Adjacent to the main Ames Manufacturing Company mills in Chicopee, Massachusetts, this handsome brick structure has ties to industry and the economic growth of the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tucked away on Grape Street, at the edge of the Chicopee River, this building was built following the American Civil War as the offices of the Gaylord Manufacturing Company, a later subsidiary of the Ames Manufacturing Company. The company was run by Emerson Gaylord, a manufacturer, who produced leather belting and swords for the military just before and during the War. After the Civil War, the Gaylord company manufactured cabinet locks and society swords. In 1881, the adjacent Ames Manufacturing Company consolidated its own sword department with the Gaylord Manufacturing Company, forming the Ames Sword Company. The company would close in the 1930s, and today, this handsome brick building with corbelled cornice and segmental arches, sits vacant, awaiting preservation and a new life.

A new study finds that overlooking the lives of female birds can have severe conservation consequencesAdult female red phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) on a snowmelt pond in the tundra. In phaloropes, ... [+] the female is the more colorful (and dominant) sex. Credit: Peter Pearsall / USFWS, common domain)Peter Pearsall, / USFWS, via a creative commons licenseIve long wondered why so many ornithologists, conservation biologists and birders ignore or overlook female birds. For example, Ive often found a lot of challenge as well as pleasure in identifying and observing female birds as they go about their lives lives that are different from those of the (sometimes) more showy males of the species.This sex-bias was explored by conservation biologist Joanna Wu, a PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA, in collaboration with the Audubon Society. In this study (ref), Ms Wu, whose research focuses on female birds and conservation, argues that improving identification and observation of female birds can help scientists to better conserve birds and their habitats.There is so much more that we can learn about birds, and about ecology in general, that we miss when we only focus on males, or assume that females are similar enough to males, said Ms Wu, the studys lead author. Thats why its so critical that we encourage sex-specific questions in research.A pair of Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). How many people know that the females sing? ... [+] (Credit: Dave Govoni / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Dave Govoni via a creative commons licenseMORE FOR YOUFor example, Ms Wu and collaborators argue that our knowledge of birdsong is strongly biased: it is based on northern hemisphere songbirds and thus, does not apply to birds living in the tropics or in the southern hemisphere, where typically, both females and males sing (ref).It shocked me how much of our assumptions about female birds are based on males (largely from Europe or North America) [are] simply false, Ms Wu told me in email.Additionally, Ms Wu and collaborators find that female song is probably the ancestral state in 71% of species globally and is present in 64% of bird species with sex-specific songs (ref and ref).Further, Wu and collaborators assert that, contrary to our now outdated notions, both sexes participate in incubating and raising offspring in many bird species. Our sex-based biases, probably derived from human preconceptions of how the natural world works, are ideas that may have gained support from Charles Darwins influential writings (The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex; Darwin 1872). Moveover, observations of species where females are socially dominant or aggressive, such as shorebirds and raptors, are underreported and understudied (ref).A trio of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and their nest in the Upper Mississippi River ... [+] Refuge. (Credit: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Public domain)Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeWu and collaborators also report that, unlike in mammals, female birds often have a lower survival rate than do males of the species (ref and ref) a trait that can have powerful negative conservation effects, particularly in endangered species (ref and ref). This observation likely results from female birds being the heterogametic sex (ref), as well as females bearing higher reproductive costs (ref) than males, having higher natal or post-breeding dispersal (ref), and reduced or limited access to essential resources due to male social dominance (ref). For these reasons, important sex-specific information can be obscured when researchers average survival rates across sexes in their studies.Another important factor that Wu and collaborators point out is that female birds may have different migration or overwintering patterns details that can be critically important in light of climate change because changing temperatures could result in, say, a mismatch of arrivals at breeding grounds or in different ecological pressures. For example, we know that female golden-winged warblers overwinter at lower elevations than males, and due to logging biases, females have lost twice as much of their winter habitat than have males. Thus, carefully considered and balanced research analyses can help inform conservation efforts.Adult female golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera). Males and females of this species ... [+] overwinter at different elevations and thus, are exposed to different survival pressures. (Credit: Andrew C / CC BY 2.0)Andrew C via a Creative Commons licenseBut really, many sex-specific questions remain unexplored, particularly regarding habitat use in the non-breeding season. For example, we know that migration routes, stop-over sites, and habitats differ for some bird species by age and sex (ref), but we know almost nothing about the details.How can these inequities be addressed? Wu and collaborators recommend that improving knowledge about female identification, capturing birds during migration rather than during breeding season to increase the likelihood of observing and studying females, and including options for birders and citizen scientists to record sex-segregated data in apps like eBird to inform major ornithological institutions.To get a more complete picture, scientists should sample from both sexes and be aware not to lump the data that they are collecting without testing for differences, Ms Wu advised in email. In Figure 1, we provide eight recommendations for collecting data more equitably.F I G U R E 1 : Eight recommendations to improve the collection of female bird data including (1) ... [+] train observers to recognize female traits, (2) normalize collection of intraspecific data, (3) use female-focused capture methods and (4) increase the use of DNA sampling to sex birds. On Who and where, researchers should (5) budget for sex-specific questions, (6) diversify the pool of ecologists, (7) broaden geographical regions of study and (8) encourage the birding community to observe female birds and contribute knowledge on female traits.doi:10.1111/ibi.13386Its important to be aware that, like people, birds are not two-dimensional cardboard cutouts. Basically, if you exclude a whole gender, or race, or social class, youre going to miss a whole perspective and way of seeing and experiencing things.The most important message is to be aware that the biology of birds (whether were talking about migration, reproductive roles, survival, climate effects) differs by sex, Ms Wu explained in email.Theres so many things to think about with regards to these findings; what surprised you most?The most surprising thing to me is that survival rates differed by sex, Ms Wu told me in email. I wonder what downstream effects this has, like on population growth rates. In an era of widespread population declines, knowing there are sex differences in how birds survive can be a tool for conservation and management.Source:Joanna X. Wu, Martha A. Harbison, Stephanie Beilke, Purbita Saha, and Brooke L. Bateman (2025). A focus on females can improve science and conservation, Ibis | doi:10.1111/ibi.13386 Copyright by GrrlScientist | hosted by Forbes | LinkTr.ee

Young business woman working at the computer in cafe on the rock. Young girl downshifter working at ... [+] a laptop at sunset or sunrise on the top of the mountain to the sea, working day.gettyAs the winter break fades into the past, the question on every traveler's mind is: "Where to next?" While familiar platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and Expedia dominate the space, a fresh wave of travel tech startups is shaking up the industry. These emerging players are setting trends that will reshape how we book, experience, and connect with destinations in 2025.Post-Pandemic Consumer Behavior ShiftsThe pandemic profoundly shifted consumer behavior, forcing travelers to reconsider how and where they travel. As countries began reopening, the pent-up demand for travel led to the rise of "Revenge Travel," resulting in a surge of visitors to popular destinations. This phenomenon of overtourism became a major concern, with cities like Barcelona seeing pushback from locals, Kyoto implementing travel bans in certain areas, and Venice introducing day-tripper fees. In response to the overcrowding, travelers are increasingly seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer cultural authenticity and a more relaxed experience.According to recent reports from Booking and Expedia, travelers are increasingly choosing lesser-known destinations over typical global hotspots. This shift is accompanied by a growing desire for personalized, safe, and sustainable travel experiencesfueled by innovation and a demand for authenticity.In 2025, the intersection of these evolving consumer preferences and travel tech is set to bring a new era of travel thats more dynamic, responsible, and tailored than ever before.AI and Personalization: The New NormWith AI-driven personalization tools being integrated into travel tech platforms, travelers are now experiencing more customized trip recommendations, itineraries, and experiences. Platforms like Expedia and TripAdvisor have adopted tools like ChatGPT to build personalized itineraries. But the key question for travelers and companies alike is: how much value do these personalization tools really offer beyond generic suggestions? And what impact will they have on customer experiences in the coming years?MORE FOR YOUThe Rise of Female Travelers and Safety ConcernsThe post-pandemic rise in female travelers has brought forward an increased demand for safe, personalized travel experiences. Companies like Greether have emerged to offer women a unique solution: a platform connecting them with local female greeters for a more comfortable and secure travel experience.Vanessa Karel, Founder at Greether, a travel and safety app for women backed by a16z TxO, explains, Our platform matches travelers with local female greeters who provide personalized guidance and support. Pre-trip introductions build trust and offer tailored advice, while in-person tours deliver authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Sustainability in TravelAs concerns about climate change grow, sustainable travel is becoming more critical. But as Jennifer Loh, CEO & Co-Founder at TRAVARAS, points out, while travelers express interest in sustainable options, finding them is still challenging. With certifications, local partnerships, and verified sustainable experiences becoming essential, its clear that companies will need to ensure they can offer genuinely sustainable and culturally immersive experiences.Not only do we curate vetted, certified sustainable travel options and work with local partners to craft culturally authentic, conservation-focused experiences that have a net positive impact on the destination, but we also work with local experts to collect recommendations for hikes, beaches, shopping, restaurants, and more, she adds.Value-Driven Solutions For Smarter Financial DecisionsIn response to the recent layoffs, more people are seeking value-driven solutions and making smarter financial decisions. As a result, these trends have positively impacted LinkedLivins growth, as an increasing number of users recognize the value and flexibility that the company provides.Natalie Plotnikova, Founder at LinkedLivin, a community-driven platform designed for professionals to swap or rent apartments within a vetted and trusted network, mentions, Interestingly, while the average length of stay has decreased since the pandemic, the frequency of travel per user has grown. This shift is likely driven by two key factors: the expansion of our network, which now offers a broader range of options, making it easier for users to find their ideal match, and the current economic climate.Where Inspiration BeginsWith such high competition in the travel tech space, its interesting to understand where inspiration begins. It turns out, a lot of ideas come from personal needs.Vanessa Karel says, The inspiration for Greether came from personal experience. Traveling solo as a woman can be stressful and even dangerous without access to trustworthy local support and tools. This experience revealed a clear gap in the market for a platform that could provide female travelers with access to verified local guides who understand their unique needs.Natalie Plotnikova shares a similar story, LinkedLivin was born out of a personal need. When I lived in New York, I frequently traveled to San Francisco and other cities, spending several months a year away from home. Each time I traveled, I rented expensive Airbnbs while still paying rent for my unused apartment. Trying to save money, Natalie created a small group chat with friends from other cities who faced the same challenge. In just a few weeks, the group grew to 300 members, and it became clear that there was a significant demand for a proper solution.Increasing CompetitionIn the increasingly competitive travel tech landscape, both Greether and LinkedLivin have found distinct ways to stand out by addressing the unique needs of modern travelers. Greethers unique value proposition lies in addressing womens top concern when traveling: safety and navigation. Unlike traditional tour platforms, Greether offers an experience where travelers set their own rules. Whether it's a personal greeter meeting them at the airport or creating custom tours around local gems or vegan spots, Greether ensures every journey feels truly personalized. The platform stands apart by pairing travelers with their greeter before they even arriveoffering real-time, human support and insider local insights that no AI or guidebook can provide.Similarly, LinkedLivins approach to apartment-sharing is setting a new standard for travel. It is the only platform that vets its members, offering a safer and more reliable alternative to traditional home-sharing services like Airbnb. By connecting users with trusted networks like friends, coworkers, and alumni, LinkedLivin fosters a sense of community and trust.The Transformative Role of TechnologyJennifer Loh, CEO & Co-Founder at TRAVARAS, underlines the role of technology in shaping the travel tech industry. Technology has drastically transformed the travel industry and how travelers engage with booking travel. You may remember the days when travelers had to rely on travel agents to book travel. Today, technology has enabled travel operators to go online and empower travelers to find and book their trips on their ownfrom booking flights to car rentals, hotels, tours, activities, and more. With the rise of AI, we will see another huge shift in how technology plays a role in travel.Vanessa adds, I strongly believe travel will become easier, more accessible, and more inclusive. Travelers will spend less time planning and more time enjoying, while people with disadvantages will feel seen and supported.Challenges AheadThe travel tech industry faces a variety of challenges as it continues to grow, especially for companies like LinkedLivin, TRAVARAS, and Greether, which are carving out their niches in a competitive space. For LinkedLivin, one of the biggest challenges in apartment-sharing is navigating overregulation. The rise of platforms like Airbnb has led to backlash and restrictive regulations, particularly in popular cities where short-term rentals have become a flashpoint. While the benefits of apartment-sharing are clear, these regulations often fail to distinguish between full-time short-term rental investment properties and occasional sharing of primary residences with trusted acquaintances. To address this, LinkedLivin emphasizes community-driven sharing, focusing on genuine connections between hosts and guests, which helps mitigate regulatory concerns and redefines apartment-sharing as a trustworthy, collaborative experience.TRAVARAS, on the other hand, faces challenges surrounding AI-enabled personalization. While AI is a key driver of travel tech innovation, the challenge lies in creating truly unique experiences that go beyond what open-source platforms like ChatGPT can offer. By curating sustainable travel options and crafting off-the-beaten-path experiences with local operators, TRAVARAS focuses on the experiential element of travel that no AI tool can replicate. They are building a database of vetted travel experiences that balance personalization with authenticity, knowing that their customers crave genuine, immersive journeys that cant be replaced by algorithms.Greether, a startup focused on women's travel safety and empowerment, faces the challenge of scaling globally while competing against well-established giants in the industry. However, Greethers agility and hyper-focus on solving specific problems have helped it scale to over 1,000 cities. By forming strategic partnerships with global tourism boards and major corporations like Expedia, Greether is driving community-led growth and reaching new heights. The key to their success lies in their ability to adapt, learn, and focus on what worksconstantly refining their approach as they grow.Future TrendsJennifer believes that the travel industry is ripe for disruption, and the power of AI will allow all travel tech platforms to improve their services and offerings, while catering to the increasing demands by consumers for more personalization and authentic, cultural immersion.Natalie is excited about how AI will create more free time for people, enabling them to travel and explore the world. This aligns perfectly with their company's vision of making travel more accessible and enriching. In the near term, the most relevant development for LinkedLivin is likely the use of AI assistants for travel bookings and scheduling. AI assistants will revolutionize this process by learning user preferences and improving rapidly through machine learning. Over time, they will manage increasingly complex requests and deliver tailored options for accommodations, flights, activities, and more.Advice To Aspiring EntrepreneursJennifer Loh recommends, If youre an aspiring entrepreneur looking to break into the travel tech space, I highly recommend working in travel and learning how the industry works the ins and outs of travel. Founder-market-fit means having experience in the industry youre building in, and that concept applies for any startup entrepreneur.Vanessa adds, Be obsessed with the problem you want to solve, but stay open to how youll solve it. Flexibility is key. Build relationships with other travel platforms and brands collaboration will take you further than competition.The travel tech industry has rapidly evolved, with new technologies and innovative companies helping to shape how we experience the world. The shift toward sustainable, personalized, and safe travel, coupled with the growing impact of AI, is changing the way we approach both travel and the industry itself. From womens safety to authentic travel experiences and overcoming regulatory challenges, the founders of LinkedLivin, TRAVARAS, and Greether are addressing these shifts head-on. By staying agile and embracing the changing needs of the modern traveler, these companies are not only leading the way in the travel tech space but are also poised to make travel more inclusive, responsible, and rewarding for all.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhat is a tariff and how does it work?Why are tariffs imposed?Tariffs as a negotiation tacticHow could manufacturers respond?Will TV prices skyrocket?Should you buy a TV now?The consumer bears the cost. Remember that because its going to come up over and over and over, especially when it comes to talking about tariffs and whether youre about to pay a whole lot more for consumer electronics.I call it a terror over tariffs or terroriffs a fear that tariffs will automatically mean higher prices on some of the things we buy, especially items that already tend to be expensive. In order to understand how this plays out, lets break down how tariffs actually work, how they affect supply chains, costs, and pricing, and when they can and cant be used as a tool a means to an end.First, this is not a political post at least, its not politically motivated. Its about the intersection of politics and economics political strategies and different policy possibilities. Its also about the calculus involved in a number of potential scenarios that could end in consumer electronics, and specifically TVs, getting more expensive. Possibly a lot more expensive.RelatedLets start with the basics. A tariff is a tax on imported goods. The idea behind it is simple: When a government slaps a tariff on a product coming into the country, it forces the company importing that product to pay a fee to the government.This warrants repeating: It forces the company importing that product, not the company making it, to pay an added fee.It may sound straightforward, but heres where misunderstanding can happen. Many people assume that tariffs are paid by the foreign companies selling goods to the US. However, thats not how it works. The US companies who import those foreign products pay the tariff. And guess what? They dont just eat that cost. They pass it on to retailers, who then pass it on to the consumer. The consumer bears the cost.Digital TrendsLets put that in real terms: Say theres a new tariff on TVs imported from Mexico. Many companies based in Asia use Mexican manufacturing, so when the TV comes into the U.S., it comes in from Mexico, even if the TV brand is from China or South Korea. If a U.S. retailer like Best Buy buys a TV from a foreign manufacturer and suddenly has to pay an extra 10% tariff, that gets added to the final price of the TV.Some companies absorb part of the cost to stay competitive, but only to an extent. Over time, the burden almost always makes its way to the buyer.Tariffs are often used as a bargaining chip in negotiation tactics, but why else might they be imposed?One common justification is protecting domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive. The idea is that it would give US-based manufacturers a competitive advantage. If imported goods cost more, companies will have a stronger incentive to produce similar products at home in the US. If the cost difference isnt that much, buy American.Theres a fundamental problem with that notion, however. Few consumer electronics are made in the US, and moving large-scale manufacturing back to the US isnt as simple as imposing tariffs. You have to build factories, create new supply chains, and this one is huge hire a workforce. It could take years, if not decades.Theres also the issue of labor costs. Companies manufacture outside of the US because its significantly cheaper. In countries like Mexico and Vietnam, labor costs are a fraction of what they are in the US.While some policymakers argue that tariffs can lead to more domestic production, the caveat is that it would take an incredibly long time to happen, if at all. If it did happen, goods would be far more expensive than they are now.WikipediaWeve seen attempts to move manufacturing back to the U.S. before most didnt go as planned. A great example is Foxconns failed LCD factory. In 2017, Foxconn (who make a lot of Apple stuff) announced plans for a massive LCD manufacturing plant in Wisconsin with the promise of about 13,000 American jobs. Fast forward to today: That plant never became the large-scale factory it was intended to be. Its basically a network and data center that employs almost 1,500 people. It went from a multi-billion dollar project to a just-under-$650 million project. Foxconn cited cost issues and shifting economic realities as the reasons for its demise. However, it received massive tax cuts, which helped get it to where it is today. Did we win? Did Wisconsin win?When it comes to cost issues and shifting economic realities, labor costs are a huge factor arguably the biggest factor. To put this into perspective, the average manufacturing wage in Mexico is around $4 per hour, while in the US, its closer to $25 per hour. That kind of wage difference makes it difficult for companies to justify large-scale manufacturing in the US when they can produce goods for a fraction of the cost elsewhere.While tariffs might encourage some companies to rethink their supply chains, the idea of mass US manufacturing making a comeback is extremely unlikely. Instead, companies will look to shift operations to Vietnam, India, or Malaysia places that already have an established manufacturing infrastructure.Digital TrendsYou could argue that tariffs would raise prices on TVs and other electronics so much that they would be as expensive as the priciest electronics made in the US. However, I dont think the math supports that argument domestic products would still be significantly more expensive. Tariffs are not a leveling the playing field tool in this way. They can help counter artificially low prices created by foreign manufacturers designed to gut foreign economies thats where the notion that tariffs are a great equalizer tool may come from. However, in this context, tariffs wont do that.Whats more likely is businesses will take the more immediate and cost-effective route: shifting operations to another low-cost country instead of coming back to the US.Its possible that isnt the end-game for the current administrations tariff threats. What if tariffs are just a big bargaining chip in the game of negotiating something else?Another reason tariffs get imposed or just threatened is as a bargaining chip.The administration has already made moves on tariffs related to Taiwan-made semiconductors, and there have also been threats of tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada. But are these threats just talk, or is there an actual long-term plan to use them as leverage in negotiations?Before weve seen the US government threaten tariffs, only to walk them back later in exchange for better trade deals. The idea is to pressure other countries into offering better trade agreements or concessions on manufacturing, labor, or technology-sharing policies.Digital TrendsHeres a recent example: In 2018-2019, tariffs were placed on goods from China, affecting everything from washing machines to circuit boards. Some companies adjusted their supply chains, while others waited for negotiations to play out. Some of those tariffs were eventually reduced or eliminated through trade deals.Could that happen again? Absolutely.But the big question is: How will companies react this time? Once you know your opponents tell once you know they are bluffing or have some ulterior motive you might play the game differently.Historically, when tariffs do go into effect, companies dont just sit back and take the hit. They look for workarounds. One of the most popular strategies is to move manufacturing to avoid tariffs entirely.A lot of TV production happens in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Mexico. If tariffs hit those countries, whats the alternative? Some companies might shift assembly to Vietnam, India, or Malaysia places that already have some manufacturing infrastructure.That makes much more sense than suddenly starting to make TVs in the US. But, theres another positive consequence. We dont want all of our goods made in a few pockets around the globe. Think of it this way: If all the worlds zippers were made in Japan (and, parenthetically, many of them are check your zippers: most of them likely have YKK on them) and the country had another natural disaster that wiped out zipper manufacturing, that hit to the clothing supply chain would create mass chaos. Zippers need to be made in many different countries across the globe. Its good for competition and its good for the supply chain.Im into the idea of TVs being manufactured in more countries. But making TVs in the US again? Its extremely unlikely.Manufacturing TVs domestically is incredibly expensive compared to overseas. Labor costs are higher, the infrastructure isnt set up for mass TV production, and companies cant build new facilities overnight. Moving a factory to another country with an established supply chain? Thats doable. Moving it to the US? Its not going to happen.In the past, there have been threats of tariffs that werent imposed. In 2019, the presidential administration announced new tariffs on consumer electronics expected to include laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles from China. After pushback from tech companies and trade partners, the tariffs were delayed and then eventually scaled back. Trade agreements mitigated their impact on many consumer electronics.This scenario is important to keep in mind: Just because a tariff is proposed doesnt mean it will happen, and if it does happen, it may not be as extreme as initially feared. Thats why I think we have to adopt a wait-and-see policy. Threats dont always turn into actual tariffs, and if tariffs are levied, it doesnt mean they will stick around for long.Digital TrendsAlso, companies will adapt. Some will shift manufacturing, some will absorb costs, and some will find loopholes. That doesnt mean prices wont go up it means its not as simple as tariff goes up, price skyrockets.Weve been here before. When past administrations imposed tariffs, many worried about massive price increases. Some happened, but not to the extreme that people feared. Companies made adjustments, deals were struck, and eventually, things stabilized.Whats the takeaway? We dont know exactly whats going to happen yet. What we do know is that if tariffs go into effect, consumers will feel it in some way whether thats higher prices, fewer choices, or manufacturers shifting operations.The best thing to do right now is watch closely and be ready. If youre in the market for a new TV, Id suggest buying one now. Its one of the best times to buy a TV in the normal product cycle. Considering that we dont know if prices will increase, theres an even greater incentive to punch that buy button.If youre not ready to buy now, keep an eye on whether these tariffs actually materialize. If they do, expect to see some price hikes before long. Most brands wont announce TV prices until March or April theres still time for them to jack up prices to hedge against the threat of tariffs (Ive seen companies adjust prices up and down the day before theyre officially announced, waiting until the last second to make a decision).Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsLuxury designZippy and responsiveNot a tech companyShould you buy the BMW i5?Were a number of years into the transition to electrification in the automotive world, but in the US, there still arent quite as many options as there could be. Part of that has to do with the fact that legacy automakers are still transitioning over to electric drivetrains. While most companies do offer at least one vehicle, the vast majority of them certainly dont have as many EVs as they do ICE cars.The perfect example of that is the world of electric sedans. To be clear, companies prioritize sedans less in general in the US considering the proliferation of larger vehicles like crossovers and SUVs. But what if you do want an electric sedan and you live in the US? Well, I think you should consider the BMW i5.Recommended VideosBefore I go on, yes, Iknow that the BMW i5 is expensive, and out of price range for many buyers. Its out of price range forme but after driving a 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 for the last week, it would certainly be near the top of my list if I did have a little more cash in the bank.RelatedThe things that are great about the BMW i5 are the things you wouldexpect to be great. Theyre the things that BMW has been getting right for decades.For starters, the vehicle is incredibly luxurious though without venturing into overkill territory, like the i7. The interior of the vehicle is almost identical to the gas-powered 5-series, which is a good thing here.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe i5 is comfortable and roomy, in both the first and second rows, and the seats are covered in a premium-feeling stitched leather. Theres plenty of great-looking accent lighting, and the materials throughout the vehicle are clearly high-end.The space inside the vehicle is one of the main things that sets it apart from the smaller i4 especially in the second row. In other words, if you regularly drive around a family, the larger vehicle might be worth considering.The outside looks great too. BMW has scaled back from the oversized kidney grilles of a few years ago, and the latest models look unmistakably BMW, but in a good way. Of course, the kidney grille on the i5 is only there for show, but it doesnt look bad at all.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe i5 I drove for the past week had the BMW M Sport Package too. That gives it things like premium wheels, carbon fiber styling, and more. Most people wont need that but I certainly enjoyed having it.All of this comes together in a way that definitely sets the BMW i5 apart from other electric sedans. Cheaper sedans, like the Ioniq 6 simply cant match the premium look and feel of the i5, but even similarly-priced EVs dont quite offer everything you can get here. The Lucid Air, for example, is a great vehicle but it isnt quite as well-built as the i5, and I prefer the design of the i5. The main competitor in my view is the i4 which is also great, but again, not as big.The luxury interior, of course, isnt surprising from a 5-series. Nor is the excellent performances. The BMW i5 performs very well. As mentioned, my review model was an i5 eDrive40, which is nowhere near as impressive as the much faster i5 M60. For the M60, however, youll have to pay almost $20,000 extra and frankly, the performance on offer by the i5 eDrive40 will be more than enough for most.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThese days, its easy to focus on 0-60 mph times for car performance but theres a whole lot more to car performance than that. Sure, the i5 eDrive40 may not quite match the likes of the performance-focused Teslas, but it still felt very quick, whether through accelerating on an on-ramp, or simply overtaking a vehicle on the freeway. It helps to put it in Sport mode too which sacrifices driving range by putting even more power into those wheels. The vehicle has 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.It handled beautifully too. It takes corners like a champ, hugging the road with minimal lean even while accelerating.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe range isnt bad though it could be better. The i5 eDrive40 gets 295 miles of range, according to the EPA, and it can charge at up to 205kW, which isnt bad.But the i5 certainly isnt perfect and it falls into many of the same pitfalls that other legacy automakers fall into. In other words, BMW isnt a tech company and if its trying to become one, it has a long way to go.Like some others, BMW has packed most controls into the infotainment display, including things like climate controls. Unlike other automakers, while there aresome climate controls constantly on the screen, they really only mount to being able to control the temperature. Thats right nothing for fan speed, fan selection, and so on. Theres a dedicated capacitive button for window defogging, but when it comes time to turn defoggingoff, it wont default back to the settings you were using before the windows fogged up leaving me shivering in the cold fan in the middle of winter.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThat of course, isnt to mention the actual software, which is poorly-designed at best. I was forced to use the built-in infotainment display for the week, because CarPlay wouldnt work properly. BMWs self-developed infotainment system has certainly gotten better, but its still confusing, a little slow, and looks dated. And, I wish BMW would bring back some of those physical climate controls.But, at the end of the day, if Ibought an i5, Id spend more time getting CarPlay to work properly (like it has in most other BMWs Ive driven) and then, Id likely avoid using the built-in software the vast majority of the time, except when Im forced to for things like climate settings.The BMW i5 is an excellent electric sedan but there are others worth considering too. The Lucid Air is a better EV, with a much better range and better software, but I prefer the interior build-quality of the i5. There are cheaper electric sedans (even if there arent many), like the Ioniq 6 but while gets pretty close to the i5 when it comes to EV stuff (and even beats it in things like charging speed), it doesnt look as premium or feel as luxurious. In other words, the BMW i5 certainly isnt for everyone but if you want a luxury electric sedan with a bit of room on the inside, its absolutely worth considering.Editors Recommendations

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CEO of the ChatGPT maker says his company has been on the wrong side of history with open-source software.

Xbox Live Arcade championed indie gaming and digital downloads (Microsoft)A reader looks back at one of Microsofts most influential concepts and examines how Xbox Live Arcade changed the face of modern gaming.The Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) era, spanning from its debut in 2004 to its peak years during the Xbox 360 generation, marked a golden age for Microsofts gaming platform. It revolutionised how gamers interacted with smaller, innovative titles and established a digital marketplace that bridged indie developers with mainstream audiences.While the gaming industry has evolved significantly since then, the magic of XBLA remains unmatched, and its success is something competitors have struggled and will continue to struggle to replicate. Heres why.The visionary simplicity of Xbox Live ArcadeWhen XBLA launched, it provided an easily accessible digital storefront for bite-sized games. Unlike todays sprawling ecosystems, where indie titles are often buried under mountains of AAA releases and live service games, XBLA offered a focused catalogue of high quality, curated content.Microsofts decision to emphasise smaller, innovative titles at a time when physical media still dominated the industry was a bold move that paid off spectacularly.Some of the key features that made XBLA successful include:Curation and quality controlGames like Geometry Wars, Castle Crashers, and Braid were not just great indie titles; they were standout experiences that helped define the Xbox 360 era. Microsoft maintained a level of quality assurance that ensured XBLA games were polished and worthy of attention.Accessible pricingMost XBLA games were priced between $5 and $20, a sweet spot that encouraged impulse purchases. This pricing model allowed players to experiment with games they might not have considered otherwise.Achievements IntegrationXBLA titles featured full achievement support, bringing indie games to parity with big budget releases. This integration incentivised players to dive deeper into these smaller experiences and added replay value.Trial versions for every gameXBLA mandated that every game offer a free trial version. This consumer friendly approach allowed players to test games before committing to a purchase, reducing buyer hesitation and increasing overall engagement.A platform for innovationXBLA served as a launchpad for indie developers and experimental ideas. Iconic games such as Limbo, Super Meat Boy, and Minecraft either debuted on XBLA or found significant success there. By providing a stage for creative risk-taking, Microsoft enabled a wave of innovation that resonated with players and influenced the broader industry.This focus on innovation was supported by initiatives like the Summer of Arcade, an annual event that highlighted standout titles and often boosted their sales significantly. For instance, Braid and Shadow Complex became cultural phenomena thanks to this exposure.Why competitors have failed to replicate XBLAs successThe overcrowded modern marketDigital storefronts today, such as Steam, PlayStation Store, and Nintendo eShop, are flooded with games, making discoverability a significant challenge. Unlike XBLAs curated approach, these platforms often prioritise quantity over quality, leaving many excellent titles buried under an avalanche of releases.Loss of a singular focusXBLA was a distinct brand within the Xbox ecosystem, with its own identity and marketing. Modern digital storefronts lack this dedicated focus on smaller games. Without a unique platform like XBLA, indie titles struggle to stand out amid the competition from major publishers.Lack of consumer-friendly featuresThe trial versions that XBLA mandated are now a rarity. While subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus offer access to a library of games, they lack the same sense of ownership and direct consumer engagement that XBLAs model provided.Corporate strategy shiftsIn todays gaming landscape, major platforms are heavily focused on live service games, subscriptions, and microtransactions. This shift has deprioritised the kind of standalone, innovative experiences that XBLA championed.The legacy of Xbox Live ArcadeAlthough XBLA as a brand no longer exists, its influence is undeniable. It paved the way for the indie game boom and demonstrated that smaller titles could achieve mainstream success. It also highlighted the importance of curated content, fair pricing, and consumer-friendly practices lessons that the modern industry would do well to revisit.The Xbox Live Arcade era was a unique confluence of vision, technology, and opportunity. While competitors might attempt to replicate its model, the combination of curated content, innovation, and accessibility that defined XBLA remains unmatched.More TrendingFor gamers who experienced it, XBLA wasnt just a marketplace, it was a movement. And for the industry, it was a benchmark that may never be reached again.By reader gaz be rotten (gamertag) Downloading console games was almost unheard of until Xbox Live Arcade (Microsoft)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Android 14 running on an E Ink screen with cellular connectivity and a QWERTY keyboard? Life is no longer but a dream for the backers of the Minimal Phone, which started shipping out units to its faithful supporters nearly a year after going viral as possible vaporware. Its good timing, considering were all in the market for a device to help us log off more these next four years. E Ink is hardly the perfect solution to being chronically online, but it can frustrate you enough to put the device and log off the internet altogether. The Minimal Companys Minimal Phone has a 4.3-inch touch E Ink screen with a backlit black and white display. Its a device meant for text over graphics, though it can handle those, too. A full QWERTY keyboard embedded harkens back to the carefree Bush Jr. Administration days, with 0.015mm travelnails will need to stay short for this to be comfortable to type on. The software runs Android behind the scenes so that you can install apps from the Google Play Store. The launcher is curated to showcase only the necessities, including email, your crypto wallet, Google Maps, and even rideshare, an option exhibited in promotional marketing. The phone supports wireless payments like Google Play and has GPS. Theres a 3,000 mAh battery to power it all and even a 16-MP camera to capture photos, though youll have to inspect them on another display. Heres where E Ink devices start to show their limitations: the processor inside the Minimal Phone is a MediaTek Helio G99, a chip used in sub-$200 devices sold overseas. Its not blazing fast, especially not what youre used to on your smartphone. The other caveat is that E Ink isnt fast. It lags and has long refresh times, especially with the apps youd be using that are developed for responsive, high-resolution screen devices. I already had a harrowing experience with the Onyx Boox Go 6. I still use it to read comics and books late at night, but thats after preparing myself psychologically for its screen with an abominably slow refresh rate. The Minimal Phone promises a distraction-free experience, with its marketing heavily emphasizing living intentionally. In this case, limiting your exposure to apps and headlines that cause even the slightest body responses is the intention and the way to cut down on your wearables stress meter. But you dont need to spend $400-$500 on a phone that does that. The E Ink tablet I mentioned starts at about $150, and its a more approachable price point than a whole smartphone dedicated to the cause. Android also offers a host of minimalist launchers that achieve the same effect by dialing down the Home screen to only a handful of essential apps and simple colors.

Hotel Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji / STUDIO ALUCSave this picture! Kenta HasegawaHotels, RenovationKyoto, JapanArchitects: STUDIO ALUCAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:595 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Kenta Hasegawa Lead Architects: Jun Kameda, Hirona Sasaki More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!"Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji" is a renovation project of a Kyoto townhouse (machiya) that has stood for over 100 years, located on the main street directly in front of the Mikage-do Gate of Higashi Honganji Temple. This machiya consists of two buildings, originally separated into east and west wings, which have now been connected by a roof. The structure bears the marks of numerous renovations over the years, blending old and new elements.Save this picture!During the dismantling process, as we uncovered the history of the building, we found structural weaknesses that had developed over time. Reinforcements were made to ensure its stability, while preserving as much of the original wooden construction and finishes as possible. The points where carpentry from different eras meet reveal a unique beauty and charm. Throughout the process, we carefully considered each historical element, balancing them with modern design to create a space where guests can experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship firsthand.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!In the west wing, the original earthen floor (doma) was preserved, and this area now connects to small courtyard gardens (tsuboniwa) located in the north and south of the east wing. The dining area and lounge are adjacent to the courtyards (tsuboniwa), designed to bring in abundant natural light, despite the challenges of lighting in a traditional machiya. Climbing the steep stairs typical of machiya, one enters a long corridor with a high, sloped ceiling.Save this picture!Save this picture!In the end, the low-hanging beams, so close that an adult must duck to pass, evoke the craftsmanship of the past. The three rooms on the second floor of the west wing offer views of Higashi Honganji Temple through the cherry blossoms. These rooms also feature large hinoki cypress baths, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while soaking. The attic in the bathroom area has exposed roof boards and earthen walls from the original construction, offering a glimpse of the carpentry techniques from that time.Save this picture!On the first floor of the east wing, two rooms feature an alcove (tokonoma), made from reclaimed materials, with art inspired by traditional carpentry. The open-air baths next to the beds seamlessly blend with the view of the courtyards (tsuboniwa), offering a serene and private connection to nature. The two duplex rooms, spanning the second and third floors, evoke the feeling of traditional machiya earthen floors and living spaces. On the third floor, accessible via a chest of drawers staircase (tansu), a spacious bathroom with a hinoki cypress bath has been created, offering an open and relaxing atmosphere.Save this picture!With deep respect for the machiya and its cultural heritage, this project aims to create a space where visitors can feel the passage of time woven into Kyoto's rich history. The new design harmonizes with the old, creating a tranquil retreat for guests. We hope this inn will serve as a bridge, connecting Kyoto's cultural legacy to the future, and leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeSTUDIO ALUCOfficePublished on February 01, 2025Cite: "Hotel Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji / STUDIO ALUC" 31 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026112/hotel-nazuna-kyoto-higashihonganji-studio-aluc&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream