Latest news with #Design
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
New Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Everything We Know
The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of the most highly anticipated new vehicles of the next few years. Between the many teasers and patent images, and the imminent debut date—which should be late this year or early in 2026—the next iteration of Alfa's mid-size SUV is on the minds of enthusiasts everywhere. And how could it not be? The next Stelvio aims to give Alfa Romeo a fresh start, an heir to an SUV that, frankly, was never as successful as its German counterparts, like the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. With this new generation, though, that could change. Before the new Stelvio debuts, though, here's everything we know about the upcoming Italian SUV. What Will It Look Like? Photo by: Patent images gave us an early look at the next Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but they should still be taken with a grain of salt. Those images may not be entirely indicative of what the final production version could look like, even though they are well-detailed. The new Stelvio will remain fairly faithful to the design of the current generation, with a standard roof shape sloping gently towards the rear. Don't worry, this won't be a "coupe SUV." The rear is characterized by a unique triangular lighting signature that connects to the lower part of the tailgate. This element is similar to the first teaser published at the end of 2024. Photo by: Alfa Romeo Photo by: Alfa Romeo That triangular theme also extends to the front of the vehicle. Unlike previous renderings , the classic Alfa Romeo shield should remain in place, with an upper trim piece that connects the slim light fixtures at either corner. As with the Junior, the Alfa Romeo logo will be on the hood. As for the interior—we have no clue. But expect a clear leap forward compared to the current model, perhaps similar to what we've seen in the new Jeep Wagoneer S , with which the Stelvio will share its platform. That should include a large center touchscreen, a screen for the passenger, and plenty of other tech. What's Under The Hood? New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Prototype Photo by: Alfa Romeo The big news for 2026 is that the Stelvio will adopt the Stellantis STLA Large platform used by the aforementioned Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger. Alfa will have an "electric first" philosophy—that is, initially focusing on EVs before moving on to hybrids—with plenty of room for pure gas engines still. Alfa Romeo initially planned to focus exclusively on EVs, but due to market uncertainty, the automaker has had to shift to hybrid and gas engine production for the new Stelvio. That will delay the SUV by a few months, potentially pushing it from a 2026 model year to a 2027. Alfa Romeo has not confirmed the delay, but the company did release a statement reaffirming its commitment to the new Stelvio. As mentioned, there will be the electric version, a first for the Stelvio. But we don't know all the details. The Wagoneer S is powered by two motors with a total output of 600 horsepower and 617 pound-feet of torque, with a 100.5 kilowatt-hour, 400-volt battery pack. The electric Charger, meanwhile, is available with up to 670 hp. What About The Quadrifoglio? Photo by: Alfa Romeo We know that the STLA Large platform can accommodate batteries with a 118.0-kilowatt-hour capacity and an 800-volt architecture. The company is reportedly even hard at work on solid-state batteries . With that technology in tow, Stellantis has claimed performance figures of 1,000 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 2.0 seconds, which would make sense for a Quadrifoglio model. An electric version with a range extender can't be ruled out either, with a gas engine used to recharge the batteries. As for the electrified engines, there will almost certainly be mild-hybrid and plug-in options, with the turbo 2.0-liter gas engine among the main candidates under the hood. Pure gas engines could be used exclusively in the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which, as CEO Santo Ficili told us, " Will surprise you. " How Much Will It Cost? Of course, it's still too early to talk about pricing for the next Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The company will certainly increase pricing over the current model, which starts at $47,545 for the base Sprint model in the US for 2025. The new version could start at around $50,000, with the electric models at the top of the pricing list. More From Alfa Romeo The Current Alfa Romeo Giulia Will Survive Through 2026 in the US Alfa Romeo Says Goodbye to Its Quadrifoglio Models With a Special Edition Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
If Google wants Material 3 Expressive to succeed, it must lead by example
Robert Triggs / Android Authority Every big UI update has its fans and detractors and Material 3 Expressive is no exception. I've seen so many contrasting takes online about Android's incoming design language refresh, with some loving the focus on aesthetics and others decrying the lack of practical additions. While I find myself in neither camp, at least not at this early stage, I do have one big concern. Given Google's history of design inconsistency across its various apps and products, it really needs to hit the ground running once it starts rolling out Material 3 Expressive. The refreshed, modernized design language is the boldest we've seen from Google thus far. Full of personality, it places a huge emphasis on blur effects, natural animation physics, and an abundance of color themes. We're also getting updated typography, a litany of new element shapes, and changes to Android's core UI components, like quick settings. It's a surprisingly broad stroke of the brush, and the latest attempt by Google to keep its mobile OS exciting and engaging. But these adjectives mean nothing: implementation — and the speed at which it happens — is what's important. Do you have faith that Google will roll out Material 3 Expressive quickly and decisively? 0 votes Yes, Google will do a great job! NaN % I think it will come to some of its apps immediately, but not all. NaN % No, Google will struggle to update its apps like it has in the past. NaN % Cohesion and consistency are what Android 16 and its apps really need Design languages are intended to bring cohesion and consistency to a UI experience. This, in turn, makes using apps from a given company on a platform more intuitive, predictable, and efficient. Any deviation from this due to a slow rollout or developer reluctance will disrupt this. Material 3 Expressive may possess the bones of the Material languages that preceded it, but it's still different enough to stand out against its predecessors. Since I installed QPR1 on my Pixel 8, I can see and feel the impact of Expressive within the Settings app, the Quick Settings shade, and the animations interlaced here and there. However, apps not yet updated to meet these new guidelines feel out of place. To be fair, I'm keenly aware of the differences, and those not actively seeking them may overlook them. Yes, it's early days, but it's a glimpse of the challenges users could face in the coming months. Material 3 Expressive may be a refresh of Material You, but the differences are tangible. Since its inception, Android has undergone several major changes, most notably the sharp and sensible Holo in the early 2010s and the first Material version soon after. More recently, Material You, which debuted in 2021, aimed to add more personality to the Android ecosystem and Google's apps. Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Despite the years of history I just covered in this brief paragraph, Google's transition between these design languages has been anything but smooth. It took years for just a handful of Google apps to graduate from Holo to their Material redesigns. After its purchase, it took Google two years to refresh the Fitbit app with its Material vision. And let's not forget the lack of a dark mode for several high-profile apps, years after that feature was available in Android 10. Google has struggled to implement new design languages in the past, leaving several apps stuck between Holo and Material. While I'll give Google credit for adopting Material You far more swiftly and seamlessly than any previous design language, the same can't be said for earlier iterations. Clearly, these memories still haunt me. Beyond apps, inconsistencies still plague the company's widgets and icons even in the Material You era. Even NotebookLM, the company's newest app, barely follows Google's current design language. And four years after Google first introduced themed icons, some of its apps, like Analytics, don't support the feature and keep their original icon. Google is moving swiftly, but can it keep up the momentum? Google For Material 3 Expressive to succeed, Google must draw inspiration from its recent rollout successes that brought near-immediate and uniform changes to its apps and products. Thankfully, I've seen plenty of positive signs that Google is taking this path. Several Android apps are already in line to receive their Expressive updates. It's a fast, positive start. At Google I/O this week, the company made Android 16 QPR1 the launchpad for Expressive rather than doling out the redesign through a later update. This means the changes should be available immediately once the stable version of the OS rolls out. Our Authority Insights series has also uncovered several Google apps poised and ready to receive their Expressive updates. Google Clock, Files By Google, Google Calendar, Google Keep, and Google Drive are just some cornerstone apps leading the design charge, with more likely to come in the coming weeks. All of this is hugely encouraging, and considering that the big UI update won't be stable for a few months yet, the company has more than enough time to address the rest of its fleet. AssembleDebug / Android Authority Thankfully, I don't believe Google's task is too difficult this time around. The company admits that Material 3 Expressive isn't a massive overhaul but rather a refinement of the existing Material philosophy. The leap from Holo to Material was huge. Material You to Material 3 Expressive should be a small shuffle, so updates to its apps should come thick and fast once Android 16 arrives. However, even though the task this time around is simpler, Google still has to follow through. The leap from Holo to Material was huge. Material You to Material 3 Expressive should be a small shuffle. Hey, despite my qualms, I'm still pretty excited for the next iteration of Android, even though we could be in for a confusing mish-mash of Material You and Expressive apps at its inception. But here's to hoping that Google will move swiftly and decisively to implement its new vision across all of its properties.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KSEB seeks KSERC's nod for collecting 32 paise per unit from consumers to recover additional spending on power purchases in 2023-24
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has sought the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission's (KSERC) nod to collect 32 paise per unit from electricity consumers to make up for the additional spending on power purchases in 2023-24. According to the KSEB, it spent ₹745.86 crore on 'excess power purchase' to compensate for a significant dip in hydropower availability in 2023-24. The KSEB has placed its request under Section 88 of the KSERC (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Tariff), Regulations, 2021, which deals with the 'Adjustment of the cost due to change in hydro-thermal mix.' The Commission has scheduled a hearing on the KSEB petition on May 27 at its court hall in Thiruvananthapuram. A disappointing southwest monsoon rainfall, cancellation of contracts for the supply of 465 megawatts (MW) under Design, Build, Finance, Own and Operate (DBFOO) scheme, and an 'unusual increase' in consumption had raised 'significant challenges' to the KSEB in 2023-24, the KSEB said in its petition. The power utility spent 12,982.63 crore on power purchases that year. According to the KSEB, hydro generation fell by 1,477 million units (mu) over the quantum approved by the commission in 2023-24 due to the shortage in rainfall. This shortage was made up primarily through short-term contracts and purchases from the power exchanges, resulting in changes in the 'hydro-thermal mix' (the combination of hydel and thermal power generation) for 2023-24. The energy requirement in Kerala also exceeded the approved quantum by 2,321 mu. The KSEB has used the average power purchase cost for 2023-24 (₹5.05 per unit) to arrive at ₹745.86 crore as the sum to be recovered from consumers. The combination of factors that led to supply shortages in 2023-24 had taken the total power purchase costs for the financial year to ₹12,982.63 crore.
The Courier
21-05-2025
- The Courier
Dundee and Angus school travel chaos in wake of Fishers Tours collapse
Parents and teachers at schools across Dundee and Angus have been left to pick up the pieces in the wake of the collapse of coach company Fishers Tours. Angus Council said it was 'confident' it could find transport for Monifieth High School pupils due to sit an exam on Monday. But as of Tuesday evening arrangements had not been 'secured'. Monday is an in-service day, but there are scheduled SQA practical exams in National 5 and Higher Art and Design at 9am. Health and Food Tech exams in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher are also scheduled for Monday afternoon. Meanwhile one Dundee school head teacher tried 18 different coach companies to find a replacement coach for a school trip, without success. Fishers Tours staff were told on Monday the firm was to shut by the end of this week. Buses will run 'as normal' until Friday, but after that there are no guarantees pupils will be able to get to school without significant disruption. Parents are due to be given an update via the Angus Council Group Call system by Wednesday. Pupils at Sidlaw View Primary in Dundee were due to attend a class trip, which is at risk of being cancelled after Fishers' collapse. A letter sent to parents read by The Courier shows the intense efforts made by teachers in securing alternative transport. And parents of pupils at Eastern Primary School in Broughty Ferry have been asked to help with transport for an upcoming sports day. One Sidlaw View parent told The Courier: 'It couldn't have come at a worse time with all the school trips organised before the summer. 'You have to question why the company took all these bookings knowing it probably wouldn't be able to fulfil them, and why it didn't give the schools a bit more warning. 'I feel for the kids who are missing out but also the staff who are left to pick up the pieces. 'They should be able to spend their time on more important things than phoning round bus companies.' The Courier asked the local authorities what contingencies were in place to mitigate pupil disruption. Angus Council said home school services were still to be 'secured'. And transport is still to be finalised for P7 pupils due to attend transition days, but priority was being given to the to-and-from school journeys. A spokesperson said: 'We continue to work hard with alternative providers to secure cover for the Fisher Tours contracts. 'Progress is being made. We would like to reassure families that we are doing everything we can to ensure that the services to schools are in place, particularly mindful that exams continue to the end of next week. 'We are also confident that we'll have transport in place for those pupils attending Monifieth High School on Monday May 26 for an exam practical. 'Details will be communicated directly to those affected later this week. 'We're aware of other journeys which have also been affected by the withdrawal of Fisher Tours buses, which include swimming lessons and P7-S1 transition days, amongst others. 'These will be addressed once the home to school services are secured. 'We will continue to keep families informed directly via Group Call and we'll also carry details, once confirmed, on our dedicated webpage.' Fishers Tours did not respond to The Courier's request for comment. Dundee City Council did not respond when approached for comment.
Fast Company
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The H Mart paradox: Why the beloved Asian grocer might be OK despite Trump's trade war
On a recent weekend in April, data consultant Shane Kessler wasn't at the grocery store to panic-buy eggs, but rather to scour the tall, narrow aisles of the the H Mart in Manhattan's K Town for the viral Korean pastry known as a crungji, basically a flattened croissant. He hadn't found one yet, but his basket was filled with popular Melona ice cream, from South Korea, and two bottles of his favorite Japanese soy sauce from among the more than 100 varieties on offer. He was worried about tariffs raising the prices of his favorite goods. 'I never thought I'd be stockpiling soy sauce, but here we are,' he shrugged. 'I've come to H Mart every weekend this month.' Subscribe to the Design latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday SIGN UP Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters advertisement The final deadline for Fast Company's Brands That Matter Awards is Friday, May 30, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
