PDD-owned budget online retailer Temu and its rival Shein have relied on de minimis to maintain their rock bottom prices.

January was a long month, but we finally have some good news in 2025: Bookseller Barnes & Noble plans to open at least 60 new stores this year, topping last years record of 57 stores and marking a steady revival of its brick-and-mortar bookstores across the country.[Barnes & Noble] is experiencing strong sales in its existing stores and has been opening many new stores after more than 15 years of declining store numbers, the company told Fast Company. In 2024, Barnes & Noble opened more new bookstores in a single year than it had in the whole decade from 2009 to 2019 . . . [The company] is enjoying a period of tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful.As Fast Company previously reported, after more than a decade of shuttering locations, ultimately closing 150 locations, the chain started ramping up again in 2023 with some 30 new stores.Some of its newest locations opening this year will be in prime retail locations, such as a new D.C. flagship store in upscale Georgetown.2025 marks a new era for Barnes & Noble and other bookstores thanks to a few factors, including digital fatigue, TikToks #BookTok, the loneliness epidemic, and a rise in so-called third spaces (more on that below).But first, heres a list of the citieswhere Barnes and Noble will be opening new locations in 2025.New Barnes & Noble locations already open in 2025Bellevue, WashingtonTown & Country, TexasNaples, FloridaSuperior, ColoradoBrentwood, CaliforniaBarnes & Noble locations yet to open in 2025Barnes & Noble told Fast Company the chain also currently has 37 signed leases for upcoming stores in the following statesplus a number of other leases in the works (though it did not offer a timeline for when we can expect the new stores):CaliforniaFloridaColoradoTexasWashingtonPennsylvaniaOhioVirginaNew YorkNebraskaMichiganIllinoisConnecticutArizonaNew HampshireMarylandKansasWhy is there a bookstore revival?While it might seem counterintuitive in this age of digital consumption, with people often buried in their phones, bookstores (and books!) are actually making a comeback.One major reason is the rise of TikToks community of avid readers, #BookTok, which has been credited with helping authors sell millions of books, and has evolved into one of the more popular corners of the platform, with creators making videos of book hauls, reviews, and bookcase setups, and swapping recommendations.Since the rise of BookTok during the pandemic, bookstores have seen a significant surge in popularity, especially among young people, Barnes & Noble told Fast Company. Our stores have become popular social spots, offering an experience that online shopping simply cant match.Theres also a recent rise in third places, which are gathering places outside of work and home where people can go to be around other people or meet friends, like coffee shops, bars, and gyms.With loneliness and isolation at an all-time high, people are returning to these third places, including bookstores, because they are free and safe environments stocked with reading material, and often coffee and cold drinkswhich draws in more visitors (this is why many newer bookstores have added a coffee shop or caf to help make the store more inviting).Bookstores also offer a way to be around like-minded people who have similar interests. Thats why, around the country, niche bookstoresromance bookstores, in particularare also booming. In fact, more than 20 have opened in the last few years, up from just two in 2020.One of those new bookstores is Lovestruck Books, which just opened smack in the center of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The delightfully decorated store has more than 12,000 books, in addition to a retail area with candles, tea, stationery, and a George Howell Coffee shop. (Authors note: Yes, I admit that Ive been thereand ended up staying for an hour. I highly recommend finding a bookstore near you!)

Teslas stock (Nasdaq:TSLA) moved lower once again Monday, falling almost 5% in midday trading, the continuation of a fairly steady decline since Donald Trump took office.Shares of the automaker (trading at around $384 per share in midday trading) are down more than $43 a share since their close on January 17, a dip of more than 10%. That comes as CEO Elon Musk has been spending a large percentage of his time running the Department of Government Efficiency in Washington, D.C., and not focusing as heavily on Tesla.The steady drop in Teslas stock is likely due to a variety of factors. Mondays decline follows news that Tesla has lost market share in Sweden and Norway, despite a large increase in overall car demand.In January, Tesla sold 405 new vehicles in Sweden, a 44% drop from the year prior. Norway was down 38% with 689 vehicle sales.Also, the looming enforcement of tariffs on China and Canada (Mexico has been given a one-month delay) are scaring investors. Musk recently conceded on an earnings call with analysts that while Tesla has tried to localize its supply chain, its still very reliant on parts from across the world for all our businesses. Therefore, the imposition of tariffs, which is very likely, will have an impact on our business and profitability.Canada is a key supplier of automotive parts, as is China. And Canadian officials are specifically focusing some of their ire with Trumps tariffs on Musk. Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that Ontario would scrap a $100 million contact with Starlink, which is part of Musks SpaceX. (Musk met that news Monday afternoon with the tweet, Oh well.)Earnings missThe concern surrounding overseas sales and tariffs comes on the heels of the companys disappointing fourth-quarter earnings last Wednesday. The company reported earnings of 73 cents per share, compared to analyst expectations of 76 cents and revenues of $25.71 billion versus an anticipated $27.26 billion. Revenues were down 8% compared to the same quarter the year prior.Last year marked the first time Tesla deliveries came in lower than the year before. All told, the automaker delivered 1.8 million vehicles to customers in 2024. (Tesla does not report precise sales figures, so deliveries are the best barometer of that figure.)Tesla did not reply to Fast Companys request for comment about the stock drop. The company did see a big surge in stock price following Trumps election last November, but has surrendered most of those gains. Tesla closed at just over $342 per share on November 20. It peaked just under $480, but now stands around $384.Tesla stock also has a staggeringly high price-to-earnings ratio. On Monday, it stood at 188.95, compared to Apple and Microsoft, which are in the low- to mid-30s, and the average, generally ranging from 20 to 25. (Higher P/E ratios indicate a company could be overvalued.)Shareholder questionsIn fact, Musk himself could be causing some of the investor agita, however. His focus on DOGE and government issues has not escaped the companys shareholders.Prior to the Q4 earnings call, investor-submitted questions on the companys digital forum involved a slew of concerns about the amount of time Musk is spending at the White House, along with some of his recent actions, including a gesture that has been likened to a Nazi salute. A sampling of those reads:How much time does Elon Musk intend to spend at the White House and on government activities vs time and effort dedicated to Tesla?How much time does Elon Musk devote to growing Tesla, solving product issues, and driving shareholder value vs. his public engagements with Trump, DOGE, and political activities? Do you believe hes providing Tesla the focus it needs?Does the board plan to review the negative image that Elon Musk is having on the Tesla brand and the conflicts between his politics and the Mission Statement?We cant pretend that Elons erratic actions arent negatively effecting [sic] the stock price and brands reputation. What is your plan to curtail the CEOs behavior, and/or replace his position to secure a more likely longevity as a brand?All of those questions went unanswered.

Rebranding is a delicate dance between honoring legacy and embracing modernity. Done right, it feels like a natural evolution. Done wrong, you get something like what Jaguar did, nuking every bit of goodwill it had within its fanbase. In recent years, automotive brands have rushed to flatten their logos in a bid to appear more digital-friendly, often stripping away years of recognizable depth and character in the process (case in point, BMW, Volkswagen, Aston Martin, etc.). Jaguars recent logo rework, for instance, took a leap into sterile minimalism, leaving behind all of its rich, heritage-driven design language. Mazda, on the other hand, has taken a more thoughtful approachproving that modernization doesnt have to come at the cost of identity.Mazdas newly unveiled emblem is a great example of refinement over reinvention. The company has transitioned from its glossy, beveled 3D insignia to a flatter, more streamlined version, but it hasnt abandoned the core elements that make it unmistakably Mazda. The signature M remains intact, its outstretched wings still evoking a sense of movement and ambition. Whats changed is the execution: the lines and angles are sharper, the presentation cleaner, and the result is a logo that feels equally at home on a cars grille as it does on a smartphone screen.Respecting Heritage While Stepping ForwardHistorically, Mazdas logo has featured a stylized M enclosed within an oval or wing-like shape, evoking both movement and a certain sense of fluidity that ties in with their automotive roots. Over the decades, the symbol evolved, but it never lost its recognizable silhouette or abstract nod to wingspart of Mazdas storied identity that has grown in tandem with the companys product design language (think Kodo design philosophy in their cars).In their new iteration, Mazdas design team has chosen to preserve these core elements, keeping that M and its winglike enclosure intact. What changes is the level of detail and the visual treatment: out goes the metallic gloss and fine detailing, and in comes a crisper, more geometric rendering that evokes edginess. After all, cars are going from curvilinear beauts to angular beasts so why not logos? The result is an emblem that instantly resonates with Mazdas heritage, yet feels distinctly contemporary.By contrast, take a recent look at Jaguars rebrand, which many critics have described as jarring and disconnected from the brands storied past. Where Jaguars approach can be perceived as a step away from the brands iconic imagerystripping it down almost to the point of anonymityMazdas approach says, Yes, were changing with the times, but we remain true to who we are.A Masterclass in Subtle RefinementThe overarching principle behind Mazdas new logo is subtlety. Flattening a logo is often simpler said than done; you need to ensure that once you remove shadows, gradients, or dimensionality, the shape that remains still conveys the brands essence at a glance. For Mazda, that shape has been polished over decades: the winged M is timeless enough that it gracefully endures even under this flat treatment. Plus, that new angular makeover reminds me of how the Batman logo got reinvented post-2000, going from that iconic ellipse shape in the Clooney era to something a lot more modern when Christian Bale reprised the role.Theres an inherent discipline in stripping away superfluous elements and focusing on the purity of line and shape. If executed poorly, the result can look generic. If done wellby distilling the design to its most symbolic formyou get something as timeless as the Nike Swoosh or Apples half-eaten apple mark. Mazdas new look tilts toward the latter category. Its unencumbered, distinctive, and speaks to the brands personality: smooth, energetic, forward-thinking, and confident.Designed for the Smartphone EraWe live in a time when the first experience people have with a logo is often through a mobile app icon or a social media avatar, usually measuring mere millimeters across on a phone screen. Thats a key reason why flat design has become prevalentit scales better in digital environments, where clarity at small sizes is crucial.Mazdas design team openly acknowledged this, ensuring the new emblem renders crisply whether its on a large-scale billboard or the corner of your smartphone screen. This digital-first mindset is part of what makes their redesign so pertinent. Its not about chasing a trend; its about functionality. They recognized the need for a mark that works as beautifully on a 6-inch device as it does on the grille of a car.A Study in Restraint and Intelligent EvolutionWhile many corporate rebrands try to turn a new leaf by completely discarding any trace of the previous look (*cough* Jaguar *cough*), Mazda proves you dont have to demolish the old to welcome the new. In design circles, we often discuss the value of evolution over revolution when it comes to brands with deep historical roots. A sudden, radical shift can alienate loyal fans and diminish the cultural memory embedded in the brands imagery.Yet, evolution requires a delicate hand. How do you respectfully and creatively retain the spirit of a brand while giving it a modern face? Mazda manages this balancing act with aplomb. They cleaned up the visual lines, embraced a flat style for digital platforms, and stood by the iconography thats served them well for decades.Lessons for Other BrandsMazdas new flat logo demonstrates a few key takeaways for anyone considering a brand refresh:Dont Trend-Grab; Purpose-BuildAlign your redesign with genuine brand and user experience needs, not just aesthetic fads.Keep the DNAIf your existing emblem carries recognizable, iconic elementsdont throw them away. Adapt them to modern contexts instead.Think DigitalYour logo may appear an inch wide on a website, or as a tiny avatar on social media. A simplified mark is often clearer and more impactful in these contexts.Look Within Your Own EvolutionA brand identity can (and arguably should) evolve in increments. Stand on the shoulders of what came before to build continuity and brand equity.Refinement Over ReinventionA subtle, considered refining of a logo can pay long-term dividends in recognition and brand loyalty.The post Mazdas New Minimal Logo Is An Excellent Example Of Rebranding Done Right first appeared on Yanko Design.

You can run Game Boy emulators on your desktop, but are you really doing that emulator justice if youre typing on a regular keyboard?? Meet the Game Boy keyboard, designed by YouTuber The Lesser The Better. What do I mean by a Game Boy Keyboard? Well, its literally a keyboard outfitted with Game Boy Classic-style buttons for keys.The inspiration? Pure, unadulterated what if curiosity. Imagine the tactile click of a mechanical keyboard melded with the iconic form factor of a Game Boy. Its a beautiful collision of past and present except my brains oscillating between loving this keyboard and hating myself for loving this keyboard!Designer: The Lesser The BetterLets face it the Game Boys buttons are perfect for mashing so you get the perfect Super Mario score but those buttons arent the first you think of when you hear the word ergonomics. Yes, the buttons and their design have a lot of emotional value, but if you had to type emails on it, the nostalgia would turn to nightmares pretty quickly. Still, as a one-off prototype, theres a certain rose-tinted beauty to the keyboards memory-evoking design.The keyboard has essentially a 75% layout of sorts, with your standard keys front and center modeled on the style of the A/B keys on the Game Boy, and special keys (including a function row) modeled on the style of the smaller, sleeker Menu and Select keys found on the Game Boy.But heres the kicker pull the housing apart and youll basically find a Logitech K380 keyboard on the inside. This outer shell basically serves as a 3D printed fascia that has a Logitech keyboard on the inside, converting an existing wireless peripheral into something visually new.For The Lesser the Better, most of the challenges came in modeling and 3D printing this fascia. He created his 3D model (even downloading the Game Boy font) and printed each component separately. The shell got printed in multiple parts and were glued together with the Logitech keyboard in between. A flap was built to access the keyboards battery area, allowing users to swap out old batteries for new ones.Each component was printed in a filament matching its original color, eliminating the need for paint. Even the text on the keyboard is actually a 0.2mm 3D-printed graphic inlaid into white plastic. The magenta keys were printed flat, but given a glossy dome finish using UV glue and some good old surface tension. The keyboards body was created using a fuzzy printing technique that gave the surface a gorgeous noisy texture. Programmed within the slicing software, this fuzzy method allowed the nozzle to vibrate as it printed, generating a unique texture with a rough surface that contrasted the glossy UV-glue keycaps wonderfully.The Lesser The Better first started with printing out a small patch of the keyboard and laying it on the K380 to test input. After the proof of concept worked, he printed out the entire Game Boy keyboards parts, assembling it around the K380 almost like a car getting a new body kit.The results visually gorgeous, but everyone on Reddit has the same consensus. I feel like [] this keyboard will be absolutely infuriating and addicting at the same time. I need it., said one Reddit user. I love hate it, said another, echoing exactly the emotional conundrum Im having too. The keyboard is a great example of something you desperately wish was a good idea, but actually isnt. The buttons are a tad too tiny for regular typing, which means theres a much higher likelihood of missing keys than actually hitting them. Plus, those tiny buttons werent really made for pinky fingers, which benefit better from larger buttons that feel more comfortable. That being said, Id throw money at the STL files for this. And if the folks at 8bitdo are watching you guys need to license and mass-manufacture this!The post This Game Boy-inspired Retro Keyboard Is Equal Parts Awesome and Infuriating first appeared on Yanko Design.

DeepSeek, founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, a Chinese entrepreneur, engineer and former hedge fund manager, is generating a lot of buzz and for good reason. Here are five things that make it stand out (as well as a listing of the latest news and analysis about DeepSeek).DeepSeek offers:More accessibility and efficiency: DeepSeek is designed to be less expensive to train and use than many competing large language models (LLMs). Its architecture allows for high performance with fewer computational resources, which is designed to lead to faster response times and less energy consumption.Open-source availability and rapid development: DeepSeek is under active development with new models and features being released regularly. Models are often available for public download (on Hugging Face, for instance), which encourages collaboration and customization.Advanced capabilities: reasoning and multimodal learning: Models like DeepSeek-R1 are designed with a focus on advanced reasoning capabilities, aiming to go beyond simple text generation. DeepSeek is expanding into multimodal learning, handling diverse input types such as images, audio and text for a more comprehensive understanding.Limitations: Bias and context: Like all LLMs, DeepSeek is susceptible to biases in its training data. Some biases may be intentional for content moderation purposes, which raises important ethical questions. While efficient, DeepSeek could have limitations in handling extremely long texts or complex conversations.Architecture and performance DeepSeek uses a mixture of experts architecture, employing specialized submodels for different tasks, enhancing efficiency and potentially reducing training data needs. DeepSeek has demonstrated competitive performance, comparable to established models in certain tasks, especially mathematics and coding.Follow this page for latest news and analysis on DeepSeek.The DeepSeek lesson - success without relying on Nvidia GPUsFeb. 3, 2025: During the past two weeks,DeepSeekunraveled Silicon Valleys comfortable narrative aboutgenerative AI (genAI)by introducing dramatically more efficient ways to scalelarge language models(LLMs). Without billions in venture capital to spend on Nvidia GPUs, DeepSeek had to be more resourceful and learned how to activate only the most relevant portions of their modeNvidia unveils preview of DeepSeek-R1 NIM microserviceJan. 31, 2025: Nvidia stock plummeted after Chinese AI developer DeepSeek unveiled its DeepSeek-R1 LLM. Last week, the chipmaker turned around and announced the DeepSeek-R1 model is available as a preview NIM on build.nvidia.com. Nvidias inference microserviceis a set of containers and tools to help developers deploy and manage gen AI models across clouds, data centers, and workstations.Italy blocks DeepSeek due to unclear data protectionJan. 31, 2025: Italys data protection authorityGarantehas decided to block Chinese AI model DeepSeekin the country. The decision comes after the Chinese companies providing the chatbot service failed to provide the authority with sufficient information about how users personal data is used.How DeepSeek changes the genAI equation for CIOsJan. 30, 2025: The new genAI models explosion on the scene is likely to amp up competition in the market, drive innovation, reduce costs and make gen AI initiatives more affordable. Its also a metaphor for increasing disruption. Maybe its time for CIOs to reassess their AI strategies.DeepSeek leaks 1 million sensitive records in a major data breachJan. 30, 2025: A New York-based cybersecurity firm, Wiz, has uncovered a critical security lapse at DeepSeek, a rising Chinese AI startup, revealing a cache of sensitive data openly accessible on the internet. According to Wiz, the exposed data included over a million lines of log entries, digital software keys, backend details, and user chat history from DeepSeeks AI assistant.Microsoft first raises doubts about DeepSeek and then adds it to its cloudJan. 30, 2025: Despite initiating a probe into the Chinese AI startup, Microsoft added DeepSeeks latest reasoning model R1 to its model catalog on Azure AI Foundry and GitHub.How DeepSeek will upend the AI industry and open it to competitionJan. 30, 2025: DeepSeek is more than Chinas ChatGPT. Its a major step forward for global AI by making model building cheaper, faster, and more accessible, according to Forrester Research. WhileLLMs arent the only route to advanced AI, DeepSeek should be celebrated as a milestone for AI progress, the research firm said.DeepSeek triggers shock waves for AI giants, but the disruption wont lastJan. 28, 2025: DeepSeeks open-source AI models impact lies in matching US models performance at a fraction of the cost by using compute and memory resources more efficiently. But industry analysts believe investor reaction to DeepSeeks impact on US tech firms is being exaggerated.DeepSeek hit by cyberattack and outage amid breakthrough successJan. 28, 2025: Chinese AI startup DeepSeek was hit by acyberattack, according to the company, prompting it to restrict user registrations and manage website outages as demand for its AI assistant soared. According to the companys status page, DeepSeek has been investigating the issue since late evening Beijing time on Monday.What enterprises need to know about DeepSeeks game-changing R1 AI modelJan. 27, 2025: Two years ago, OpenAIs ChatGPT launched a new wave of AI disruption that left the tech industry reassessing its future. Now, within the space of a week, a small Chinese startup called DeepSeek has pulled off a similar coup, this time at OpenAIs expense.iPhone users turn on to DeepSeek AIJan. 27, 2025: As if from nowhere, OpenAI competitorDeepSeekhas risen to the top of the iPhone App Store chart, overtaking ChatGPTs OpenAI. Its the latest in a growing line of genAI services and seems to offer some significant advantages, not least its relatively lower development and production costs.Chinese AI startup DeepSeek unveils open-source model to rival OpenAI o1Jan. 23, 2025: Chinese AI developer DeepSeek has unveiled an open-source version of its reasoning model, DeepSeek-R1, featuring 671 billion parameters and claiming performance superior to OpenAIs o1 on key benchmark. DeepSeek-R1 achieves a score of 79.8% Pass@1 on AIME 2024, slightly surpassing OpenAI-o1-1217, the company said in a technical paper. On MATH-500, it attains an impressive score of 97.3%, performing on par with OpenAI-o1-1217 and significantly outperforming other models.

Hot on the heels of itslaunch of the o3-minimodel last week, OpenAI on Sunday announced another component for ChatGPT that allows the generative AI (genAI) tool to do more in-depth research.Described as an agent that uses reasoning to synthesize large amounts of online information and complete multi-step research tasks for you, deep research is now available to users on ChatGPTs $200 per month Pro plan; Plus and Team plans are next in the queue to receive access, with Enterprise users following.The agent is powered by a version of the upcoming OpenAI o3 model optimized for web browsing and data analysis, the company said, allowing it to search the internet, then interpret and analyze what it finds whether its text, images, or PDFs and pivot in reaction to what its found.Deep research is built for people who do intensive knowledge work in areas like finance, science, policy, and engineering and need thorough, precise, and reliable research,OpenAI said in ablog post announcing the new capability. Every output is fully documented, with clear citations and a summary of its thinking, making it easy to reference and verify the information. It is particularly effective at finding niche, non-intuitive information that would require browsing numerous websites.OpenAI promises significantly higher rate limits than the current 100 queries per month once it releases a faster, more efficient version of deep research powered by a smaller model. It did not say when that would be available.To use the tool, a ChatGPT user selects deep research in the message composer and then enters a detailed query. OpenAI says the user can add context by attaching spreadsheets or documents. As the query runs, a sidebar shows the steps deep research is taking, with the result displayed as a report in the chat. The blog provides examples of reports generated by deep research alongside those from GPT-4o to illustrate the way deep research combines information from multiple sources into a coherent whole.Unlike a basic ChatGPT query, deep research takes its time generating that report OpenAI says it takes from five to 30 minutes and is very compute intensive. The company also admits that there are limitations to its accuracy.Deep research unlocks significant new capabilities, but its still early and has limitations, the company said. It can sometimes hallucinate facts in responses or make incorrect inferences, though at a notably lower rate than existing ChatGPT models, according to internal evaluations. It may struggle with distinguishing authoritative information from rumors, and currently shows weakness in confidence calibration, often failing to convey uncertainty accurately. At launch, there may be minor formatting errors in reports and citations, and tasks may take longer to kick off.Analysts were impressed, though with varying degrees of enthusiasm.I think what we are starting to see is a maturation of generative AI in the real world, said Jason Andersen, vice president and principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategies. Initially, generative AI was trying to get some degree of momentum with the common user with diverse needs and questions. As internet users, we expect everything to be fast (purchases, searches, emails, etc). That became a design point for AI, since it was assumed that if a prompt just sat there for minutes, users would not use it. So, speed vs. depth ended up being a trade-off to get users on board.Interestingly enough, data scientists make this type of trade-off every day, but the typical user just expects a certain type of response, he said.But now we are starting to see the value in asking different things about AI. For instance, I use AI for market research versus content generation, so would I be willing to trade speed and content generation for a better research product? In my case, the answer is yes. But for an artist or designer or someone making blog posts, the answer could very well be no.OpenAIs deep research offering is compelling, said Jeremy Roberts, senior research director at Info-Tech Research Group. Its a direct attempt to address the most common concerns about ChatGPT as it exists today: depth and reliability. By offering a product that is specifically designed to cite its sources and share its thinking, OpenAI addresses the criticism that its bot is unreliable and not suitable forreal work. The examples they give are highly specific and technical and suggest that OpenAI is making headway in automating these specialized tasks to a greater degree than was possible with ChatGPT.The implications for professions are enormous, Roberts said. Many high-paying careers have paths that begin with basic research tasks. This can be true in finance and consulting. With a service like deep research, it may be difficult for people new to the labor market to build the necessary competencies and create a void as employers pivot away from trainee hires. This was always an issue with LLMs, but it seems like it might be accelerating. The labor market will have to respond.Deep research also heralds a change in model structure, Andersen noted. The newer models are starting to be segmented, optimized, and tuned for different types of tasks, he said. The company that has been leading the charge here has been Anthropic, which has specific models for developing code and deeper research tasks. So, its interesting to see OpenAI do this as well.I think this will continue to be a trend, as we are also seeing other vendors head in this direction.

It's not just Spotify that has a year-end wrap-up feature Apple Music does too, and it's year round! Here's how to get your Apple Music Replay playlist, today.Apple Music Replay 2025Spotify has a unique feature called Spotify Wrapped that shows off your top artists, songs, and genres of the year. It is a trendy function that gets shared all over social media at the end of each year, but Apple Music fans need not miss out. In fact, the 2025 Replay playlist has already been released.The Apple Music Replay function isn't as in-depth as Spotify Wrapped, but it does offer some interesting stats and specialized playlists. Stats include the number of hours of music listened to for the entire year, the number of artists listened to, and top artists with the number of hours listened to each. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

Apple's iPhone 15 led global sales in 2024, with Pro models close behind, as premium device demand drove a revenue rebound.iPhone 15 modelsAccording to Counterpoint Research, global smartphone revenue grew 5% year-over-year, with the average selling price (ASP) reaching an all-time high of $356. Despite economic challenges in previous years, improved consumer sentiment and demand for premium smartphones fueled the turnaround.Global smartphone shipments also rose by 4%, marking the first annual increase since 2021. Analysts attribute this to expanding 5G adoption, better cameras, and faster processors, making upgrades more appealing. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

An unprecedented rebuilding process in Los Angeles County is rapidly afoot in the aftermath of the deadly wind-fueled wildfires that broke out across the city on January 7th, 2025.Leading their professional colleagues in the AIA Los Angeles chapters Ad Hoc Disaster Relief Task Force response are Co-chairs Mohamed Sharif of Sharif, Lynchand Greg Kochanowski ofPractice (formerly GGA+).They spoke to Archinect about the difficulties and challenges that lie ahead as the process begins to repair a community that has lost more than 10,000 structures. Kochanowski describes the architecture communitys response as "an uplifting testament to collective altruism and allyship in a challenging time and landscape."In a conversation with Archinect, Kochanowski and Sharif reflect on the "careful urgency" they will be applying to their consortium's efforts in the replies to our questions below.Can you define your roles as Co-Chairs of the Task Force?Greg Kochanowski:As Co-Chairs of the AIA|...