Electric cars and digital features are becoming standard in new vehicles, but few models successfully combine these elements with genuinely thoughtful design. Mercedes-Benzs all-new CLA does exactly thatmerging cutting-edge technology with practical, user-focused design choices that enhance the everyday driving experience.Designer: Mercedes-BenzClean, Purposeful Exterior DesignThe new CLA is slightly larger than before 185.9 inches long with a wheelbase extended by 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches. This growth maintains compact proportions while creating more interior space.The clean design approach catches the eye sculpted surfaces with fewer lines and precise joints. The front features a distinctive shark-nose design with an illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern in the grille. This modern take includes 142 chrome-effect stars and the Mercedes logo, with lighting that activates when greeting or saying goodbye to the driver.The frameless doors with chrome trim highlight the cars sporty character, and every CLA comes with a panoramic roof standard. Optional flush door handles improve aerodynamics, helping the vehicle achieve an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.21.At the back, the star-shaped taillights connect with a light band that also features welcome animations. The rear license plate sits in the bumper a detail typically found on Mercedes sportier models. A high-gloss black rear diffuser completes the look while improving airflow.For those who appreciate color beyond the typical silver and black options, Mercedes offers two exclusive new paint finishes: Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic. These distinctive hues complement the CLAs sculpted body and help it break away from automotive sameness.Practical Interior Focused on TechnologyInside, Mercedes has taken a minimalist approach that highlights key technology features. The optional floating MBUX Superscreen makes a bold statement, spanning the entire dashboard width and combining a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and an additional 14-inch passenger display behind a single glass panel.Even without the optional Superscreen, the interior impresses with a floating center console design and distinctive door panels. Round climate vents at the ends of the dashboard and a flat central vent with a high-tech look replace traditional louvers.The interior is more spacious than before, with increased headroom (up 0.6 inches front, 1.1 inches rear) and slightly more legroom up front (+0.4 inches). The standard panoramic roof enhances this feeling of space while bringing in natural light.Material choices elevate the interior experience beyond what youd expect in this segment. Trim options include open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and a striking Gold Anthracite anodized finish. Perhaps most interesting is a unique decorative paper surface a first in automotive design that brings an unexpected textural element to the cabin.The ambient lighting system transforms the interior mood with 64 available colors, 10 pre-configured color themes, 20 brightness levels, and three distinct brightness zones. This customizable lighting appears in three key areas: the Superscreen edges, center console, and door panels, creating a cohesive visual experience that can be tailored to your preference.For those seeking a sportier feel, the AMG Line adds distinctive touches like 18-inch alloy wheels (with 19-inch options available), a unique front bumper with air intakes and chrome splitters, and an animated star pattern light projection when the door opens. Inside, youll find sports seats wrapped in MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery with eye-catching red contrast stitching on the door panels.Smart Technology That Learns and UpdatesThe CLA is the first Mercedes to fully run on the companys new in-house operating system (MB.OS). This AI-enhanced system represents a significant leap forward in automotive computing power, with each vehicle equipped with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.This powerful hardware-software combination enables regular over-the-air updates for all vehicle functions including driver assistance systems for the first time. Like your smartphone receiving new apps and extended functions, the CLA stays current with the latest features and improvements without requiring dealer visits.The fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system offers a hyper-personalized experience that learns from your habits and preferences. It features a more natural voice assistant that can handle complex, multi-step commands, such as setting navigation while adjusting climate control settings.Mercedes has collaborated with tech giants like Google and Microsoft to enhance the systems capabilities while maintaining its distinctive user interface. The system also features improved energy efficiency, with over-the-air updates consuming significantly less power than previous generationsan important consideration for electric vehicles where every bit of range matters.For audiophiles, the CLA offers an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos technology. The system features 16 speakers and an 850-watt amplifier, with silver chrome covers for the tweeters and midrange speakers enhancing the interiors visual appeal.Mercedes has also developed a holistic SoundExperience with various sound worlds for a customized acoustic setup. These include existing options like Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, Serene Breeze, and Roaring Pulse, plus two new sound worlds: Fractal Fusion (combining nostalgic 80s arcade game sounds with modern synth textures) and Granular Fuzz (featuring guitar sounds, orchestral elements, and electronic effects).Powerful Electric and Hybrid OptionsThe CLA launches with two electric versions: the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology (268 hp) and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology (349 hp). The top model accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.Both electric models feature advanced 800-volt electrical architecture for faster charging. Up to 325 kilometers (about 202 miles) of range can be added in just 10 minutes at DC fast-charging stations. The total range reaches up to 792 kilometers (492 miles) on the WLTP cycle.The electric drivetrain itself is an impressive engineering achievement, achieving 93% efficiency from battery to wheels. The motor uses magnets arranged in a double-V shape and features almost zero heavy rare earth elements compared to previous generations. Power electronics employ silicon carbide (SiC) inverter technology, the same advanced technology used in Mercedes groundbreaking VISION EQXX concept.For those not ready to go fully electric, Mercedes will also offer hybrid versions with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. These hybrids will be capable of all-electric driving in city conditions.Climate Innovation for Extended RangeThe CLA introduces a clever solution to the range-sapping problem of climate control in electric vehicles: its the first Mercedes to feature an air-to-air heat pump. This multi-source system can simultaneously draw heat from three sources waste heat from the electric drivetrain, the battery, and ambient air.By harvesting free heat that would otherwise be wasted, the system requires only one-third of the energy a traditional auxiliary heater would need for the same output. This directly translates to extended driving range, especially in colder conditions when electric vehicles typically suffer from reduced efficiency.Practical Storage Solutions ReimaginedThe electric CLA brings back a feature not seen in a Mercedes since the 1930sthe frunk (front trunk). This isnt just a nostalgic nod to the brands history but a genuinely useful addition that addresses a common complaint about modern cars: a lack of practical storage.The frunk provides approximately 2.5 cubic feet of additional cargo space, perfect for storing charging cables, emergency kits, or small bags without taking up valuable main trunk space. This front storage compartment is particularly useful for items you want quick access to without opening the main trunk.Meanwhile, the rear trunk offers a generous 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, giving the CLA real-world practicality that many compact electric vehicles lack. The thoughtful division of storage areas means you can organize your belongings more efficiently keeping frequently used items in the frunk while reserving the larger rear trunk for bigger items or luggage.Inside the cabin, the floating center console design isnt just visually appealing and creates additional storage opportunities. The console features an integrated double cup holder and optional wireless smartphone charging cradle, keeping essential items within easy reach while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic.Sustainable MaterialsMercedes has focused on sustainability throughout the CLA. The interior features recycled materials, including microfiber upholstery from 100% recycled PET bottles and carpets from 100% recycled yarn.The new Mercedes-Benz CLA combines practical improvements with genuine technological innovation in a clean, modern design. With both electric and hybrid options available, it offers flexibility for different driving needs while meaningfully pushing Mercedes design and technology forward.The post The New Mercedes-Benz CLA: Smart Design Meets Cutting-Edge Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.

A directive from the National Institute of Standards and Technology eliminates mention of AI safety and AI fairness.

The post falsely claimed that Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler and Mao Zedong were not responsible for the murders of millions of people, but rather public sector workers were.

Apple has announced that it will add support for end-to-end encryption to RCS messaging on iOS, although there are few details about when this will happen.RCS support will be extended to include end-to-end encryptionAfter years of bizarre pressure over how Messages has blue bubbles for iOS users and green for Android ones, and maybe a nudge from China, Apple finally added support for RCS messaging with iOS 18. Its implementation, though, did not support Google's implementation of end-to-end encryption.Now as first spotted by 9to5mac, the RCS standards body GSM Assocation (GSMA) and Apple have announced new end-to-end encryption support on iOS. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

AECOM has been selected as the Official Venue Infrastructure Partner for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The global infrastructure firm will oversee architecture, engineering, planning, program management, and construction management for the Games venue infrastructure.With over 50 sports and more than 15,000 athletes expected to compete, AECOMs role will emphasize temporary venues and modifications to existing structures, according to details released by the firm. The companys previous experience in major sporting events includes the London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2021 Games.The firms responsibilities extend from design and engineering to program oversight and construction management through its AECOM Hunt business. The partnership builds on AECOMs long-standing involvement with LA28, which began with technical and design support for the citys Olympic bid. The company has contributed to several landmark sports venues in Los Angeles, many of which will be...

WHY Architecture has released photos of a new contemporary art museum project in Bangkok that refurbished a former commercial warehouse for a private family collection.For the Dib Bangkok museum, WHYs design adds spaces that evoke the former site while vertically assimilating the architecture that is inspired to enable in its visitors an art-fueled kind of divination.Image courtesy of Dib BangkokThis is a new institution near the center of downtown Bangkoks Rama IV core area, named for the Thai word for authentic and dedicated to the art and collecting vision of late musician Petch Osathanugrah.Image courtesy of Dib BangkokVisitors will ascend through a three-story program inspired by the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, beginning in the remade first floor thats inspired by the buildings industrial heritage.Image courtesy of Dib BangkokThe path includes a confrontation with an old Thai-Chinese grille piece on the contemplative second floor before culminating in a coni...

Pre-orders for Kojima Productions Death Stranding 2: On the Beach begin on March 17th. While there are the usual Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions, a new trailer highlights the $229.99 physical Collectors Edition. Check it out below.The centerpiece is the Magellan Man statue, measuring 15 inches. As an integration of the DHV Magellan with a B.T., its disturbingly detailed. Other physical content includes a 3-inch figure of Dollman, who accompanies Sam on his adventure, a signed letter from director Hideo Kojima, art cards (which include illustrations of Higgs), and a Collectors Box. Sadly, theres no physical disc, but you get all the content from the Digital Deluxe Edition, including Gold Battle, Boost, and Bokka Skeletons. The Machine Gun (MP Bullets) Level 1 is also unlocked early, and you can wear three unique patches.Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches on June 26th for PS5. Check out the latest trailer here, which Kojima says is a number of clues.

March 15: Ides of MarchJulius Caesar44BC Julius Caesar (bust pictured), the dictator of the Roman Republic, was stabbed to death by a group of senators led by Marcus Junius Brutus.1823 American sailor Benjamin Morrell erroneously reported the existence of New South Greenland, a phantom island, near Antarctica.1916 Six days after Pancho Villa and his cross-border raiders attacked Columbus, New Mexico, U.S. general John J. Pershing led a punitive expedition into Mexico to pursue him.1917 Russian Revolution: Tsar NicholasII was forced to abdicate in the February Revolution, ending three centuries of Romanov rule.1943 The deportation of 50,000 Jews from the Greek city of Thessaloniki began.1951 The Iranian oil industry was nationalized in a movement led by Mohammad Mosaddegh.Albert of Schwarzburg (d.1327)Matthew Charlton (b.1866)Ignace Tonen (d.1916)Ruth Bader Ginsburg (b.1933)More anniversaries: March 14March 15March 16ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout

GFAL is launching Diamond Dreams, a match-3 puzzle game with a luxury theme and optional Web3 features.Read More

Google is rolling out a Find My Device app feature update that shows a map of your friends and the family members who share their location with you, 9to5Google reports. The new feature was announced in the Android March feature update last week and is now available for more users.Theres already a way for friends and family to see each others shared locations in Google Maps. Now, the Android Find My Device app does double duty, making it easier to find both things and people in one place. The map also shows the locations of friends who share from Google Maps on iOS.In the app on Android, you can tap the new People tab to show the locations of any contacts that are sharing their location with you. You can also switch to a tab that shows who youre sharing your location with and gives you options such as changing the duration you share your location with someone.Googles interface is now more reminiscent of Apples Find My app, which features a similar split-screen UI with a map on top and devices or people on the bottom, depending whether youre viewing items or people.