Click to enlargeChelsea Sugar Head Office Exterior Colour Scheme by Eleanor Eugster and Alison Gwerder, Beca Ltd. Image: Eleanor Eugster 1 of 28Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli by Annabel Berry, Annabel Berry Creative Co, winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Award. Image: Rachel Wybrow 2 of 28Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli by Annabel Berry, Annabel Berry Creative Co, winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Colour Maestro Award.3 of 28Soda by CTRL Space winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Colour Maestro Award. Image: Simon Devitt4 of 28WOTSO Takapuna Internal Stairwell by Pauly B winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Award. Image: Tosca Christie 5 of 28The Formery by CTRL Space winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Colour Maestro Award. Image: Sarah Grace 6 of 28TR Group HQ by ArchInt winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Award. Image: supplied 7 of 28Endoscopy on Clarence Medical Centre by Ces Scott, Sandra Torres and Thomas Brock, APG Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Colour Maestro Award. Image: Amanda Aitken 8 of 28St Hildas Chapel & Whitby Redevelopment by Cameron Grindlay, Dwelling Architectural Design winner of the Resene Total Colour Education Award. Image: Nick Beadle 9 of 28Northcote Intermediate School by Clive Chapman and Iliya Kolesnikov, Pacific Environments NZ Ltd winner of the Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award. Image: Barry Tobin10 of 28The Village PreSchool by Carter Williamson Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award. Image: Katherine Lu 11 of 28Crinkle Cut by Liz Tjahjana, Aaron Paterson and Steven Lloyd, Pac Studio Ltd. and Steven Lloyd Architecture winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Colour Maestro Award. Image: Simon Devitt12 of 28Iconic Wellington Apartment by Hannah Ferens and Joneen Rodgers, Hello Home Interiors winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Award. Image: Anna Briggs 13 of 28Gateways Apartments Replacement Windshields by John Bannatyne, DLA Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Award. Image: Paul McCredie14 of 28Shades of Hydrangea by Marlene Hudson, Marlene Hudson Design winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour Maestro Award. Image: Tracey Scott 15 of 28The Jim Wakefield Pavilion by Athfield Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award. Image: David Higgins 16 of 28Arney Road Residence by Abri Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Neutrals Colour Maestro Award. Image: Katrina Weidner 17 of 28Antrim House upgrade, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga winner of the Resene Total Colour Heritage Award. Image: Brayden Mitchell and Jamie Jacobs 18 of 28Palmerston North Crematorium, Chapple Architecture winner of the Resene Total Colour Heritage Colour Maestro Award. Image: Bernadette Peters 19 of 28Te Puawnanga Science and Technology Centre, Jessica Gommers and Ruby Oliver winner of the Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential Product Award. Image: Richard Ng 20 of 28Always Song in the Water exhibition by The Letter Q Ltd and New Zealand Maritime Museum winner of the Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential Product Colour Maestro Award. Image: David St George and Blink Ltd 21 of 28Femme-ly Velues winner of the Resene Total Colour Landscape Award. Image: Sam Hartnett22 of 28Pukekawa/Auckland Domain - refurbish band rotunda by Nina Quintana and Richard Bland, Auckland Council winner of the Resene Total Colour Landscape Colour Maestro Award. Image: Supplied 23 of 28Tidal Shift by Stephanie Cartledge winner of the Resene Total Colour Bright Spot Award. Image: Nicole Reed 24 of 28A Colourful, Feminist Vision for Community by Briar Newman winner of the Resene Total Colour Rising Star Award. Image: Render Briar Newman 25 of 28RE: indigenise, vitalise, generate, vegetate, juvenate by Javani Govender winner of the Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award. Image: Drawing Javani Govender 26 of 28Summit Spas by Omea Hall winner of the Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award. Image: Drawing Omea Hall 27 of 28Te Kura School, Seatoun, Wellington. Image: supplied 28 of 28The Resene Total Colour Awards winners were announced at a colourful evening as part of Auckland Design Week. The award winners exemplify the role colour plays in accentuating design and how it can uplift our spaces inside and out. The Resene Total Colour Awards winners were announced at a colourful evening as part of Auckland Design Week. The award winners exemplify the role colour plays in accentuating design and how it can uplift our spaces inside andout.TheResene Total Colour Awards marked two significant milestones, the first being the 15th year of the awards and the second celebrating the highest number of entriesever.The judging panel included Sylvia Sandford (colour expert), John Walsh (previous editor of Architecture NZ, architectural writer) and Laura Lynn Johnston (editor of BlackWhite magazine, and previous editor of Habitatmagazine).Resene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award & Resene Total Colour Commercial ExteriorAwardChelsea Sugar Head Office Exterior Colour Scheme by Eleanor Eugster and Alison Gwerder, Beca Ltd.Image: Eleanor EugsterTheResene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award is named after the Nightingale family who founded and still runs Resene today, and recognises excellence in colour and paint use. The Awards went to: Chelsea Sugar Head Office Exterior Colour Scheme by Eleanor Eugster and Alison Gwerder, Beca Ltd.The judges said: Sugar and spice and all things nice, this project speaks in colour. A perfect example of the transformational power of paint and colour, the colour palette does the heavy lifting to take a once unassuming structure and turning it into an eye-catching feature. Each colour in the palette cleverly plays off one another, contrasting and accentuating the next. Its the icing on thecake.Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Award & Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Colour MaestroAwardWhitestone Cheese Diner & Deli by Annabel Berry, Annabel Berry Creative Co, winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Award.Image: Rachel WybrowWhitestone Cheese Diner & Deli by Annabel Berry,Annabel Berry CreativeCoThe jury said: Irresistibly charming, who wouldnt want to go into a caf that looks like this? The fun, playful and nostalgic colour palette draws you in with a sense of anticipation about what lies within. It touches on all the best elements of what makes retro designs charming, neatly packaged into a colourful wrapping that puts a refreshing spin on vintage-inspired hues. An exemplary showcase of the power of colour has turned an overlooked building into a must-visit locallandmark.Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Colour MaestroAwardSoda by CTRL Space winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Colour Maestro Award.Image: Simon DevittSoda byCTRLSpaceThe judges said: Warm and calming colours come together in this project to build an atmosphere of respite and relaxation for its clientele. The thoughtful application of the colour palette means the colour seems to seamlessly and gracefully flow over every surface, achieving an inviting aesthetic that carefully balances vibrancy with tranquillity. Playing to the senses, its an alluring use of colour that manages to feel effortless through its thoughtful and consideredapproach.Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office CoworkingAwardWOTSO Takapuna Internal Stairwell by Pauly B winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Award.Image: Tosca ChristieWOTSO Takapuna Internal Stairwell by Paul Bradley,PaulyBThe judges said: An adventure in colour, brimming with the anticipation of not knowing what new surprise awaits just around the corner. This exuberant and unexpected use of colour acts as a free-flowing organic design juxtaposed against the formal structure of the stairs. It fills the space with enthusiasm and optimism. Using a wide palette of hues from dark to light and glimmering touches of metallic, its fast become a favouritefeature.Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Colour MaestroAwardThe Formery by CTRL Space winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Colour Maestro Award.Image: Sarah GraceThe Formery by CTRLSpaceThe Judges said: Infused with a sophisticated air of office space meets corporate club, this project cleverly transforms a workplace into something that feels more like hospitality space. The colours and sheen levels have been carefully selected to play with the lighting and set the mood. The scheme is beautifully harmonious and well-grounded as a means of supporting those engaged in mutually rewarding business discussions. This palette meansbusiness.Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office CompanyAwardTR Group HQ by ArchInt winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Award.Image: suppliedTR Group New Commercial Building byArchIntThe judges said: When working with a corporate colour palette, it takes a certain adeptness to apply those colours to best serve their setting. This project does this brilliantly, using the clients daring hero hue for powerful accenting supported by a monochromatic base. Its an immersive branding experience which operates at a commercial level while still bringing out the little kid in all of us. Its bold, bright andbrilliant.Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Colour MaestroAwardEndoscopy on Clarence Medical Centre by Ces Scott, Sandra Torres and Thomas Brock, APG Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Colour Maestro Award.Image: Amanda AitkenEndoscopy on Clarence Medical Centre by Ces Scott, Sandra Torres and Thomas Brock,APGArchitectsThe judges said: There is a delightful sense of continuity which extends from the public spaces to the private workspaces in this project. Bringing together a beautiful use of textures and variations of paint colours, it exudes an undeniably soothing calmness that avoids the common obstacle of feeling too clinical. The palette is beautifully balanced with timeless tones that feel supportive and nurturing of the space and its users, radiating comfort and care wrapped up incolour.Resene Total Colour EducationAwardSt Hildas Chapel & Whitby Redevelopment by Cameron Grindlay, Dwelling Architectural Design winner of the Resene Total Colour Education Award.Image: Nick BeadleSt Hildas Chapel & Whitby Redevelopment by Cameron Grindlay, Dwelling ArchitecturalDesignThe judges said: Colour is a powerful tool when wielded well and this project certainly wields it with expertise, using a tasteful colour palette to draw attention to select architectural elements and to set the scene. Perched high on the hilltop, the blue reaches out to the sky, enlivening the building and giving it presence. Its strong, purposeful andconfident.Resene Total Colour Education Colour MaestroAwardNorthcote Intermediate School by Clive Chapman and Iliya Kolesnikov, Pacific Environments NZ Ltd winner of the Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award.Image: Barry TobinNorthcote Intermediate School by Clive Chapman and Iliya Kolesnikov, Pacific Environments NZLtdThe Judges said: Inspiring students to reach their potential is a cornerstone of education and this colour palette embraces this vision wholeheartedly. Powerful colour choices rise on the vertical, visually reinforcing the strength of the architecture. The colours are ever-so-carefully arranged with a rhythm that plays off the texture and key architectural features, adding energy without overwhelming and infusing it withcharacter.Resene Total Colour Education Colour MaestroAwardThe Village PreSchool by Carter Williamson Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award.Image: Katherine LuThe Village PreSchool by Carter WilliamsonArchitectsThe judges said: An exquisite project, this beautiful ethereal palette is totally complementary to the architecture. It feels calm and serene, ready to be injected with the bustling energy of small children. While it may at first glance appear neutral, it cleverly weaves together a complex palette of light coloured hues combined with neutrals to soften the structure. This dreamy colour blend is easy to fall in lovewith.Resene Total Colour Residential ExteriorAwardGateways Apartments Replacement Windshields by John Bannatyne, DLA Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Award.Image: Paul McCredieGateways Apartments Replacement Windshields by John Bannatyne, DLAArchitectsThe judges said: The joyful colour selections ingeniously revitalise this prominent building, infusing it with life, energy and positivity through the thoughtfully chosen and ever-so-carefully placed colour palette. It has been transformed into a friendly and visually engaging landmark. The clever installation technique ensures both aesthetic appeal and sustainable maintenance, setting a benchmark for modern architectural rejuvenation. A textbook example of how a little colour can go a longway.Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Colour MaestroAwardCrinkle Cut by Liz Tjahjana, Aaron Paterson and Steven Lloyd, Pac Studio Ltd. and Steven Lloyd Architecture winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Colour Maestro Award.Image: Simon DevittCrinkle Cut by Liz Tjahjana, Aaron Paterson and Steven Lloyd, Pac Studio Ltd. and Steven LloydArchitectureThe judges said: An unexpected soft pink lifts this home out of the ordinary. Surrounded by bush, it would have been ever so easy to paint this house all white, yet the subtle touch of colour brings so much more. Its instantly soothing, creating a relaxed retreat to enjoy as a respite from the busy city. Cleverly combined with crisp white, the pairing helps the eye read the slipper pink hue and appreciate its subtle beauty. A whisper of colour that speaksvolumes.Resene Total Colour Residential InteriorAwardIconic Wellington Apartment by Hannah Ferens and Joneen Rodgers, Hello Home Interiors winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Award.Image: Anna BriggsIconic Wellington Apartment by Hannah Ferens and Joneen Rodgers, Hello HomeInteriorsThe judges said: Colour makes this space, celebrating the essence of mid-century modern design with a well-balanced and vibrant colour palette that adds joy and interest without overwhelming the senses. Every detail harmoniously supports the palette. The curated application of colour on the open shelving transforms groupings of personal treasures into museum-worthy displays. Tailormade for the client, this home is ahaven.Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour MaestroAwardShades of Hydrangea by Marlene Hudson, Marlene Hudson Design winner of the Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour Maestro Award.Image: Tracey ScottShades of Hydrangea by Marlene Hudson, Marlene HudsonDesignColour transforms this house into a welcoming family home by creating an open, light-filled space complemented by beautifully contrasting features. There is a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding environment as if elements of the outdoors have been invited inside. Thoughtful planning has ensured it is both functional and inviting, perfectly suited for a busy life. Colour has helped make this house an easy-to-live-inhome.Resene Total Colour NeutralsAwardThe Jim Wakefield Pavilion by Athfield Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award.Image: David HigginsThe Jim Wakefield Pavilion by AthfieldArchitectsThe jury said: When it comes to the traditions of colours associated with games, you cant go far past the tradition of white in cricket. Nestled in park land that moves through the colours of the seasons, this project has embraced the essence of cricket whites. This understated neutral palette stands out amongst the natural tones of the park and allows the continuity of the sweeping forms to be the hero. In a landscape of colour, white becomes anaccent.Resene Total Colour Neutrals Colour MaestroAwardArney Road Residence by Abri Architects winner of the Resene Total Colour Neutrals Colour Maestro Award.Image: Katrina WeidnerArney Road Residence by AbriArchitectsThe jury said: So often homes are painted all white, but this home brings a little something extra to the palette. Enhanced with a refined neutral palette of grey, the classic cloudy colours ensure that this home holds its own even on the brightest of summer days. Combined with a range of textured surfaces, the colour palette provides just the right touch of variation. Neutrality highlights this homes architecturebeautifully.Resene Total Colour HeritageAwardAntrim House upgrade, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga winner of the Resene Total Colour Heritage Award.Image: Brayden Mitchell and Jamie JacobsAntrim House Upgrade, Heritage New Zealand PouhereTaongaThe judges said: With such a high-profile building to decorate, there is always the pressure of expectation. This project has risen to this challenge with much thought into not only which colours will be used but also where they will be used to best flatter the many stunning architectural details. It leads by example, showcasing how taking the time to respect and celebrate the past through refurbishment projects will ensure our heritage buildings remain a treasured part of our architecture into thefuture.Resene Total Colour Heritage Colour MaestroAwardPalmerston North Crematorium, Chapple Architecture winner of the Resene Total Colour Heritage Colour Maestro Award. Image: Bernadette PetersPalmerston North Crematorium, Chapple Architecture, SusieElmsThe jury said: With a serene and dignified approach, this colour palette honours the buildings iconic architecture. The uplifting treatment of the arches lifts the spirits, while the restrained interior colour palette provides a calm and soothing backdrop, allowing the architectural elements to shine. As a building that is used in challenging times, its tranquil and reassuring in all the rightways.Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential ProductAwardTe Puawnanga Science and Technology Centre, Jessica Gommers and Ruby Oliver winner of the Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential Product Award.Image: Richard NgTe Puawnanga Science and Technology Centre, Motat, Jessica Gommers and RubyOliverThe jury said: Wow! This transformational treasure trove of colour palettes draws your eye to each area of the space. The colour is cleverly used to designate zones of activity, to bring human scale to what could have seemed like a cavernous space and offer a collection of themed areas to explore. The palette is extensive yet is so well integrated that the colours both coordinate and contrast. Colour makes this space comealive.Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential Product Colour MaestroAwardAlways Song in the Water exhibition by The Letter Q Ltd and New Zealand Maritime Museum winner of the Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential Product Colour Maestro Award.Image: David St George and Blink LtdAlways Song in the Water exhibition by The Letter Q Ltd and New Zealand MaritimeMuseumThe jury said: Like ripples of water, this exhibitions colour palette feels like youre passing through layers of ocean. Colour is an undeniable hero, immersing each visitor into the exhibition and encouraging them to explore more and linger that little bit longer to truly take in all the curated treasures. Playful and whimsical as it transitions from space to space, the flow of colour isfaultless.Resene Total Colour LandscapeAwardFemme-ly Velues winner of the Resene Total Colour Landscape Award.Image: Sam HartnettFemme-lyVeluesThe jury said: Picking a bold palette of colours that works well together is one achievement; weaving those same colours together into a giant folly is an even greater one. This ambitious project catches the eye with its novel colour combination and structure. Towering above the land, the open weave gives the sense that the colours are playing with their surroundings. Its a hand-crafting of hues taken to a whole newlevel.Resene Total Colour Landscape Colour MaestroAwardPukekawa/Auckland Domain - refurbish band rotunda by Nina Quintana and Richard Bland, Auckland Council winner of the Resene Total Colour Landscape Colour Maestro Award.Image: SuppliedPukekawa/Auckland Domain - refurbish band rotunda by Nina Quintana and Richard Bland, AucklandCouncilThe judges said: Theres something delightful about when old is made new and its even more satisfying when bland becomes beautiful. The complementary palette feels at one with its environment yet refined and elevated. The judicious use of colour highlights the architectural detailing while the repetitive placement of colour helps each hue feel like it truly belongs. Colour has not just refreshed this rotunda, its revived it from top tobottom.Resene Total Colour Bright SpotAwardTidal Shift by Stephanie Cartledge winner of the Resene Total Colour Bright Spot Award.Image: Nicole ReedTidal Shift by StephanieCartledgeThe judges said: With a fusion of colour and community, this work energises its surroundings with a vibrant palette and thoughtful symbolism inspired by the local environment. Boldly painted graphic elements broadcast a universally understandable message and invite passersby to pause, reflect and connect. Its a striking example of how colour and design can inspire and engage usall.Resene Total Colour Rising StarAwardA Colourful, Feminist Vision for Community by Briar Newman winner of the Resene Total Colour Rising Star Award.Image: Render Briar NewmanA Colourful, Feminist Vision for Community by BriarNewmanThe judges said: This project boldly reimagines space through a feminist lens, using a dynamic pink palette with supplementary hues to empower and nurture. By thoughtfully manipulating colour, the design transforms the area into a supportive haven, celebrating life and femininity. The skilful integration of colour creates a harmonious environment that invites women to confidently claim their space. This colour palette exudes courage andtenacity.Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour MaestroAwardRE: indigenise, vitalise, generate, vegetate, juvenate by Javani Govender winner of the Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award.Image: Drawing Javani GovenderRE: indigenise, vitalise, generate, vegetate, juvenate by JavaniGovenderThe judges said: Masterfully integrating health and community, this project emanates warmth and a sense of grounding that resonates with the land. In a world searching for well-being and mindfulness, the colour palette deftly achieves both. Drawing inspiration from traditional whare blended with subtle Japanese influences, the concept connects to the environment to evoke an inviting space that welcomes each and everyone. A colour palette for all toenjoy.Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour MaestroAwardSummit Spas by Omea Hall winner of the Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award.Image: Drawing Omea HallSummit Spas by OmeaHallThe judges said: The epitome of alpine sophistication, this project blends seamlessly with the strength of its surrounding mountaintops while maintaining a lovely lightness. Theres a perfect fit between the breathtaking design and the carefully chosen colour palette. The meticulous attention to specification of this ambitious project reflects a level of care associated with professionals. Its a stunningly beautiful space, perfect forrelaxation.Winner - LifetimeAchievementPeter Beaumont of TEAM Architects Wellington, Winner - Lifetime Achievement.Peter Beaumont, TEAM ArchitectsWellingtonThe judges said: Peter has an innate ability to not only use colour in a practical way that supports the architecture, defines spaces and guides movement intuitively, but also to delight those who interact with and admire his projects from near and far. Its a delicate balancing act to select colours that are both fitting and thoughtful yet expresse and sensory and its a skill Peter has wellmastered.Peters colour selections run the gamut of neutrals through to pastels and brights, with each colour carefully considered to best suit the needs of each project. No two projects are alike. Peters passion for colour is most evident in the education sector with many schools and students of all ages benefitting from his thoughtful work and delightful and novel colour selections. Peter has also generously shared his knowledge over many years as a lecturer, inspiring those that dream to follow his architecturalpath.After a successful career spanning more than four decades, which has seen him win multiple colour awards, Peter has developed a deep understanding of the subtle ways colour benefits and conditions how people interact with and use space. One of his lasting legacies is passing on this prowess, as well as his passion, knowledge, bravery and confidence in colour to countless colleagues and architecturalgraduates.This Resene Lifetime Achievement in Colour award celebrates Peters tenacity, skill and flair as an architect who isnt afraid to experiment withcolour.

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Daylight saving timeis the source of a lot of hot takes. Whether you're for or against the practices of springing forward and falling back, the changing of clocks has repercussions that go far beyond losing or gaining an hour of sleep.The spring DST change means we lose an hour of sleep but gain daylight at the end of the day. With it, according to research, comes a lowered risk of crime, including home break-ins and burglaries. Why do thieves back down? As our conversations with criminologists has shown, many burglarsprefer to strike homes in the middle of the day, when they're more confident the house will be empty. But plenty of burglars still like to wait for the cover of darkness to sneak around, and DST has a significant impact on their choices. Studies such as this research from Jennifer Doleac and Nicholas Sanders have shown (even with other factors accounted for) the extra hour of daylight leads to a decrease in crimes such as robberies, which fall by as much as 27% during the sunset hours to save around $246 million in social crime costs each year. That also applies to reported crimes such as murder and rape, which fall significantly as the evening brightens -- murder reports by as much 48% and rape by 56%.While researchers noted that "Individuals discover a burglary upon returning home, or a stolen car on the following morning, but have no idea what time during the day the burglary occurred," the trend appears to apply to all spur-of-the-moment crimes -- which most break-ins fall under.The reverse is even more noticeable for home crime. When home security company Vivint compared crime rates, it found that home burglaries and related crimes jumped 16% when daylight savings time ended in the fall. Blink offers a cheap option for a smart floodlight cam. BlinkSo while jumping our clocks backward and forward can be a pain, keep in mind that March's DST shift is helping to keep you and your home safer. There are also signs that bright streetlights can have a similar effect, helping to cut down on all kinds of theft. It turns out people prefer the dark when they get in a stealing mood and a brighter atmosphere makes them less likely to act out.Although we don't suggest trying to install your own personal street lamps on a public road, you should stop by our picks for the best security cameras with floodlights for a similar effect. Look up our full list of tips to deter burglars to learn even more.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 10: Tesla Model Y battery electric compact crossover SUV on display at ... [+] the AutoSalon on January 10, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)Getty ImagesNew cars are out, used cars are in.Consumer Reports has just released its first ever brand ranking of used cars. Why? One reason is that new car prices are just too high for the average consumer. With the historically high price of new autos these days, more and more people are naturally looking to the pre-owned market in search of a better bargain, said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development at Consumer Reports, in a post.Used Model Y price collapseAnd better bargains abound for the most popular EV in the U.S., the Model Y. The average price for a used Y has dropped more than $6,000 over the last 12 months to about $30K this month, as shown in the CarGurus chart below. If you go back even further to March 2023, the bottom has dropped out of Model Y pricing, falling more than $20,000.Tesla Model Y average used price has dropped to about $30K.Credit: CarGurusA quick glance at prices on CarGurus for low-mileage (under 20K miles) Model Ys in the Los Angeles aftermarket, for example, show lots of decent deals, with plenty of low-mileage cars priced well below $30K.Used Model Y on CarGurus site.Credit: CarGurusThe sub-$15,000 Model 3Used Model 3s albeit high mileage can now be found for well below $15,000. When used prices sink that low it provides a buying opportunity for first-time electric vehicle buyers who otherwise could not afford an EV. For example, a used 2020 Model 3 with 170,000+ miles is being offered for $11,999 on CarGurus. Thats chump change for a Tesla. And a 2020 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD with around 58,000 miles is being offered for $19,999.Model Y sell-off, new rivalsWith the new Model Y Juniper being delivered to the first customers on Saturday, expect a sell-off of the prior generation Y if that hasnt already begun. There is also an undercurrent of anti-Tesla sentiment that may be driving some sales but that is difficult to quantify. One thing is not in doubt, however: there is a lot more competition.Despite Teslas continued reputation for competitive pricing and strong lease deals especially for the Model 3 and Model Y the brand is facing mounting pressure in an increasingly competitive EV landscape, Davide Greene, an industry analyst at Cars.com, told me in an email. The number of used EV models on the market has spiked, growing 31% year over year, with 76 different models available as of February 2025, compared to just 58 a year prior. This expansion gives consumers more choices beyond Tesla, including fresh designs from other brands, Greene said.Searches for Tesla dropping, vehicles lingeringWeb searches for used EVs are also trending away from Tesla. In February 2025, searches for used Teslas dropped 7% year over year, while searches for other used EVs jumped 28% year over year, according to Greene.Additionally, used Teslas are lingering on dealer lots at a similar rate to other EVsmarking a shift from a year ago when Tesla models moved more quickly than their competitors, Greene said. The combination of more competition and shifting consumer preferences makes it clear that Teslas dominance is being tested, he said.

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You'll never guess who decided to drop a 10-minute trailer on a Sunday? That's right, Kojima Productions has just released a new Death Stranding 2 trailer, and it's got plenty of both gameplay and cinematics to take in. In addition, we finally have a release date for Death Stranding 2: June 26, 2025! Read more

Manus, an agentic AI platform that launched in preview last week, is generating more hype than a Taylor Swift concert.The head of product at Hugging Face called Manus the most impressive AI tool Ive ever tried. AI policy researcher Dean Ball described Manus as the most sophisticated computer using AI. The official Discord server for Manus grew to over 138,000 members in just a few days, and invite codes for Manus are reportedly selling for thousands of dollars on Chinese reseller app Xianyu.But its not clear the hype is justified.Manus wasnt developed entirely from scratch. According to reports on social media, the platform uses a combination of existing and fine-tuned AI models, including Anthropics Claude and Alibabas Qwen, to perform tasks such as drafting research reports and analyzing financial filings. Yet on its website, Monica the Chinese startup behind Manus gives a few wild examples of what the platform supposedly can accomplish, from buying real estate to programming video games.In a viral video on X, Yichao Peak Ji, a research lead for Manus, implied that the platform was superior to agentic tools such as OpenAIs deep research and Operator. Manus outperforms deep research on a popular benchmark for general AI assistants called GAIA, Ji claimed, which probes an AIs ability to carry out work by browsing the web, using software, and more. [Manus] isnt just another chatbot or workflow, Ji said in the video. Its a completely autonomous agent that bridges the gap between conception and execution [] We see it as the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration.But some early users say that Manus is no panacea.Alexander Doria, the co-founder of AI startup Pleias, said in a post on X that he encountered error messages and endless loops while testing Manus. Other X users pointed out that Manus makes mistakes on factual questions and doesnt consistently cite its work and often misses information thats easily found online.My own experience with Manus hasnt been incredibly positive.I asked the platform to handle what seemed to me like a pretty straightforward request: order a fried chicken sandwich from a top-rated fast food joint in my delivery range. After about ten minutes, Manus crashed. On the second attempt, it found a menu item that met my criteria, but Manus couldnt complete the ordering process or provide a checkout link, even.Trying to order fried chicken sandwiches with Manus is a frustrating experience.Image Credits:ManusManus similarly whiffed when I asked it to book a flight from NYC to Japan. Given instructions that I thought didnt leave much room for ambiguity (e.g. look for a business-class flight, prioritizing price and flexible dates), the best Manus could do was serve up links to fares across several airline websites and airfare search engines like Kayak, some of which were broken.Manus cant book flights to Tokyo for you just yet.Image Credits:ManusHoping the next few tasks might be the charm, I told Manus to reserve a table for one at a restaurant within walking distance. It failed after a few minutes. Then I asked the platform to build a Naruto-inspired fighting game. It errored out half an hour in, which is when I decided to throw in the towel.Weve reached out to Monica for comment and will update this post if we hear back. So if Manusis is falling short of its technical promises, why did it blow up? A few factors contributed, such as the exclusivity created by a scarcity of invites.Chinese media was quick to tout Manus as an AI breakthrough; publication QQ News called it the pride of domestic products. Meanwhile, AI influencers on social media spread misinformation about Manus capabilities. A widely-shared video showed a desktop program, ostensibly Manus, taking action across multiple smartphone apps. Ji confirmed that the video wasnt, in fact, a demo of Manus.Other influential AI accounts on X sought to draw comparisons between Manus and Chinese AI company DeepSeek comparisons not necessarily rooted in fact. Monica didnt develop in-house models, unlike DeepSeek. And while DeepSeek made many of its technologies openly available, Monica hasnt at least not quite yet.To be fair to Monica, Manus is in early access. The company claims its working to scale computing capacity and fix issues as theyre reported. But as the platform currently exists, Manus appears to be a case of hype running ahead of technological innovation.

In BriefPosted:2:10 PM PDT March 9, 2025Image Credits:picture alliance / Getty ImagesJapans service robot market projected to triple in five yearsFaced with an aging population and labor shortages, Japanese businesses are increasingly relying on service robots to supplement their workforce, according to Bloomberg.Research firm Fuji Keizai projects the countrys service robot market to nearly triple by 2030, to 400 billion ($2.7 billion). Potentially driving that growth: The Recruit Works Institute projects that the country will face a labor shortfall of 11 million by 2040, while a government-backed institute estimates that nearly 40% of the population will be 65 or older by 2065.To illustrate how robots are filling the gap, Bloomberg points to the countrys largest table service restaurant chain, Skylark, which uses around 3,000 cat-eared robots to bring food to tables. At one the chains Tokyo restaurants, 71-year-old Yasuko Tagawa estimated that half her job now involves some form of robotic assistance.At one point, Tagawa told a robot, Thanks for your hard work. Ill be counting on you.Topics

Answers for today's NYT Mini Crossword are just ahead.New York TimesIn case you missed Sundays NYT Mini, you can find the answers here:Wondering what a swirl of water is? Not sure which Hamilton character sings The Room Where It Happens? Dont worry, because Im here to help you with some hints and the answers for today's NYT Mini crossword.The NYT Mini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper's larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.Unlike its larger sibling, the NYT Mini crossword is free to play on the NYT Games app. However, youll need an NYT Games subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives.To help you avoid getting stuck and having to reveal missing letters, here are the NYT Mini Crossword hints and answers for Monday, March 10.Spoilers lie ahead, so remember to scroll slowly:NYT Mini Crossword HintsNYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Abundant in something5 Across: Not Dakota, sounds like a single letter6 Across: A way to enjoy ice cream by adding it to a soft drink7 Across: A prickly exterior of a fruit9 Across: Grant or CurryNYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Official for short2 Down: Two-word exclamation3 Down: The main character of Final Fantasy VII4 Down: Listened to7 Down: Give it some effortNYT Mini Crossword Clues And AnswersNYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Like billionaires and chocolate cake - RICH5 Across: Actress Fanning of A Complete Unknown - ELLE6 Across: Stay above water - FLOAT8 Across: Hamilton character who sings "The Room Where It Happens" - BURR9 Across: Swirl of water - EDDYNYT Mini Down Answers1 Down: "Hey ___, check your voicemail, youve missed a few calls!" (heckle) - REF2 Down: "Wow, would you look at that!"- ILL BE3 Down: Stratocumulus, e.g. - CLOUD4 Down: Got wind of - HEARD7 Down: Not phone it in - TRY(Having trouble uploading a screenshot of todays completed grid. Sorry!)It took me 0:58 to complete today's NYT Mini.I thought I might have had the elusive perfect game today by getting all of the Across answers correct on my first pass but I stumbled after the first three. Ive watched Hamilton, but couldnt recall the characters name. And then EDDY didnt click at all.Thank goodness for the Down answers. REF was already complete thats an awful heckle in the clue and I would be mad at anyone who yelled it in real life. ILL BE didnt come to me, but I got the other three answers with no problem.Once I was back on the Across side, I was able to complete BURR, and then EDDY once ILL BE became clear.See you tomorrow for more NYT Mini fun!Make sure to follow my blog for more coverage of the NYT Mini and other word games, as well as video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Want to chat about the Mini, Connections and other NYT games? Join my Discord community!

StrandsNew York TimesLooking for Sundays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:For some reason I found this Strands today absolutely baffling to the point where I sat there staring at it for probably ten minutes even trying to hunt down any more four letter words for clues. But I got it in the end.How To Play StrandsThe New York Times Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search. Its in beta for now, which means itll only stick around if enough people play it every day.Theres a new game of Strands to play every day. The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters. The aim is to find a group of words that have something in common, and youll get a clue as to what that theme is. When you find a theme word, it will remain highlighted in blue.Youll also need to find a special word called a spangram. This tells you what the words have in common. The spangram links two opposite sides of the board. While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name. When you find the spangram, it will remain highlighted in yellow.Be warned: Youll need to be on your toes.Some themes are fill-in-the-blank phrases. They may also be steps in a process, items that all belong to the same category, synonyms or homophones, The New York Times notes. Just as she varies the difficulty of Wordle puzzles within a week, [Wordle and Strands editor Tracy] Bennett plans to throw Strands solvers curveballs every once in a while.What Is Todays Strands Hint?The NYT hint will give you a vague idea and then mine will try to clarify. Heres the hint:Youre Pushing My ButtonsMine is:Not A BrowserI wanted to cut out a whole idea here.What Are Todays Strands Answers?The spangram will be first followed by the answers, in this case, it actually looks like what it describes a bit.REMOTECONTROLAnd where you find it:StrandsNYTHere is the answer list:CHANNELVOLUMEMUTEBACKGUIDEHOMEPOWERStrandsNYTSo, I am so internet-pilled that I thought that these were going to be buttons you pressed in a browser, as I found HOME and BACK first. But from there, I found POWER and was confused, thinking maybe this was just any type of button. Ultimately, I got to the remote control concept whichI have become less than familiar with watching things on my PC or iPad.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and