Before a new car comes to market, it's subjected to many months, sometimes years, of rigorous testing around the world. Sweden often hosts a big part of that journey, its cold northern expanses offering the perfect mix of frigid temperatures and frozen surfaces.It's there that I myself got to do a little testing of an upcoming new EV from Mercedes-Benz. It's the GLC with EQ Technology, an all-electric version of one of the company's most popular SUVs. With new batteries, new motors and a higher-voltage charging system, it marks a significant departure from, and upgrade over, the company's current EV offerings like the EQE SUV.But could it be better to drive? That's the question that brought me to Sweden. I'm generally quite comfortable driving on the ice and snow. I've certainly been doing it long enough, living in the northeast my entire life and ice racing for the last 20 years. But, put me behind the wheel of a priceless, hand-built prototype and I'll usually take a few extra minutes before I start to really push things.Not so when I got behind the steering wheel of the electric GLC SUV. Within 30 seconds, I had my foot flat to the floor, and I, along with a wide-eyed development engineer, were flying down an ice-covered trail bisecting a birch tree stand.Andre Tillmann on behalf of Mercedes-Benz AGThat's how good the new GLC's traction and stability control systems are. Where most cars will simply cut all the power in a slippery situation like that, especially practical-minded ones like a typical crossover SUV, the GLC was far more giving. When the grip was low over sections of dark, glassy ice, the system reduced the power application and kept me from making a big, expensive dent in a snowbank.When the grip was there, though, the GLC quickly ramped back up to maximum acceleration, relying on the power of its dual electric motors and all-wheel drive to keep us tracking smoothly and cleanly between the trees. Those motors and the smarts that control them are all part of Mercedes-Benz's new platform, MB.EA. These are permanent magnet type motors, with the front one featuring a physical disconnect to reduce its drag when it's not needed.The car also features a new heat pump thats able to absorb thermal energy from the ambient air as well as the car's various internal systems. Mercedes engineers said it will warm the cabin twice as fast using half the energy as their current EVs. Indeed, the interior in the GLC was quite cozy despite temperatures well below freezing.Unfortunately, I can't comment on the vehicle's range in those conditions. This is just a pre-production prototype, after all. Still, I'm expecting a substantial improvement over the 307 miles the EQE SUV can manage on a charge. The batteries in the GLC rely on a revised chemistry, said to reduce the reliance on troublesome cobalt while also increasing energy density. That means more miles per pound of battery.Andre Tillmann on behalf of Mercedes-Benz AGAnother thing helping to extend range is a revised regenerative braking system. The GLC will feature multiple different rates of regen, including a one-pedal mode that will bring the SUV to a complete stop. When you do go for the brake pedal, though, you might notice it feels a little weird.That's because stepping on the pedal doesn't really do anything. Similar to a sim-racing pedal set, the resistance here is simulated. You're not feeling a hydraulic system squeezing pistons, just springs compressing.It's a different sensation, but not a bad one. The idea is that the car will give you a steady, consistent feel regardless of what you're doing or how you're driving. The car itself will determine how much of your desired deceleration can come from the regenerative power of the electric motors. When it needs more than they can provide, it seamlessly calls in the physical brakes for reinforcement.In practice, it works brilliantly. The car stops smoothly and cleanly, and there's none of the occasional uneven braking that you get when stomping hard on the stop pedal in an EV. The lack of pedal feedback when ABS engages is a bit disappointing, but then I've heard that pulse causes some people to lift off the brake pedal, so perhaps it's for the best.Andre Tillmann on behalf of Mercedes-Benz AGWhen stomping on the other pedal, again, the GLC accelerates strongly. It's quick enough to keep performance-minded drivers entertained. Still, given the low-grip nature of the roads and trails I covered, I can't say just how competent a handler it will be.I can say that the optional air suspension did a sublime job over truly terrible road conditions. Ruts, washboards, frost heaves, you name it, the car happily soaked it up, even raising the suspension by an inch when some deeper snow and ice necessitated a little more ground clearance. On smoother roads, the GLC was every bit the quiet limousine that you want a luxury EV to be. There was a bit of road noise from the aggressively treaded snow tires, but this thing should be a delightful cruiser on normal tires.The only problem? We'll have to be patient. The GLC is set to make its formal debut in Germany in September, which means it likely won't enter production until well into 2026. Mercedes-Benz hasn't set a price for the electric GLC yet either. Given the state of the world right now, it's anyone's guess what the incentive/tariff situation will look like for foreign EVs, even those built in the US like Mercedes-Benz's current EQS SUV.If it's priced right, though, and if it doesn't look too awful once those camouflage stickers and taped-on protrusions are removed, it should be a winner. I already can't wait for another go behind the wheel and another chance to get even more comfortable.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/mercedes-benz-glc-with-eq-technology-prototype-drive-better-when-chilled-230157718.html?src=rss

Apple's offered Major League Baseball games through the Apple TV app since 2022, and that's continuing in 2025, with new programming at no additional cost. The company announced that "Friday Night Baseball" is coming back on March 28, and that its releasing a three-part docuseries on the 2024 World Series and a new Yankees-focused Immersive Video for the Vision Pro.The opening weekend double-header on March 28 features a match between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays at 6:30 PM ET and the New York Mets and Houston Astros at 7:30 PM ET. Apple says its season coverage will also include a rematch between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers after their World Series face-off in 2024, a game between the Texas Rangers and Astros, and match-ups between the Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies and the Dodgers and the Mets. You can view the complete schedule for the first half of the season in Apple's press release.Apple TV+ subscribers will also be able to watch coverage throughout the week on MLB shows like MLB Big Inning or Countdown to First Pitch, along with game recaps and replays of classic games. What's more interesting is the narrative documentary work Apple plans to release this season. The docuseries Fight For Glory: 2024 World Series covers the Dodgers and Yankees journey to last year's World Series and how each team handled their post-season. Meanwhile, the small Venn diagram of Yankees devotees who also happen to be Vision Pro owners will be able to watch VIP: Yankee Stadium, a short film shot in Apple's Immersive Video format that "gives viewers an all-access pass to one of the world's most iconic sports venues."While Apple has reportedly toyed with buying the rights to NFL Prime Ticket in the past, so far the company's sports programming only covers Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball. "Friday Night Baseball" launched for free in the Apple TV app in 2022, and was moved behind the Apple TV+ paywall in 2023. That subscription required continues in 2025, though Apple is clearly trying to sweeten the deal with some additional baseball content this season.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apples-friday-night-baseball-is-back-on-march-28-with-a-world-series-documentary-in-tow-222335747.html?src=rss

While Lego has made all sorts of vessels a massive model of the Titanic and a submarine included this is the brand's first steamboat. The Lego Ideas River Steamboat was unveiled alongside a few other sets at the 2025 Toy Fair.

The BMAX MaxPad I10 S Pro is a rugged tablet with dual SIM support, full mobile connectivity, and waterproofing - all for less than $200.

CoreWeave, which counts on Microsoft for close to two-thirds of its revenue, is headed for the public market.

23andMe's special committee of independent directors on Monday rejected CEO Anne Wojcicki's proposal to take the distressed genetic testing company private.

After more than eight decades in operation, craft retailer Joann is going out of business, closing all 800 of its stores and laying off 19,000 employees. The news comes after the retailers restructuring plans failed and a liquidator opted to purchase its assets. Joann is far from the only retailer in its death throes these days. Recent data shows that the number of retail-store closures is expected to double during 2025, to roughly 15,000 from the 7,300 or so in 2024.Accordingly, Joann is in a similar boat to companies such as Red Lobster, Big Lots, and Party City, which have each announced plans to either completely close up shop or enact big restructuring in recent months.And a commonality between many of them? Private equity firms are playing a large role.Private equity has been in the spotlight in recent years as it relates to many large-scale business restructurings and closings. For instance, restaurant chains Red Lobster and TGI Fridaysboth of which filed for bankruptcy last yearwere backed by private equity firms. Critics say that private equity, often simply referred to as PE, tends to come in and strip a company for parts and eventually kill it off rather than trying to make an honest attempt at turning the business around and making it profitable.While poor stewardship on the part of private equity can certainly contribute to a companys downfall, experts say what happened with Joann appears to be more nuanced.Private equity doesnt have a crystal ballJoanns situation is somewhat unusual as it relates to its current situation. Back when it was known as Jo-Ann Stores, the company was acquired by PE firm Leonard Green & Partners in 2011 for roughly $1.6 billion as part of a leveraged buyout, taking the company private. The deal effectively put Joann and its resources up as collateral, and after some rebranding and leadership changes, the retailer went public again in early 2021, during a stretch when it was getting a jolt from pandemic-era growth in crafting and other such at-home activities.But the past few years havent been so kind, and Joann again faltered. It found itself in the lurch with two bankruptcies over the past year as its leadership was unable to successfully capture the brief momentum it had experienced in 2020 and 2021.Its hard to ignore that Joann is a specialty retail company with a huge geographic footprint, large-format stores, and thousands of employees: exactly the kind of retailer that has found it increasingly difficult to thrive in the decades since e-commerce companies like Amazon have entered the fray.So while Joann did have PE backing, prevailing market conditions may be the firms ultimate undoing, experts point out. People forget the incredible role that market conditions play, says Donna Hitscherich, a senior lecturer in discipline, finance, and economics and director of the Private Equity Program at Columbia Business School. She says PE firms know how to operate businesses and are singularly focused on turning a profit. Theres little or no incentive for PE to come in and have a business fail, as in the case of Joann, Hitscherich says. That wasnt their plan. Private equity doesnt have a crystal ball.Though Joann did receive a shot in the arm during the pandemic, when many people took up new hobbies and crowded into craft stores, the retailer has been trending downward for a while. If a private equity firm purchases a struggling retailer only to see that retailer go under, theyre just giving away money, Hitscherich says.Mixed incentivesThere are ways that PE firms do make money even if the company it purchased is circling the drain, however.Because of the laws and regulations that surround the PE industry, firms are often incentivized to extract money rather than to try and make a company succeed or survive, says Brendan Ballou, author of the book Plunder: Private Equitys Plan to Pillage America, and former special counsel with the U.S. Department of Justices antitrust division.The issue is that PE firms also take fees from businesses, like management fees or transaction fees, he says.In effect, PE firms may develop a sort of parasitic relationship with their portfolio companies, extracting money through fees even if its to the long-term detriment of the targets they acquire. This sometimes happens as part of a leveraged buyout, which may put target companies at a disadvantage, as they effectively receive a lifeline but go further into debt in order to secure it.Add in the fees on top of that, and companies that were already struggling to make money may find those struggles compounded.The investors in the PE firm certainly want the business to succeed, but thats not necessarily the case for the firm, Ballou says. As such, there are mixed incentives at play.While some PE firms may end up speeding up the death of a portfolio company, rather than helping to resurrect it, supporters of private equity maintain that it plays an important role in the economy. A report from EY, provided to Fast Company by the American Investment Council, a PE-focused advocacy organization, found that the PE sector directly employed 12 million people during 2022, and a vast majority (85%) of the companies that PE firms back are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.So, while there is a role for private equity, there are also legitimate questions to be asked when a beloved company like Joann or Red Lobster hits the skids. For Ballou, it all comes back to the issue of crossed incentives: Failure for Joann doesnt necessarily mean failure for a PE firm.

Serena Williams is joining the ownership group of theWNBAsfirst Canadian franchise, the Toronto Tempo, the team announced Monday.She will partner with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures for theTempo, who will begin play in the 2026 season.I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo, said Williams. This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes I have always said that womens sports are an incredible investment opportunity. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.Williams, one of the greatest tennis players in history, will play an active role in future jersey designs.She made her professional tennis debut at age 14 at a tournament in Canada in 1995, and her last event was the 2022 U.S. Open. Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles the most by a woman in the sports Open era plus another 14 major trophies in womens doubles alongside her older sister, Venus.Serena is a champion, said Tempo President Teresa Resch. Shes the greatest athlete of all time, and her impact on this team and this country is going to be incredible. Shes set the bar for women in sport, business and the world and her commitment to using that success to create opportunities for other women is inspiring were thrilled to be marking the lead-up to International Womens Day with this announcement.Williams is the latest former pro athlete to join a WNBA ownership group. Magic Johnson, Tom Brady, Dwyane Wade and Renee Montgomery already are owners.This isnt the first ownership venture for Williams. She has a stake in the Angel City FC womens soccer team. She also holds minority stakes in the Miami Dolphins as well as TGLs Los Angeles Golf Club, the virtual golf league headed by PGA stars Tiger Williams and Rory McIlroy.Williams husband, Alexis Ohanian, donated millions of dollars to Virginias womens basketball program last year. He graduated from the school.Doug Feinberg, AP basketball writer

If you havent read already, Ive put GaN chargers on my list of 7 must-have tech products for 2025. GaN is dethroning Silicon as a more efficient semiconductor material, resulting in charging bricks and hubs that are smaller, more powerful, faster, and even more power-efficient.The tech world is shifting, and its happening at the microscopic level. Belkin is taking full advantage of this shift with its newly announced USB-C 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock 150W, an all-in-one productivity hub that combines power, connectivity, and high-speed data transfers in a sleek, compact package. Announced at MWC 2025, this docking station isnt just another port expanderits a workhorse built for power users who need to connect everything, charge fast, and keep their workflow seamless.This little box punches way above its weight. GaN (gallium nitride) technology has been creeping into chargers for a while now, but seeing it power a full-fledged docking station is where things get really interesting. By ditching traditional silicon components, Belkins dock pushes 146W of total power through a much smaller, cooler, and more efficient form factor. 96W goes straight to your laptop, keeping even demanding machines like a 16-inch MacBook Pro running at full tilt, while the remaining 50W distributes to other connected accessories. Its the kind of power delivery that lets you charge, transfer data, and run multiple devices without a second thought.Designer: BelkinMonitors? Bring them all. This dock can drive up to three external displays on Windows, maxing out at 8K at 30Hz for a single screen or 4K at 60Hz across three monitors. Thats serious real estate for designers, coders, and multitaskers who need multiple screens to work efficiently. Mac users get dual 4K monitor support, which, given Apples long-standing hardware limitations, is still a solid setup. The two HDMI 2.0 ports and USB-C DP-Alt port provide plenty of flexibility for arranging an ideal multi-monitor workspace, whether youre deep in a Premiere Pro timeline or tracking stocks across different screens.Two USB-A 10Gbps ports and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port ensure that external SSDs, cameras, and other accessories transfer data at blistering speeds. Need to quickly offload a batch of RAW photos or a massive video project? No problem. Theres also an additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) port with 20W power delivery, perfect for juicing up tablets or smartphones while keeping them connected. The SD and microSD 3.0 card slots are a godsend for photographers and videographers who dont want to fiddle with adapters.Gigabit Ethernet ensures a rock-solid, high-speed internet connection, which is a must for remote workers, gamers, or anyone tired of inconsistent Wi-Fi. Even the 3.5mm audio in/out jack makes a return, a rare but welcome addition for those who still prefer wired headphones or need a reliable mic input for calls and recordings.Belkin isnt playing around when it comes to safety, either. The 6-point protection system guards against over-current, over-temperature, over-voltage, short circuits, and overloads, all wrapped in fire-resistant materials. Its the kind of built-in security that gives peace of mind, especially for anyone using expensive gear that cant afford to be fried by a faulty dock.Aside from being power-efficient, Belkins looking at sustainability on a macro level too. The housing is made from at least 75% post-consumer recycled materials, and the packaging is 100% plastic-free. Its a small but meaningful step in making high-performance accessories more sustainable without cutting corners on durability.At $199.99, the USB-C 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock 150W earns its spot as a must-have for serious users who need a single hub that does everything. Fewer cables, faster speeds, more powerwhats not to love?!The post Belkins 11-in-1 GaN USB-C Dock Delivers Whopping 146W of Power, Triple 8K Displays, Gigabit Ethernet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hold your breath. The TECNO SPARK Slim measures just 5.75mm thick. Thats roughly the width of three credit cards stacked together. You could almost lose it if you slid it between book pages. Yet somehow, this impossibly thin device houses a massive 5,200mAh battery. Physics just calledit wants an explanation.Designer: TECNODefying Physics With a SmileToo light to make you believe its a phone, said one of the first people to hold it, weighing in at a mere 166 grams. During the presentation, the TECNO representative even jokedor perhaps he meant it seriouslythat they actually had to add weight to the device. The prototype apparently felt so insubstantial that people wouldnt believe it contained actual smartphone components. It was too light to make you believe that its a phone, he admitted with a laugh. They literally had to make it heavier just so it would feel like a real device in your hand.Imagine pulling this out at a dinner partyyoud instantly become the most interesting person in the room. Is that a coaster? Wait, thats your PHONE?The battery itself measures just 4.04mm thickthinner than a standard wooden pencil. Engineers didnt just push boundaries; they redefined them. It achieves an energy density of 800 Wh/kg without silicon additives, which could enhance durability compared to competitors that rely on silicon to increase capacity.And yes, it charges at 45W. Your ultra-thin phone wont leave you tethered to an outlet all day. Grab a coffee, plug it in, check your email, and youve already gained significant battery life.Fancy Materials That Actually MatterThe SPARK Slim features recycled aluminum and stainless steel in its unibody construction. The ceramic version feels like holding a smooth pebble that somehow runs Android 15. It repels fingerprints and scratches while helping manage heata crucial feature when youve essentially eliminated the breathing room between components.Looking fancy at the coffee shop? Sure, that happens, too. But the materials serve a genuine purpose beyond aesthetics.The stainless steel variant offers surprising structural integrity despite its thinness. Drop it on your foot, and youll still feel itthis isnt a flimsy device despite its profile.The horizontal, pill-shaped camera layout breaks from the giant camera bump trend plaguing smartphones. TECNO opted for clean lines and visual balance instead of the increasingly common slap more lenses on it approach.A Display That Transforms Content InteractionThe 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display transforms how users experience digital content. This screen employs a 20:9 or 19.5:9 aspect ratio, creating the ideal balance for modern smartphone usage. The taller, narrower format revolutionizes everything from article reading to video watching.With a resolution of 2712 1224 pixels (the 1.5K specification), text appears crystal clear, and images display with remarkable detail. This resolution perfectly complements the 20:9 aspect ratio, providing the optimal pixel density for a screen of this size.The aspect ratio plays a crucial role in the user experience. The 20:9 format enables easier one-handed operation while maximizing vertical space for social media scrolling, article reading, and split-screen multitasking. Users can finally say goodbye to constant pinching and zooming.The 144Hz refresh rate eliminates all motion blur during scrolling or gaming60Hz screens feel antiquated after experiencing this smoothness.The peak brightness of 4,500 nits is truly exceptional. Most current flagship phones reach around 1,500-2,000 nits, while premium TVs typically max out at 2,000-3,000 nits. At 4,500 nits, this display remains perfectly visible in direct sunlight. Users could potentially use it as an emergency flashlight during power outagespowerful enough to temporarily blind friends if they look directly at it.The curved edges serve multiple functions: creating a borderless visual experience, making edge gestures more intuitive, and eliminating side bezels for total immersion. When viewing content optimized for wider screens, the 20:9 ratio minimizes black bars while preserving the creators intended framing.Cameras That Ignored the Thinness MemoLogic dictates that camera quality should suffer in such a slim device. The SPARK Slim defies this logic. Dual 50MP rear cameras and a 13MP selfie camera ensure photography enthusiasts wont feel shortchanged.The interactive light band surrounding the cameras adds unexpected flair. Think of it as having a personal light show in your pocket. Practical? Perhaps not entirely. Fun? Absolutely.Brain Power in a Slim PackageThe SPARK Slim runs on an unspecified octa-core CPU, which, according to some sources, is 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This configuration provides ample power for daily social media browsing, video calls, and mobile gaming sessions.Android 15 comes pre-installed, along with modern connectivity options like 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. The future-proofing extends to security with an on-screen optical fingerprint sensor. This phone maintains full feature parity despite its ultra-thin profile.What This Means For Your Pocket (Literally)The SPARK Slim represents a magical moment in smartphone evolution. Remember when phones kept getting bigger and bulkier? This device flips that script entirely. Your pocket gets its space back. Your hand gets a device that can actually wrap around comfortably. Your battery anxiety disappears despite the slim profile.The laws of physics suggest we shouldnt be able to cram a 5,200mAh battery into a 5.75mm frame. Yet here we are. The TECNO team apparently didnt get the memo about physical limitations.Questions That Keep Engineers Up at NightWill this thin wonder handle heat well during intense gaming sessions? Physics suggests challengescomponents packed this tightly generate heat with nowhere to go. The ceramic back may help, but real-world testing will tell the full story.Can a 5.75mm phone survive an accidental sit-down? The premium materials suggest resilience, but the structural dynamics of ultra-thin devices differ from their chunkier cousins. Time will tell if its durability matches the impressive spec sheet.The Holy Cow FactorAs a concept phone heading to MWC 2025, the TECNO SPARK Slim delivers that increasingly rare wow moment in tech. In a world where most phone announcements elicit yawns, this device demands attention.The SPARK Slim proves that smartphonesdevices we check approximately 8,547 times daily (slight exaggeration)can still surprise us. It reminds us that innovation doesnt always mean adding more stuff; sometimes, it means clever engineering that does more with less.Whether this slim wonder makes it to store shelves or remains a tantalizing concept, it has already accomplished something remarkable: making people excited about smartphone design again. And thats no small feat for a device you could accidentally mail in a regular envelope.The next time someone complains their phone is too bulky, just show them the TECNO SPARK Slim and watch their jaw drop. Sometimes, the most impressive tech is the kind that makes you wonder, How on earth did they do that? This phone definitely belongs in that category.The post TECNO SPARK Slim Hands-on: The 5.75mm Wonder That Packs a Punch first appeared on Yanko Design.