Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube813k Sega has positioned itself as a staunch early supporter of the Switch 2, offering up three key titles on day one and three more to follow later on. While we've yet to experience the full lineup, Sega invited us to check out a trio of launch-period titles in what marked our first extended experience with the Switch 2 completely untethered from any kind of demo kiosk. Wild stuff! But we're not here to talk about the hardware; more on that will come soon enough. This is all about the games, so let's kick things off with Kiryu...Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube813kWatch on YouTube Yakuza 0: Director's Cut Image: Sega Upon booting up this Director’s Cut of this 2015 game, the first thing that strikes us is just how clean it looks. Sure, we’ve had some really great-looking games on the original Switch, but there was something about Yakuza 0 that screams premium. It may simply be because we've played the game extensively before, and usually when you move from PS4 to original Switch, you expect some pretty heavy visual compromises. On Switch 2, there’s nothing of the sort. Yakuza 0 looks exactly like it does on the PS4; perhaps even better, with razor-sharp image clarity and exceptionally smooth frame rate. It’s glorious. The single-player portion of the demo stars fan-favourite Goro Majima. The lengthy dialogue sequences within the main story gave us a good sense of how voice actor Matthew Mercer (Ganondorf, Leon Kennedy) comes across as the voice of Majima, and honestly, he’s pretty good! Ultimately, while we suspect many of you will stick to the original Japanese dub, we reckon you’ll be pretty happy with the English version, too. Images: Sega If you’ve played Yakuza Kiwami on Switch (or really any entry before the series shifted to a turn-based RPG setup with Yakuza: Like A Dragon), you’ll feel right at home here. Once we were let loose to explore the immediate environment of Sotenbori, we were free to take on gang members skulking in the shadows, chat to NPCs to initiate side quests, and – unfortunately – get absolutely annihilated in a shakedown fight. The aforementioned side quest in this case was the ‘Be My Boyfriend!’ mission, which sees Majima play the role of doting partner to a girl who just wants to impress her father. It’s a hilarious sequence completely devoid of any combat, but the dialogue really highlights just how funny the series can be. In fact, if you make the right dialogue choices, the father winds up begging you to be his daughter’s boyfriend for real! We also looked at the new multiplayer mode, Red Light Raid. It’s a pretty simple setup: you and up to four friends combine forces to take on hordes of enemies, and that’s really it. Once you complete the designated number of waves based on your chosen difficulty, you’ll face off against a boss character, which is usually one of the notable characters from the main game. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, but it’s also ultimately pretty shallow. Images: Sega The number of playable characters was quite limited in the demo, but in addition to the likes of Kiryu, Majima, Kuze, and Nishikiyama, you’ve also got deeper cuts like the utterly outrageous Ginger Chapman, whose slow, hulking frame is compensated for with a deadly melee weapon. It’s a neat little mode which you can also play solo if you desire, but we suspect most players will be sticking to the excellent story mode, which remains one of the very best in the Yakuza series. RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army Image: Sega We have to admit, Raidou Remastered isn’t the best game to demo over the course of 20 minutes or so. That said, our time with it did at least give us a taste of what to expect in terms of exploration, interactions, and combat. The demo mostly took place within the town of Tsukudo-cho, home of the Narumi Detective Agency headquarters. We were free to explore and chat with the locals, but some of them didn’t have a whole lot to say. This is where you’re able to break out one of your demon companions and read characters’ minds. This way, you can get a sense of what it is they’re after and thus help them out accordingly. Moving around the town revealed that the camera was essentially fixed in place, shifting perspective whenever protagonist Raidou (pronounced ‘Ry-doo’, by the way) would turn onto a different street. There were a few instances where the change in camera angle felt a little off and it was quite difficult to judge which direction we had to go – it’s no classic Resident Evil, that’s for sure. Still, wandering about the town was fun, and the accompanying music was oddly serene and comforting. Images: Sega The action really kicks into gear when you deliver some wine to the ‘Big Tarrasque’ creature dwelling within the Daidouji Residence basement. Once this weird turtle/ape hybrid decides Raidou would be perfect pairing with the wine, a battle commences. Unlike most Shin Megami Tensei games, Raidou allows you to run around the arena and attack at will, with different moves mapped to the various Switch 2 face buttons. Actions such as attacking an enemy, exploiting weaknesses, or even healing will build up Spirit during the battle. Once you gain enough Spirit, you can unleash a powerful Spirit Slash attack with ‘A’ + ‘X’, hitting all enemies within the area. Initiating the move results in a brief, slick cutscene in which Raidou unleashes a wave of fire with a few quick strokes of his sword. It’s pretty awesome. Images: Sega All in all, the battle mechanics feel intuitive and responsive, and should appeal to those who are intrigued by the world of Shin Megami Tensei but otherwise put off by the often daunting turn-based mechanics. Here, the action feels a bit more akin to something you might find in a modern Final Fantasy game. It’s a nice change of pace, and we can’t wait to see how it develops and evolves as you proceed further into the game. While we barely scratched the surface of Raidou, we're really excited for this one. Yes, the graphics don't exactly scream next-gen, but this is nevertheless an extensive upgrade from the PS2 original. Definitely one to keep an eye on. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S Image: Sega We suspect that the biggest question mark for Sega fans might well be Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, a game that, on the surface at least, looks like more of the same for another £35 on Switch 2. What exactly is the point? Well, to be honest, this one is definitely more likely to appeal to those who have yet to dive into the series, but the chaos involved with the new Doubles Mode might just be enough to convince die-hard fans to double-dip. Doubles Mode essentially has you and a friend team up to take on your opponents. The twist, however, is that you’re not in charge of your own Puyo Puyo / Tetris board each, but rather you’re working together on a single board. This means that you have to actually communicate with each other to determine where each player will place their piece. Get it right, and you can accomplish some pretty devastating combos. It’s very easy to mess up, however, and this is down to friendly collision. Images: Sega You see, you’d think that you’d be able to move your pieces wherever you want, regardless of where your friend is positioned on the board. Not so. You actually have to move out of each other’s way, and if you happen to collide with each other, the resulting confusion will cost precious time. It’s pretty chaotic and we weren’t sure what to make of it at first, but as long as you maintain communication and decide who’s doing what, it’s certainly manageable and even quite enjoyable. What’s not enjoyable, however, are the optional mouse controls – emphasis on ‘optional’. Granted, we didn’t get a whole lot of time with the game (20 minutes or so), so there’s every chance that a bit more time will yield a more positive impression of the controls, but it just felt weird. Essentially, moving the Joy-Con around on a surface will cause the corresponding Tetris block or Puyo blob to move in the same direction – much like a desktop cursor on a PC. Clicking ‘R’ allows you to rotate your piece, but the real kicker is how you perform a hard drop. Normally, if you’re using a standard D-pad setup, this would be accomplished by tapping up; so you line up your piece with left and right and tap up to hard drop – easy. With the mouse mode, however, you have to twist your thumb around to rest on the analogue stick, then pull it down. Images: Sega It’s such a bizarre setup, we couldn’t properly get to grips with it in the time that we had, and ultimately we just switched back to standard controls so we could focus on the game itself. If we’re able to remap controls and have the hard drop function mapped to a face button or even ‘ZR’, this might prove a compelling control method. As it is, it’s not something we can recommend. Ultimately, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is more of the same, and we imagine there are fans out there just waiting to get this downloaded on the new console. Newcomers have a lot to dive into, including Adventure Mode, Skill Battle, and more, but for those more casual fans who already own Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 elsewhere, we get the impression you won't be missing out on too much if you skip this one at launch. Another one of those block-dropping feats So that's yer lot for now! Overall, we're pretty pleased with Sega's upcoming output for the Switch 2. None of these games will do much to convince the layman that the system is a massive step up from its predecessor in terms of raw power, but if you're someone who values a strong cadence of great games early in a console's lifespan, you'll like what Sega's got waiting in the wings. Huge thanks to Sega for the opportunity to check these out. Yakuza 0 and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S will be joined by Sonic X Shadow Generations on 5th June, while RAIDOU Remastered will launch shortly after on 19th June. Two Point Museum is "2025" and Virtua Fighter 5 REVO doesn't have a date yet. Which of these games currently takes your fancy? Will you be grabbing Yakuza or Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S on launch day? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below. It's close, though Switch information also revealed Related Games See Also Share:0 1 Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... 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You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here The Illuminate have finally invaded Super Earth, and it’s all hands on deck as Helldivers are ordered to “obliterate” billions of the squids to protect our home. To help in the fight against the army of aliens, SEAF troops are on the battlefield. Helldivers 2 players have immediately fallen in love with and want the SEAF troops to stay post-invasion. While there’s no guarantees this will happen, Arrowhead’s CCO has entertained the possibility of an SEAF moba or stratagem. Helldivers 2 CCO entertains possibility of SEAF troops staying There’s a lot of affection for the SEAF since the release of the Heart of Democracy update on May 20th. On the subreddit, there’s a post titled, “AH can we please keep them after the assault ends,” and, as of writing, it has 9.6K upvotes with nearly 450 comments echoing the sentiment. While nothing is official, Arrowhead CCO, Pilestedt, has entertained the idea of them staying or at least having a role in the future. On X, one user suggested a “new game mode where we play as the SEAF”. Pilestedt responded, “I don’t think that will happen… but maybe something similar to a moba setting where you have to pave the way for SEAF? We’ll have to see”. In another interaction, a user commented, “I really like the SEAF guys, maybe you guys [Arrowhead] could add a stratagem to call in a 6-8 man squad of them via a Pelican or two? Maybe fast rope down, to help reduce landing area issues?”. In response, Pilestedt teased, “We’ll see what happens”. Neither of these replies guarantee a future role for the SEAF post-Super Earth invasion, but at least the idea is being entertained rather than being completely shut down. If the SEAF do disappear once the Illuminate invasion is over, hopefully Arrowhead will be able to implement another role for them, but, if not, at least players will be able to remember the time spent together rebelling against the Illuminate. For more Helldivers 2, check out our guide to the best warbonds ranked, along with the best stratagems and best throwables. We have also a guide to the best weapons, and, if you’re coming back to HD2 for the first time in a long while, we have a bunch of tips and tricks to help you get reaccustomed to the battlefield. Helldivers 2 Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5 Genre(s): Action, Shooter, Third Person 8 VideoGamer Subscribe to our newsletters! By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime. Share

May 21, 20255 min readThe Very Real Health Implications of Medicaid Cuts for Older PeopleFor people aged 65 and older, Medicaid can provide vital health care—and losing coverage makes people sickerBy Jane Tavares, Marc Cohen & The Conversation US Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for more than 82 million Americans. FatCamera/Getty ImagesThe following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research.Republicans in Congress intend to cut about US$880 billion in federal health care spending.One of their primary targets is Medicaid. That government program covers 82 million Americans with health insurance. Most of the people enrolled in the program are low income, have disabilities, or both.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Medicaid, jointly funded by the federal government and the states, is also the biggest funder in the U.S.of long-term care services, whether they are delivered in the patient’s home, another location where they spend part of their day or a nursing home. That makes it particularly important for older adults and those with disabilities. All states must meet the basic federal guidelinesfor Medicaid coverage. But 41 states have optedto take advantage of the Affordable Care Act provision that expanded eligibility to cover more people under the program.We are gerontology researcherswho study health and financial well-being in later life. We’ve been analyzing what the potential impacts of Medicaid cuts might be.While the debate about how to reduce the budget focuses largely on dollars and cents, we believe that cutting federal spending on Medicaid would harm the health and well-being of millions of Americans by reducing their access to care. In our view, it’s also likely that any savings achieved in the short term would be smaller than the long-term increase in health care costs born by the federal government, the states and patients – including for many Americans who are 65 and older.Weak track recordWary of backlash from their constituents, Republicans have agreed on a strategy that would largely cut Medicaid spending in a roundabout way.Previous efforts by the GOP in some states, such as imposing work requirements for some people to get Medicaid benefits, have not greatly reduced costs. That’s largely because there are relatively few people enrolled in the Medicaid program who are physically able to be employed and aren’t already in the workforce. Nor have past efforts to reduce fraud, waste and abuse led to significant savings.According to widespread media reports, Republicans are considering changes that would cut the amount of money that the federal government reimburses states for what they spend on Medicaid.In May 2025, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that 8.6 million Americans would lose their health insurance coverage should the GOP proposal become law.Historically, states have dealt with budget cuts by reducing their payments to health care providers, limiting eligibility or restricting benefits. These reductions all particularly affected home- and community-based services that many disabled and older adults rely on.About 3 in 4 of the people with Medicaid coverage who receive long-term care through the program get that care at home, in their communities or both, rather than residing in a nursing home. States save an estimated 26 cents for every dollar spent on those services delivered outside nursing homes.Losing coverage can be harmful for your healthWe recently analyzed data from a nationally representative study of approximately 6,000 people who had Medicaid coverage but lost it when they turned age 65 because their income exceeded 100% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that cutoff is about $15,560 for a single person and $21,150 for a couple.Medicaid income eligibility generally drops from 138% to 100% of the federal poverty level at age 65 once Medicare becomes a person’s primary health insurer.The people who participated in the study had lost their Medicaid coverage upon turning 65 between 1998 and 2020. Our team followed the experiences of these participants over a 10-year period starting at age 65 to see how they fared compared with people who continue to be enrolled in Medicaid after their 65th birthday.What we found was both surprising and disturbing.Fewer activities of daily livingOver the decade following that milestone, the people who lost their Medicaid coverage had more chronic conditions and could perform fewer activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed, without any assistance as compared with those who still had Medicaid coverage. In addition, they were twice as likely to experience depression and be in fair or poor health.As people’s health worsened, they also went to the hospital more often and stayed there longer. They also used outpatient surgery services more frequently.These services are particularly expensive for the health care system. Depending on the service, it may also be costly for patients. Unlike the comprehensive coverage of Medicaid, the Medicare program fully covers only inpatient hospitalizations, short-term nursing facility care, hospice, some short-term home care, annual wellness visits, vaccines and some basic preventive care. Beyond that, Medicare requires the payment of premiums to help with uncovered services that can also include deductibles and copays.This arrangement can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs that make health care hard for low-income older adults to afford unless they have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage.We also found that older people who lost Medicaid coverage were less likely to see their primary care physician for routine and follow-up care, despite being enrolled in Medicare. This explains in part why they are going to the hospital more often, likely avoiding routine health care that may incur out-of-pocket costs and eventually utilizing Medicare-covered hospital care when needed.In short, we found that exiting the Medicaid program upon turning 65 actually leads to an increase in the use of some of the most expensive health care services, such as inpatient hospitalization and outpatient surgery. So although Medicaid may no longer pay for these costs, the rest of the health care system does.Just under 90% of older adults enrolled in Medicare have some kind of supplemental coverage that helps them pay for services that the program doesn’t cover. For 16% of the people with Medicare coverage, Medicaid covers those additional health care costs. The rest of that nearly 90% obtain supplemental coverage from private insurance companies or are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that’s run by a private company instead of the government.However, 11% of Americans covered by Medicare don’t have any additional coverage. It is likely that those who lost Medicaid benefits at age 65 may not be able to afford any other supplemental coverage options and fall into this group.People who lose Medicaid coverage may die soonerOne of our more troubling findings was that people who lost Medicaid coverage at age 65 were 14% more likely to die within the next 10 years than were those who kept their coverage in addition to gaining Medicare coverage. This was true even though the people who lost their Medicaid access tended to start out in better health.Roughly 12 million Americans are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid today. Much is at stake for them and other low-income people as Congress considers making major changes to the program to cut federal spending on it.For some Americans, it’s a matter of life and death. For others, it’s a matter of healthy versus unhealthy aging that leads to costlier health care not just for themselves but for the U.S. as a whole.This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

In case you haven't heard, Fortnite — the megahit video game from Epic Games that's stuffed with characters from every media franchise imaginable, not to mention real celebrities — has become a cause célèbre after it introduced Darth Vader as an in-game boss. This was no ordinary homage to the "Star Wars" villain. It uses "conversational AI" to recreate the iconic voice of the late actor James Earl Jones, allowing gamers to chat with the Sith Lord and ask him pretty much any question they want.Though it's resulted in plenty of light-hearted fun, gamers, being gamers, immediately set to work tricking the AI into swearing and saying slurs.But that's only the beginning of the controversy, if you can believe it. On Monday, the Screen Actor's Guild blasted Epic Games for its AI Vader stunt and filed an unfair labor complaint against the developer with the National Labor Relations Board, arguing that Epic's use of AI violated their agreement by replacing human performers without notice."Fortnite's signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with AI technology," SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. "Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms." SAG-AFTRA is still on strike against the video game industry, though actors are still allowed work on Fortnite and some other exempted projects, . Voice actors, in general, have struggled to win the same protections against AI as other performers in other fields. It's easier and far cheaper to fake someone's voice and pass it off as real than it is to mimic a visual performance.For this stunt, Epic used Google's Gemini 2.0 model to generate the wording of Vader's responses, and ElevenLabs' Flash v2.5 model for the audio.Whatever your thoughts on the ethics of resurrecting a dead actor's voice with AI, no theft is involved with Epic's AI Vader  — just, if SAG is to be believed, dubious labor practices. It was created in collaboration with Jones' estate, according to an Epic press release featuring a statement from the family. Jones, shortly before he passed away, signed a contract with Disney allowing the AI startup Respeecher to clone his voice. That's all fine with SAG-AFTRA. It doesn't necessarily have a problem with actors — or their estates — licensing AI replicas of themselves. "However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members," the union wrote, "including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader's iconic rhythm and tone in video games."We'll have to see what the labor board and Epic make of SAG-AFTRA's claims. In the meantime, it's pretty jarring to see an AI version of Jones' legendary Vader performance out in the wild and answering silly questions in a video game.More on AI: Even Audiobooks Aren't Safe From AI SlopShare This Article

Got a project that’s too contemporary for your client? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! The clock is ticking — submit your work ahead of the Main Entry deadline on June 6th. Spiral staircases are famously beautiful but notoriously tricky to design, particularly in section. (Ask any architect who’s ever tried!) Still, the payoff is worth it. Beyond their visual appeal, spiral stairs can save space, guide circulation, and even become striking centerpieces within a building. The projects below prove there’s more than one way to embrace the twist, using unexpected materials and creative details to shape spaces in offices, schools, restaurants and parks. Even when things get complicated, these nine stairs make a strong case for taking the spiral route. OFFICE @ 63 By Sanjay Puri Architects, Navi Mumbai, India Popular Choice Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Commercial Interiors (<25,000 sq ft.) A curved steel staircase rises through the center of this workplace, connecting three levels in one continuous movement. Perforated and matte-finished, it feels both solid and light. Its underside, lined with warm tones, softens the otherwise industrial palette. Set within a tall, multipurpose space used for exhibitions and gatherings, the stair becomes a quiet focal point. Surrounded by concrete, cork, glass and exposed metal, it stands out not just as a route between floors, but as an element that gives the entire space rhythm and focus. La Maison de Beauté Carita, L’Oréal-Luxe By Le studio REV, Paris, France At the center of Carita’s Paris beauty house, part of the L’Oréal portfolio, a curved staircase rises through what was once a closed courtyard. The space is now topped with a tall glass roof that brings in soft, natural light. Pale marble, pink onyx and brushed metal set a quiet, polished tone. The staircase is kept light with floating steps and slim supports. It connects the levels clearly and efficiently, without blocking views through arched openings. In a building designed around care and detail, the stair adds just the right touch of structure and calm movement. Sjustjärnan, New Nordic Headquarters for E.On By Kanozi Arkitekter, Malmö, Sweden A wide, open staircase connects the floors of E.ON’s Malmö headquarters, rising through a central glass atrium that joins the two curved volumes of the building. Designed to encourage movement and connection between departments, the stair is placed at the heart of shared circulation. Materials are simple and natural: light wood treads, glass balustrades and metal accents, chosen to support the building’s focus on well-being and daylight. Generous landings allow for pauses and casual interaction, reinforcing the workplace’s flexible layout. With no assigned desks and no divided entrances, the building encourages a sense of togetherness and the staircase plays a clear role in making that daily flow visible and accessible. The Learning Center at Quest By KSM Architecture, Chennai, India Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Learning A vivid red spiral staircase rises along the facade of this learning center in Chennai, connecting the top floor library to a rooftop cafeteria and terrace. Attached to the exterior, the stair adds a moment of surprise to the otherwise calm, ribbed concrete surface. Made from perforated metal, its bright finish contrasts with the muted palette of the building while echoing the colorful window frames scattered across the elevation. Inside, a separate metal stair winds through a central atrium, linking five stacked classrooms and open learning spaces. Together, the staircases reflect the school’s focus on movement, openness and curiosity — key principles in its interest-based approach to education. Varee Valley Restaurant : Jungle Junction By NPDA studio, Thailand Inside this forest-side restaurant in Northeast Thailand, a white spiral staircase rises slowly through the center of a light-filled dining area. Designed for pause and perspective, the stair leads visitors to a rooftop platform that opens up to the surrounding trees. Built with slender steel members and a delicate footprint, it reflects the lightness of the overall structure and mirrors the verticality of nearby tree trunks. The stair wraps around a central cylindrical column that also serves as a rainwater drain and light shaft, drawing daylight into the heart of the space. The Opera Park By Cobe, Copenhagen, Denmark Jury Winner, Public Parks & Green Spaces, 12th Annual A+Awards At the heart of this new harbor front park in Copenhagen, a spiral staircase descends through the center of a circular greenhouse, wrapping gently around a subtropical garden. The stair connects the café at park level with an underground parking facility, guiding visitors down through layers of greenery. Slim metal railings trace its curve, while the surrounding glass enclosure creates the feeling of walking through an open-air terrarium. The park itself spans six themed gardens across a former industrial island, offering paths, ponds and planting from around the world. In this setting, the staircase becomes part of a wider idea: architecture that supports slow movement, seasonal change and a close connection to nature. Balmy Palmy By CplusC Architects + Builders, Sydney, Australia In this compact holiday home raised above a rocky slope, a yellow spiral staircase links the natural ground to the open-air platform above. Built from powder-coated steel, it curves tightly between tree trunks and timber posts, bringing a sharp contrast to the greens and browns of the site. The stair leads into an outdoor area that connects the home’s simple rooms, with views of the treetops, the bay and the sky shifting between the leaves. Designed to limit excavation and preserve the forest setting, the staircase plays a clear role in the project’s minimal footprint — serving as a key access point and everyday reminder of the landscape it rises from. Dental Clinic By IFAgroup, Gdańsk, Poland Jury Winner, Hospitals and Healthcare Centers, 12th Annual A+Awards Jury Winner,  Architecture +Health, 12th Annual A+Awards Photos by Hanna Połczyńska This dental clinic, once a granary, is organized around a wide spiral staircase that rises through its three-story foyer. Clad in warm wood, the stair connects waiting areas, dental offices and training spaces while giving the interior a clear center. It’s surrounded by concrete, brick and steel surfaces that reflect the building’s industrial past. Live piano music and soft lighting help create a calm atmosphere, while sound-absorbing materials keep the space quiet and focused. Envisioned as more than a circulation route, the stair shapes how people move, wait and gather inside. Concept WRRF Yixing (Water Resource Recovery Facility) By SUP Atelier of THAD, China Inside this water treatment facility, a spiral staircase sits next to a café and community area. Built from metal with clean, simple details, it leads visitors through spaces designed to educate the public about recycling and sustainability. Large windows around the stair offer clear views of the nearby farmland and waterways, connecting visitors with the natural setting. As part of the facility’s open, welcoming design, the staircase makes it easy to see and understand how wastewater is turned into clean water and renewable energy. Got a project that’s too contemporary for your client? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! The clock is ticking — submit your work ahead of the Main Entry deadline on June 6th. Top image: The Learning Center at Quest by KSM Architecture, Chennai, India The post 9 (Somewhat) Unconventional Takes on The Beloved Spiral Staircase appeared first on Journal.

Portable technology has evolved far beyond simple convenience. In 2025, designers and engineers are crafting devices that fit easily in your bag or pocket and also seamlessly blend innovation, style, and performance. The modern consumer demands more than just portability—they want devices that bring delight, spark creativity, and make everyday life smarter and more enjoyable. We have picked five impressive designs that set new benchmarks in their respective categories. We’re spotlighting a vibrant, hyper-compact laptop that brings a playful twist to work and creativity; a rugged, eco-friendly Bluetooth speaker designed for audiophiles who crave both sound quality and sustainability; and a trailblazing portable projector that brings true 4K cinema to the outdoors with industry-first cooling technology. 1. a_77 laptop In a market crowded with lookalike laptops, the a_77 is a breath of fresh air for mobile computing. Created by Braz de Pina, this device puts the keyboard at the heart of its design, resulting in a super-compact, visually vibrant laptop that strips away the unnecessary. The 65% keyboard layout dictates the overall footprint, making room only for what matters: a tactile typing experience, a responsive touch display, and essential navigation tools. The screen is small and nearly square, while the keyboard features unique touches like a standout power button and a dedicated CoPilot key for productivity. This laptop’s playful, colorful aesthetic is matched by thoughtful usability, making it a great choice for digital nomads, students, or anyone who values portability and a bit of fun in their tech. What we like Exceptionally portable and fun design. Smart, space-saving keyboard. What we dislike The screen could feel cramped. It may not appeal to traditionalists. 2. Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub The Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub redefines what a USB-C hub can be, introducing a blend of cutting-edge functionality and sleek design. Moving beyond basic connectivity, this accessory features a robust metallic chassis and an integrated touchscreen dashboard that brings an entirely new level of control to your workflow. Designed with the needs of demanding users in mind, it supports high-speed data transfers, external storage solutions, and simultaneous connections for multiple devices. At the heart of the Dockcase is its interactive display, which provides live updates on transfer speeds, power delivery, and SSD status. This real-time information gives users a clear overview of their setup, making it feel like a compact command center for all their connected tech. The hub is equipped with a variety of ports, including a 10 Gbps USB-C host connection, HDMI output capable of 4K at 120Hz, and slots for UHS-II SD and TF cards, making it as versatile as it is powerful. What we like Wide range of connectivity options, perfect for professionals who multitask and need reliable, high-speed access. The sturdy metal body ensures long-lasting durability, especially for frequent travelers. What we dislike The advanced features and detailed dashboard may be more complex than necessary for users who prefer straightforward, plug-and-play hubs. 3. B&O Beosound A1 3rd Generation For those who want their music to sound great wherever they are, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation sets a new standard for portable audio. This Bluetooth speaker takes the familiar, compact puck design and refines it with a focus on durability, rich sound, and sustainability. Its IP67 water and dust resistance make it suitable for any environment, from beach trips to rainy hikes. Under the hood, you’ll find a modular battery system that extends the product’s lifespan, plus a five-year warranty and Cradle to Cradle certification—the first for a Bluetooth speaker—demonstrating a serious commitment to eco-friendly design. Sound quality is impressive and immersive, easily filling a room or outdoor space, and the build feels solid enough for years of use. What we like Offers stunning sound and a sturdy build. Features a swappable battery, long warranty, and eco-friendly certification for guilt-free listening. What we dislike Costs significantly more than other portable speakers, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Focuses on music playback without voice assistants or advanced connectivity options found in some competitors. 4. NEBULA X Portable projectors often struggle to balance image quality and reliability in a compact package, but the Nebula X1 changes the game. This device is engineered for mobility without compromise, boasting a triple-laser system for true 4K UHD visuals and 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness—enough to project a crisp, vivid image on screens up to 300 inches. The star feature is its integrated liquid cooling, a technology rarely seen on portable gear, which keeps the projector running cool and quiet even during extended sessions. With Dolby Vision support, colors are rich and contrast is striking, allowing for true cinema experiences indoors or out. Despite its power, the X1 remains easy to carry, fitting neatly into a backpack for movie nights, presentations, or gaming anywhere. What we like Triple-laser tech and high brightness deliver sharp, vivid visuals even in challenging lighting. Liquid cooling ensures consistent performance and quiet operation during long viewing sessions. What we dislike Advanced features can drain battery faster, so extended use may require access to power. Premium features and performance come with a higher price tag, best suited for dedicated users. 5. Cylin The Cylin transforms the idea of portable computing by uniting a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses in a sleek cylindrical form. Addressing the challenges of today’s AR setups, the Cylin is engineered for flexibility, making it suitable for everything from streaming videos to tackling professional writing projects on the go. Its scroll-inspired design features a dedicated compartment for AR glasses, a fold-out keyboard for typing, and an integrated mouse for effortless navigation. By merging tangible controls with advanced AR technology, the Cylin delivers a fluid and intuitive user experience without compromising on size or mobility. This all-in-one device streamlines digital tasks and introduces a forward-thinking approach to portable tech, offering users both convenience and state-of-the-art capabilities in any setting. What we like Integrates AR glasses and essential computing peripherals into a travel-friendly device. Adapts easily to a variety of work and entertainment environments. What we dislike Not yet available on the consumer market. The novel interface may require an adjustment period for new users. The post 5 Best Portable Tech Designs For Power, Play & Productivity Anywhere first appeared on Yanko Design.

Memorial Day brings the unofficial start of summer in addition to tons of deals across the internet. It's a decent time to shop for tech, believe it or not, from big purchases like laptops and tablets down to more affordable devices like tech accessories. In the latter category, you'll find the Apple Magic Mouse with a USB-C port down to $68 for Memorial Day. That's a 14-percent discount and only $5 more than its record-low price. Notably, this deal is only for the white model with a USB-C port. The Apple Magic Mouse is a solid wireless and rechargeable option to go with any of your Macs. It should pair automatically with the computer. Plus, one charge should last about a month and you can recharge it with an included woven USB-C Charge Cable.  In addition to the Magic Mouse, there are a handful of other Apple accessories on sale for Memorial Day. Key among them are the Apple Pencil Pro for $99 and a four-pack of AirTags for $75. Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/memorial-day-apple-deals-include-the-usb-c-magic-mouse-for-68-143823657.html?src=rss

On the surface, the towering pile of fake banknotes stacked in the window of a glistening skincare store could be interpreted as a marketing stunt, but behind the glass, the message is serious. The Cost of Influence – a new physical installation created by Uncommon for The Ordinary – was designed to highlight the hidden fees consumers pay for celebrity endorsements in the beauty industry, not tucked away in the ingredients list but embedded in the price. The campaign, live during the brand's flagship relaunch, makes The Ordinary's positioning crystal clear: no inflated costs, no gimmicks, just science-backed skincare. "What the industry is trying to keep under wraps is the complete opposite of transparency," says Joe Sare, art director at Uncommon. "Brands are paying significant sums of money for celebrities to endorse their products and passing those costs onto the consumer. So, we decided to reveal this 'secret ingredient' to the world, to reinforce the brand's commitment to being truly open." Far from a traditional ad campaign, the team leaned into something more visceral that people could touch, feel, and share. At the heart of the installation is a cold, almost sterile stack of imitation cash, deliberately stripped of the polish we might associate with retail window dressing. "A huge pile of money feels quite cold, and at first glance, it could almost look like a pile of rubbish," Joe explains. "Then, your eyes are drawn to the words on the window that explain what you're seeing, and the penny drops – no pun intended." The display's impact lies in its tension: blending stark visual simplicity with an idea that demands a second thought. Uncommon consciously leaned into that duality. "While the installation was physical, we went into the process with social virality in mind," says Joe. "We did play around with other, more intricate ways of showing the money – it flying around in a box, shapes other than the pile, making it interactive – but we landed on this execution as the most honest and impactful way of telling the story." On the glass, bold copy spells out that one of the most expensive ingredients in many beauty products is influence. Alongside the pile are tongue-in-cheek "price tags" assigning monetary values to fictional endorsements—the going rate, perhaps, for a 'celebrity serum' or moisturiser marketed by your favourite A-lister. Rather than preaching or pointing fingers, the tone is playful and inclusive. "We're ultimately on the audiences' side," says Marco Del Valle, Planning Director at Uncommon. "This isn't about judging them for buying other brands, but revealing something to them that they likely were not aware of." For a brand like The Ordinary – whose identity is rooted in radical transparency – the message isn't an opportunistic call-out but a reflection of its founding values. "The Ordinary is not anti-celebrity," Marco continues, "but it is against using unnecessary, bolt-on ingredients that ultimately cost customers more… and often the most expensive ingredient is a celebrity endorsement." That clarity of perspective helped shape the creative direction. According to the Uncommon team, the collaboration was genuinely collaborative—not just signed off but co-authored. "They're a dream to work alongside," says Joe. The entire team has such a strong sense of what the brand stands for and a deep passion for bringing that to life. We were on the journey together at every stage… from the creative to the messaging. It's a true partnership." The work also taps into a broader shift in what audiences want and expect from brands, especially in beauty and wellness, where the mood is turning from aspiration to honesty. "We've always set out to build the brands people wish existed," says Marco. "And for us, a big part of this is doing work that uncovers and/or addresses real cultural tensions. Every single category has multiple tensions and untold stories within it – the world of beauty is no exception." What's striking is how the piece walks the line between creative expression and brand activism without slipping into moralising. Instead of issuing a lecture, it sparks a conversation, both on the high street and online, where its simplicity proved especially shareable. According to Joe, most passers-by stopped to take pictures, with social sentiment "overwhelmingly positive." For Uncommon, it marks another step in its evolution as a studio that blends brand storytelling with cultural critique. As Marco puts it: "We are living in an increasingly fragmented, hyper-visual reality. Social media has shortened our attention spans and increased the need for brands to create thumb-stopping content. "On top of this, in the current socio-economic climate, consumers are becoming more discerning about the companies they choose to engage with. They're looking for brands with depth, brands that stand for something." In that sense, The Cost of Influence is a provocation, holding a mirror up to an industry and nudging us to question what we're buying into.

As a long-time Windows geek, I’ve always loved and relied on keyboard shortcuts. They’re incredible! Like a collection of secret handshakes that can quickly perform useful tasks and dramatically speed up whatever you’re doing on your computer. And yes, keyboard shortcuts are rather secret. Windows doesn’t provide a coach that guides you through the hundreds of keyboard shortcuts you might find handy. They’re just… there. In the background. So, you usually have to seek them out or find out about them the old-fashioned way: by talking with other PC geeks and reading helpful articles like this one. Let me show you the greatest and most practical keyboard shortcuts I actually use all the time. 1. Launch File Explorer If you’re like me, you use File Explorer a lot. With a keyboard shortcut, it’s always close at hand — simply press Windows key + E to launch a new File Explorer window whenever you need one. Related: Useful File Explorer tips to keep under your belt 2. Go straight to Task Manager You probably know the basic Ctrl + Alt + Delete keyboard shortcut, but if you’re using it to open Task Manager, there’s actually a better way: instead, use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut. Related: How to access the old Task Manager in Windows 11 3. Open the Settings app Want to change a setting in the operating system? You usually have to do it through the Settings app. Instead of searching the Start menu, there’s actually a keyboard shortcut you can use: Windows key + I. Then, you can search directly in the Settings app for what you need. 4. Dig through clipboard history Chris Hoffman / IDG Did you know that every time you copy an image or text to the clipboard, Windows keeps a running history of it all? The usual Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut only pastes the last thing you copied — but if you want to paste something you copied much earlier, you can! All you have to do is pull up the clipboard history with the Windows key + V keyboard shortcut. (If you’ve never opened it before, you’ll be prompted for permission to activate the feature.) What’s nice about the clipboard history is that you can even pin certain copied items to the panel, making them quick to find in the future. 5. Insert emojis anywhere Chris Hoffman / IDG Love ’em or hate ’em, emojis have become part of modern communication — and Microsoft knows this, which is why Windows makes it easy to input emojis in nearly any application. All you have to do is press the Windows key + Period or Windows key + Semicolon keyboard shortcuts. Then, use the search field to find the emoji you want (or just scroll through to browse). 6. Type with your voice Chris Hoffman / IDG Windows lets you input text with your voice in nearly any application. To pull up the voice typing interface, just press Windows key + H. You’ll see a floating window (on Windows 11) or a bar (on Windows 10). This feature is called Voice Typing. You can use the settings menu in the window/bar to activate features like automatic punctuation. (By default, you’ll have to speak words like “period” while you dictate text.) Related: I wrote this article using Windows voice typing When Microsoft got rid of the Start menu in Windows 8, they at least had the courtesy to throw a bone to power users: a hidden “power user menu” with quick access to various system settings. And even though Windows 10 brought back the Start menu — which persists into Windows 11 — the power user menu never went away. To open it, press Windows key + X (or right-click the Start button). 8. Lock your computer To protect your computer from unauthorized access — especially in an environment like an office or campus — you should lock your computer whenever you step away. To quickly lock your PC, simply press the Windows key + L keyboard shortcut. 9. Control sound settings Chris Hoffman / IDG If you have multiple sound output devices (e.g., speakers, headphones, wireless earbuds) or multiple sound input devices (e.g., laptop microphone, headset, external microphone), you probably switch between them a lot. Well, you don’t have to dig deep into the Settings app to change between them. You can actually just press the Ctrl + Windows key + V keyboard shortcut to pull up the sound settings menu. It’s also a shortcut to adjusting system volume and per-app volume (using the sliders) and a quick way to pop into the Sound section of the Settings app (by clicking More volume settings). This feature is new to Windows 11, so isn’t available on Windows 10. 10. Snap windows The Snap feature is an essential window management tool for multitasking on Windows 11. You can easily “snap” app windows to edges of the screen using your keyboard. For starters, use Windows key + Left arrow and Windows key + Right arrow to snap the currently focused window to either the left half or right half of the screen. Similarly, use Windows key + Alt + Up arrow and Windows key + Alt + Down arrow to snap windows to the top half or bottom half of the screen, respectively. You can also use shortcuts to move windows to quadrants of the screen. For example, after snapping a window to the left half (using the above keyboard shortcut), keep holding the Windows key and tap the Up arrow to snap it to the top-left quadrant. 11. Activate Snap Layouts Chris Hoffman / IDG As if Snapping itself wasn’t useful enough, Windows 11 also has an additional Snap Layouts feature that makes it easier to snap windows into various configurations. To activate Snap Layouts, use the Windows key + Z keyboard shortcut. You’ll get a pop-up with numbered options — simply press the associated number key to choose that window layout. You can also see Snap Layouts by hovering your mouse pointer over the Maximize button of a window. Or, drag any window to the center-top edge of the screen to see Snap Layout options. 12. Toggle between windowed and full-screen modes in PC games Many PC games offer both windowed and full-screen modes. If you want to switch between them, it can be quite a hassle to navigate to the game’s settings menu, especially if you do it often. Here’s a faster way to switch between windowed and full-screen modes in many PC games: just press Alt + Enter. This doesn’t work in every game, but it does work in many of them. It’s the first thing I try whenever I want to switch between full-screen and windowed modes. 13. Jump between virtual desktops Windows 11 has a feature called Task View that lets you create “virtual desktops” that you can switch between. A virtual desktop is like a separate instance of “the” desktop, and each virtual desktop can hold its own set of running app windows. There are several keyboard shortcuts for the Task View experience, such as Windows key + Tab, which makes it easy to create new virtual desktops, delete existing ones, and jump between them. But once you’ve created a few virtual desktops, an even easier way to switch between them is to use the Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow and Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow keyboard shortcuts. 14. Move windows between monitors Do you have a sprawling workstation setup with multiple monitors? You can move windows from one screen to the next by pressing Windows key + Shift + Left arrow (to move the currently focused window to the left display) or Windows key + Shift + Right arrow (to move the currently focused window to the right display). On Windows 11, File Explorer has changed a lot from what it was before, particularly with a streamlined context menu. But some options are only found in that classic, old-school context menu. Rather than first opening the context menu and then selecting Show more options (or even hacking your registry with a workaround), you can actually just use a keyboard shortcut to quickly open the old context menu right away: hold down the Shift key while right-clicking in File Explorer to see the classic context menu. This feature is new to Windows 11, so isn’t available on Windows 10. 16. Edit text faster The Ctrl key is one of my favorite underutilized tricks when it comes to fast text editing. In short, holding down Ctrl makes most keys act on entire words rather than individual characters. For example, Backspace deletes the previous character, but Ctrl + Backspace deletes the previous word. Another example, Left and Right arrows move the cursor by one character, but Ctrl + Left arrow and Ctrl + Right arrow moves the cursor from word to word. And it works with the Shift key, too. By holding Shift, you can highlight text as the cursor moves — so, if you want to quickly highlight multiple words in a row, just hold Ctrl + Shift and then tap the Left and Right arrows. (Try holding Shift with the Home and End keys to highlight entire lines of text with just a few keystrokes!) 17. Reopen a closed browser tab All the modern web browsers — including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge — let you quickly reopen tabs that you’ve closed. It’s easy to remember, too: if the Ctrl + T keyboard shortcut creates a new tab, the Ctrl + Shift + T keyboard shortcut reopens the last closed tab. 18. Alt + Tab in reverse Alt + Tab is one of the most iconic Windows keyboard shortcuts. But, if you have a lot of open windows to cycle through, it may make more sense to cycle in reverse sometimes. In that case, just press Shift + Alt + Tab to go backwards through the list of open windows. And that’s not all: while the Alt + Tab dialog is open, you can also use the arrow keys to instantly jump to the selected thumbnail’s window. 19. Rename files quickly Want to quickly rename a file? With a file selected in File Explorer, just press F2, type the name, and press Enter. I like to navigate between files using the arrow keys, then use the F2 key to quickly rename them. Or better yet: after pressing F2 and typing a file name, press the Tab key (instead of the Enter key) to immediately start renaming the next file in the folder. 20. Save a screenshot as a file Chris Hoffman / IDG The built-in Windows screenshot tools have gotten better, but sometimes you want to skip the tools and immediately save as an image file. To save a screenshot to disk without all the intermediate steps, press Windows key + Print Screen. Your screen will flash as Windows saves the screenshot. After that, you’ll find the screenshot in the Screenshots folder inside your user account’s Pictures folder. Related: How to take smarter screenshots in Windows More Windows productivity tips Honestly, as useful as these keyboard shortcuts are, they’re only scratching the surface of what’s buried in Windows. I’m always hunting down useful tips and features to share with the readers of my free Windows Intelligence newsletter! Be sure to check out this unusually hidden shortcut that works in the Task Manager, too. It blew my mind last year. Even for a grizzled PC geek like myself, there’s always more to discover in Windows.

Three years ago, as the pandemic caused chaos for companies big and small, Colgate-Palmolive’s chief supply chain officer Luciano Sieber orchestrated a “logistics blitz.”  The result gave Sieber a better understanding of how Colgate-Palmolive moves its products around the world. But it stuck Sieber with another problem: too much data.  About a year ago, Sieber says he found a solution to that problem with Uber Freight. The ride-hailing service’s long-running logistics and analytics arm has been developing new ways to wrangle large amounts of data by using artificial intelligence. Colgate-Palmolive became one of the first companies to use one of its newest products, a a logistics-focused LLM Uber Freight calls Inisights AI.  Now, Uber Freight is more formally launching a suite of AI features to shippers around the world as part of its existing supply chain software. That includes an expansion of Insights AI, which Uber Freight quietly launched in 2023, as well as more than 30 AI agents built to “execute key logistics tasks throughout the freight lifecycle.”  Uber Freight is not alone in trying to tame unruly supply chains with modern artificial intelligence tools. Flexport announced its own suite of AI tools in February, and there are myriad startups trying to help companies wrangle data, reduce inventory stockpiles, and better predict supply and demand. But Uber Freight is betting its AI solutions can make an immediate impact on the bottom line of both its blue-chip customers and the nearly 10,000 other shippers it works with. That’s largely because of the knowledge base and relationships it has established in the eight years since it was created to match long-haul truckers with shippers. “Supply chain is inherently a data-rich problem. It’s complex, it’s nuanced, and AI can serve a fundamental role in shaping it and accelerating it,” Uber Freight founder Lior Ron said in an interview with TechCrunch.  Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW ‘We’ve been building towards this moment’ Uber Freight began as a more straightforward brokerage business model when it launched in 2017. But the Uber subsidiary has steadily evolved over the years into more of a service provider to companies that ship goods around the world.  Many modern companies are trying to find ways to incorporate artificial intelligence (often to mixed results); it should come as no surprise that Uber Freight is putting the technology front and center. After all, both Ron’s undergraduate work and his master thesis were centered around AI – way back “in the dark ages when it was called ‘neural networks,’” he joked. Ron continued to work with machine learning technology when he was running Google Maps from 2007 until 2016. It was there, he said, that he saw “the potential of digitizing the physical universe.”  “That sort of led me to the foundational belief, nine years ago, that supply chain is fundamentally a data-first, technology-first challenge that could be accelerated with data connectivity, and over time, AI,” he said. “We’ve been building towards this moment, I think, since I started Uber Freight.” Ron said Uber Freight has used machine learning in its work since the beginning. But it was around two years ago that the team started trying to work with more advanced generative AI capabilities.  That “hasn’t been an easy road,” Ron said. Uber Freight’s initial attempts at building a sort of “co-pilot for logistics” were riddled with hallucinations and returned accurate answers only around 60% to 70% of the time. Now that technology has been “battle tested” and is “driving real business outcomes,” with an accuracy rate of 98%, according to Ron. The company says the Insights AI model has been trained on internal and external data related to the $20 billion worth of freight that it helps move every year. It also leverages multiple undisclosed AI models “providing optimal combinations of price, precision and performance,” according to Uber Freight. Ron said this AI push creates new ways for customers to work with the data related to their supply chain. They can ask Insights AI to quickly pull up, say, the worst-performing origin points for particular shipments. Or they can ask to be shown “all shipments to CVS in 2023.” Ron stressed that the queries can be far more complex than this, too, and the model always keeps up.  Insights AI is presented to customers much like other popular LLM interfaces; it will also show its work and make clear where all the data is coming from, just like other reasoning models. All of this lets a customer “gain insights on your network much faster, at close to 100% accuracy instantly, versus formulating what you want to know, sending it to some analysts, and waiting for two weeks for the PowerPoint presentation to come back to have a discussion,” Ron said. ‘What do you want to know?‘ Uber Freight works with a lot of Fortune 500 companies, but it found a particularly willing partner in Colgate-Palmolive to trial Insights AI and its other new tools. The conglomerate already makes a suite of AI models available to all of its employees, according to Sieber. It also makes those workers take a mandatory training on AI ethics that was developed in-house. “I think it’s great, because it turns the conversation from fear into, ‘how that makes me more efficient, and how [do] I become a better professional and deliver more by having access and using those new technologies,’” Sieber said.  For instance, Sieber said his company has used Insights AI to easily identify carriers who are accepting fewer shipments than they’re contractually obligated to to move. From there, they can work out why those levels are low, and either come up with a solution to get the carrier back in compliance or drop them in favor of another. This was previously a challenge to solve in real time, Sieber said, because companies like Colgate-Palmolive work with thousands of carriers. Each of those might work with different systems and workflows, and all of that resulting information was never really centrally managed.  The next step with AI, both Sieber and Ron said, has been finding ways to create more proactive solutions. Ron said this is another place Uber Freight can flex its data strengths. “We know the facilities, we know the lanes, we know the prices,” he said. “What do you want to know?” These more proactive integrations come in the form of alerts that tell a customer like Colgate-Palmolive they’re overpaying on certain routes, or that there are faster options available for a particular shipment.  Any single suggestion like that may only save a few hundred, or perhaps a few thousand dollars. But aggregated over an entire network, it could make a big difference. That’s why, when asked, Sieber was quick to answer that Colgate-Palmolive’s chief financial officer is the executive who’s most pleased with what Uber Freight’s enabled. “He loves to see logistics costs coming down,” Sieber laughed.