 15, 2016.

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Zendaya's long-sleeved gown had a plunging neckline that extended to her metal belt. The slit in her skirt, on the other hand, helped her show off black sandals that had 14 buckle straps each.

The actor's blonde cropped hairstyle also helped her stand out on the red carpet.

Zendaya later wore one of her most confusing looks to date in October 2016.
zendaya
Zendaya attends WE Day in Toronto on October 19, 2016.

Arthur Mola/Invision/AP

On the blue carpet, she was photographed wearing a white shirtdress underneath an oversize, ripped-up sweater. She completed the look by wearing over-the-knee boots with red laces.

Zendaya wore a white dress with a bubble skirt at the 2016 Glamour Women of the Year event.
zendaya glamour women of the year
Zendaya at the Glamour Women of the Year event in California on November 14, 2016.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She was an honoree that night and looked stunning in the Reem Acra design, which also had sheer pink sleeves covered in ruffles.

She looked glamorous in a semi-sheer gown at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards.
Zendaya
Zendaya attends the MTV Movie & TV Awards in Los Angeles on May 7, 2017.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/GettyImages

The green Zuhair Murad dress wasΒ made from transparent fabric, and it also had a plunging neckline and open back.

In June 2017, Zendaya donned a two-piece outfit reminiscent of her "Shake It Up" days.
zendaya coleman
Zendaya attends a "Spider-Man: Homecoming" photo call on June 15, 2017.

KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx/AP

For a "Spider-Man: Homecoming" photo call, she paired a black-and-yellow striped cardigan with a blue tutu and white belt. The actor also wore white pumps and an updo hairstyle.

Zendaya was pretty in pink at the "Spider-Man: Homecoming" premiere in June 2017.
Zendaya
Zendaya at the "Spider-Man: Homecoming" premiere in Hollywood on June 28, 2017.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Her custom Ralph & Russo gown was bright pink, with a high neckline and rows of fabric that cascaded from her shoulders down to the red carpet. The dress also had a plunging cutout across the chest, as well as a thigh-high slit, which revealed her pink pumps.

For Variety's Power of Young Hollywood event in August 2017, Zendaya wore a bold outfit covered in sparkles.
zendaya
Zendaya attends the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event on August 8, 2017.

Phil Mccarten/Invision/AP

Her high-neck top had long sleeves and was held together by pink buttons. Zendaya's pants, on the other hand, were wide-legged and reached her ankles.

Zendaya wore a Vivetta gown to the annual Fashion Awards in December 2017.
zendaya fashion awards
Zendaya attends the Fashion Awards in London on December 4, 2017.

Matt Crossick/PA Images/Getty Images

Zendaya's dress had a floor-length velvet skirt and long sleeves covered with silver stars. Its bodice was almost entirely sheer, aside from two black horses that covered her chest.

The actor opted for an oversize minidress at the Tiffany & Co. Paper Flowers event in May 2018.
zendaya tiffany's
Zendaya attends a Tiffany & Co. event in New York City on May 3, 2018.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Her billowing dress had balloon-style sleeves, a high neckline, and a giant bow on the side of her neck. To complete the bold look, Zendaya wore a black headband and polka-dot-print shoes.

The actor resembled Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala.
Zendaya on the Met Gala red carpet in a metallic out meant to look like Joan of Arc.
Zendaya attends the Met Gala in New York City on May 7, 2018.

Sean Zanni/Getty Images

Zendaya was one of three celebrities to wear an armor-inspired outfit that night. Still, her Versace gown stood out thanks to its sparkling skirt, scoop-style neckline, and metal padding.

At the GQ Men of the Year Awards in September of that year, Zendaya wore a colorful gown with a daring skirt.
Zendaya
Zendaya attends the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London on September 5, 2018.

Stuart C. Wilson/GettyImages

Her gown had a sparkling yellow bodice, which was wrapped with purple silk that extended into a single sleeve draped down her back. Additionally, Zendaya's skirt had a tall slit that extended above her thigh.

She opted for a standout tiered gown at an Γ‚me Jewelry event in December 2018.
zendaya
Zendaya attends an Γ‚me Jewelry event in Los Angeles on December 13, 2018.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images

Designed by Marc Jacobs, Zendaya's sleeveless dress was partially made from pink-and-orange feathers. She paired it with pink pumps and wore her hair in an updo.

Zendaya experimented with ruffles once again in February 2019.
zendaya
Zendaya attends a LancΓ΄me event in Los Angeles on February 21, 2019.

Donato Sardella/Getty Images

At a LancΓ΄me event, during which Zendaya was named the brand's Global Ambassador, the actor wore a red, long-sleeved jumpsuit. Each sleeve had red ruffles attached, and her outfit perfectly matched her bright heels.

Then, in June 2019, Zendaya wore a two-piece outfit with a unique print.
zendaya
Zendaya leaves "Good Morning America" in New York City on June 24, 2019.

James Devaney/Getty Images

While visiting "Good Morning America," Zendaya was photographed wearing a sleeveless shirtdress covered in car blueprints. Her pants were also covered in the daring design.

The actor showed her affinity for bold prints the following day.
zendaya
Zendaya leaves MTV in New York City on June 25, 2019.

Raymond Hall/Getty Images

Zendaya's three-piece ensemble comprised a suit-style jacket, loose shorts, and tall boots β€” all of which had the same red-and-white print.

Zendaya put her own twist on a superhero suit while at the "Spider-Man: Far From Home" premiere.
zendaya style
Zendaya attends the "Spider-Man: Far From Home" premiere on June 26, 2019.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Her Armani PrivΓ© gown had a red sleeveless top that connected to her black high-low skirt. The daring gown was also backless and paired perfectly with her pointed pumps.

Zendaya then put a feminine spin on a menswear-inspired look during Paris Fashion Week.
zendaya
Zendaya attends a Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture show in Paris on July 2, 2019.

Jacopo Raul/Getty Images

Her tuxedo-style crop top and sleek black trousers were custom made for her by Armani. She paired the outfit with sheer black tights and Christian Louboutin pumps, which retailed for $845 at the time.

She wore one of her most sultry looks to date at the Emmys in September 2019.
Zendaya attends the 2019 Emmys in a green corset dress.
Zendaya attends the Emmys in Los Angeles on September 22, 2019.

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Her green Vera Wang gown had a sheer strapless bodice and a silk floor-length skirt with a slit. She also wore matching green heels and a cuff-style bracelet.

By October of that year, Zendaya was mixing men's and women's wear.
zendaya
Zendaya at the Elle Women In Hollywood event on October 14, 2019.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Designed by Peter Do, her daring outfit included a button-up shirt, pleated pants, a skirt, and a cropped jacket with shoulder pads.

The actor kicked off 2020 with a hot-pink outfit.
Zendaya
Zendaya at the Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 12, 2020.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

She walked the Critics' Choice Awards red carpet in January wearingΒ a bright two-piece designed by Tom Ford.Β The outfit included a metallic breastplate and a mid-rise skirt.

She also wore a dress with daring cutouts, giant pockets, and a split sleeve that same month.
zendaya
Zendaya attends the AAA Art Awards in New York City on January 30, 2020.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Her edgy look,Β designed by Christopher Esber, cost $1,035. That night, Zendaya also wore Vhernier jewelry and $695 Christian Louboutin pumps.

In February of that year, Zendaya donned a sheer shirtdress that made her look like she was draped in leaves.
zendaya
Zendaya attends a Bvlgari event in New York City on February 6, 2020.

Steven Ferdman/Stringer/Getty Images

Rahul Mishra CoutureΒ designed her outfit and her jewels were from Bvlgari.

In June 2021, she attended the BET Awards in a semi-sheer gown with a plunging neckline.
Zendaya (right) posed with Lil' Kim (left) at the BET Awards while wearing a floor-length version of a vintage Versace look previously worn by BeyoncΓ©.
Zendaya attends the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 27, 2021.

Bennett Raglin/via Getty Images

The purple-and-green dress was a vintage Versace design. Stylist Law Roach coordinated the look, and Zendaya revealed on Instagram that the outfit was inspired by BeyoncΓ© wearing the same dress during her first performance of "Crazy in Love."

Zendaya then brought back the "naked" fashion trend at the 2021 Venice Film Festival in September.
Zendaya attends the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2021.
Zendaya attends the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2021.

John Phillips/Stringer/Getty Images

She wore a sleeveless, tan dress custom-made by Balmain.

It had a scoop neckline and ruched bodice, as well as a floor-length skirt with a small train and a bold slit that extended almost to her hip. On Instagram, Balmain revealed that the gown was created from leatherΒ "using an exact model of the star's bust."

The actor completed the look with pointed Louboutin heels in the same color as her dress, diamond studs, an emerald ring, and a statement snake necklace.Β 

A few days later, she paired a tiny crop top with a standout skirt.
Zendaya wears a purple two-piece set at the 2021 Venice Film Festival.
Zendaya attends a "Dune" event at the Venice Film Festival on September 6, 2021.

Kristy Sparow/Stringer/Getty Images

Designed by AlaΓ―a, the two-piece set had a purple long-sleeved top that fit almost like a bralette. Its long sleeves also had tiny holes in them, as did its high-waisted skirt.

The latter part of the outfit was form-fitting up to her knees, where it was covered in a thick, fur-like material.

While promoting "Dune" in November 2021, Zendaya wore a top made entirely from chains.
Zendaya at a "Dune" event in London on October 17, 2021.
Zendaya attends a "Dune" event in London on October 17, 2021.

Tim P. Whitby/Stringer/Getty Images

She wore the backless Vivienne Westwood top with a high-waisted, checker-print skirt and cream-colored pumps.

She then showed off her bold style at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards.
Zendaya at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on November 10, 2021.
Zendaya attends the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on November 10, 2021.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

She wore a red Vera Wang ensemble that included a strapless bra and a floor-length skirt. The latter stuck out as it had a round ruffle of fabric around her hips.

Zendaya also accessorized with diamond jewelry and rosy makeup.

Later that month, the actor was photographed wearing a black gown with a creepy detail.
Zendaya at an event in Paris, France, on November 29, 2021.
Zendaya attends an event in Paris on November 29, 2021.

Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Her Roberto Cavalli dress was backless but with a piece of gold jewelry attached to the open space. It was shaped like a scorpion and extended from her shoulders to her backside.

After stunning on the 2022 Emmys red carpet, Zendaya attended HBO's after-party in a red dress with a plunging neckline.
Zendaya attends HBO's Emmy's Party on September 12, 2022.
Zendaya attends HBO's Emmy's Party in West Hollywood on September 12, 2022.

Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Valentino designed her long-sleeved dress, which had a form-fitting bodice, mermaid skirt, and thin train. She wore it with a messy bun and diamond jewelry.

The Italian fashion house also created the black ball gownΒ she wore to the actual ceremony.

During Paris Fashion Week 2022, Zendaya attended a Valentino runway while wearing a sheer design from the fashion house.
Zendaya attends a Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2022.
Zendaya attends a Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2022.

Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

Her see-through jumpsuit was bedazzled with Valentino's monogram, as was her matching blazer.

She wore no bra or shirt underneath but added dark shorts and pointed heels.

Months later, she wore two standout looks at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards.
Zendaya attends the 2023 NAACP Image Awards.
Zendaya attends the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena on February 25, 2023.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

First, she hit the red carpet in a black, vintage Versace gown with neon-green detailing.

While it was vibrant in color, it also stood out thanks to its split bustier bodice and gathered fabric across the back of its skirt.

She later changed into a white Prada ensemble during the actual show.
Zendaya at the NAACP Image Awards on February 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California.
Zendaya attends the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena on February 25, 2023.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

The two-piece set from Prada's 1993 spring collectionΒ included a bra with star-shaped cups and a floor-length skirt with matching shapes across its cutout waistline.

The actor chose a backless look for CinemaCon 2023.
Zendaya attends CinemaCon 2023.
Zendaya attends CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 25, 2023.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Gabe Ginsburg/Getty Images

From the front, Zendaya's Louis Vuitton ensemble looked chic and classic. It featured a gray vest atop baggy brown trousers and white pumps.

When she turned around, however, Zendaya revealed just how daring her outfit actually was. The halter top had no fabric across her back, only a loose belt that held it together.

In 2024, Zendaya embraced the aesthetic of "Dune" with multiple daring outfits.
Zendaya attends the Mexico premiere of "Dune: Part Two:" on February 6, 2024.
Zendaya attends the Mexico premiere of "Dune: Part Two" on February 6, 2024.

Angel Delgado/Getty Images

At the movie's Mexico premiere, for example, she wore a custom two-piece set from Bottega Veneta.

It included a high-waisted skirt with a leather waistband and thigh-high slit, as well as a long-sleeved crop top that revealed the underside of her chest.

It made for one of the most daring looks Zendaya wore throughout the "Dune" press tour.

Her most memorable "Dune" look was an archive piece that made the star look like a robot.
Zendaya attends the "Dune: Part Two" premiere in London on February 15, 2024.
Zendaya attends the "Dune: Part Two" premiere in London on February 15, 2024.

Mike Marsland/Getty Images

She wore a silver suit of armor with see-through panels, designed and created by Thierry Mugler in 1995.

Roach told podcast host Recho Omondi that he and the actor began talking about styling the piece before "Dune: Part Two" began filming.

They eventually flew to Paris to meet with the fashion house's creative director, Casey Cadwallader, and, after some convincing, scheduled a fitting.

Roach told Omondi that the suit ended up fitting Zendaya like a glove, and he cried.

In October 2024, Zendaya channeled Cher with a skin-baring dress covered in sparkles.
Zendaya attends the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction in Cleveland on October 19, 2024.
Zendaya attends the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction in Cleveland on October 19, 2024.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Bob Mackie designed Zendaya's sparkle-covered gown for a 2001 collection.

The vintage piece had crisscross pieces of sheer fabric across her chest, small straps that crossed over her waist and hips, and a form-fitting skirt with a tall slit.

Read the original article on Business Insider

David Lynch, director of 'Twin Peaks' and 'Blue Velvet,' dead at 78

16 January 2025 at 10:44
David Lynch in a black suit
David Lynch.

Franco Origlia/Getty

  • David Lynch, director of iconic films like "The Elephant Man" and "Blue Velvet," died at 78.
  • Lynch was also known for creating the TV series "Twin Peaks."
  • Lynch revealed last August that he had emphysema after years of smoking.

David Lynch, the visionary director of surrealist films like "The Elephant Man," "Blue Velvet," "Mulholland Drive" and the hit TV show "Twin Peaks," has died, his family announced on Thursday.

He was 78.

Lynch announced in August 2024 on X that he had emphysema following decades of smoking.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Cytus II, Aporkalypse, RPG Silver Nornir, more

By: 9to5Toys
16 January 2025 at 11:10

Today’s collection of Android games and apps are now ready to go. Alongside the Google Play discounts, we also spotted the first notable price drop on the new Sharge 30W Pouch Mini 10,000mAh power bank as well as this Hisense 50-inch 4K Google TV at just $218 shipped, the best price yet on Chipolo’s 4-pack of Google Find My Device trackers, and a massive $570 price drop on theΒ  512GB Galaxy S24 Ultra. But for now it’s all about the apps, including titles like Cytus II, Aporkalypse – Pigs of Doom, RPG Silver Nornir, Cartogram, and more. Head below for a closer look.Β 

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