Latest news with #Equator
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Equator's Washer and Dryer Set Recognized by Better Homes & Gardens as the Best Quiet Washing Machine
Award highlights Equator's innovative design, compact efficiency, and whisper-quiet laundry technology HOUSTON, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equator Advanced Appliances is proud to announce that one of its stackable laundry units has been recognized by Better Homes & Gardens as the Best Quiet Washing Machine in a recent product roundup. In an industry where washing machines are often known for their noise, Equator's engineering stood out. According to the Better Homes & Gardens review team, "We actually thought the cycle had stopped mid-way—it was that quiet." The unit remained nearly silent even when tested in an open laundry area, with only a soft chime at the end to indicate the cycle's completion. In addition to its impressively quiet performance, the machine earned praise for its effectiveness in stain removal, energy efficiency, and user-friendly controls. With intuitive settings, a compact vertical build, and customizable wash cycles, this laundry solution delivers powerful performance without sacrificing simplicity or space. The reviewers highlighted the following features: Powerful wash cycles that effectively removed stains and odors Intuitive controls and labeling with minimal need for reference Space-saving, stacked design ideal for small homes and apartments Adjustable water temperature and drum agitation An exceptionally quiet motor that redefined expectations A Compact Powerhouse for Modern Living With a washer capacity of 1.57 cu. ft., this model is best suited for individuals, couples, or small families seeking efficiency in compact spaces. While larger households may prefer more capacity, the unit is ideal for apartments, condos, and secondary laundry setups where noise reduction and space optimization are priorities. Equator continues to offer stackable laundry solutions built with the same commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. About Better Homes & GardensWith over a century of expertise, Better Homes & Gardens is a trusted name in home and lifestyle publishing. Known for its expert product testing, inspiring content, and practical tips, the brand reaches over 360 million readers annually and remains a household authority in home living and design. About Equator Advanced AppliancesEstablished in 1991, Equator Advanced Appliances is a Houston-based brand dedicated to providing energy-efficient, space-saving home solutions. From innovative laundry systems to modern kitchen appliances, Equator remains at the forefront of design, functionality, and sustainability. Media Contact: Name: Nick MathewsPhone: 713-589-2123Email: 395800@ Equator Advanced Appliances View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Equator Advanced Appliances
New York Times
29-04-2025
- New York Times
On a Swedish Lakeside, Four Cubes Add Up to One House
Patrik and Anna Johall searched for years to find an escape in nature, as a getaway from their primary home in Boras, Sweden. 'Even when we met and were very young, Patrik had a dream about having a house by the lake,' said Ms. Johall, now 50, the chief executive of Superstudio, a creative agency that Mr. Johall founded. 'We bid on a few houses over the past 20 years,' said Mr. Johall, 51, a photographer and a partner at Superstudio. But nothing worked out. When they finally found the right property in 2018, it had the splendor they craved, but it wasn't much of a getaway: The waterfront lot on Lake Oresjo was little more than a mile from their house, which they shared with their two children. 'It feels very remote even though it's close to town,' Ms. Johall said. 'It's 10 minutes by car to get into the city center.' The half-acre lot, which they bought for about $200,000, wasn't without its challenges. It rose steeply from the lake as a beautiful mess of boulders and trees; there was a small, primitive cabin in place that needed to be torn down; and the main access was via a narrow, private road. The lack of a flat building site led some of the couple's acquaintances to doubt their choice. 'Everyone was telling us, 'Oh, you're such idiots. You're trying to build on that property? How will that work?'' Mr. Johall said. 'But we never doubted it.' For help, they turned to the architecture firm Claesson Koivisto Rune and developed a concept for four separate structures scattered across the hillside rather than a single, larger house. 'The concept was almost like a rock crystal,' said Marten Claesson, a partner at Claesson Koivisto Rune, with perfect cubes emerging from the landscape. The largest of the structures is a 700-square-foot cube containing the main living space and primary bedroom. Aiming to disturb the earth as little as possible, the architects placed it atop a single concrete column that descends into the rock. 'It's like a mushroom, almost,' Mr. Claesson said. The house is rotated 45 degrees to angle out toward the lake, with an exterior split horizontally 'like an Equator line,' Mr. Claesson said. The bottom, where the living spaces are, is all glass; the top, where the walls wrap a rooftop terrace, is galvanized steel. Inside, a smaller cube at the center of the structure is clad in dark-stained ash and holds private and functional elements, including a bathroom and storage cabinets. Rotated at 45 degrees to the rest of the house, it creates four separate spaces at the corners of the larger cube, which serve as the living room, dining room, kitchen and primary bedroom. As a finishing touch, the Johalls selected knurled metal light switches and dimmers from Buster + Punch, which resemble toggle switches that could have been pulled from a custom guitar or vintage automobile. 'The house is so small that we put a lot of research into all the details, all the furniture,' since every piece would affect the overall feel of the space, Mr. Johall said. Closer to the water, a 323-square-foot cube with a kitchenette and a tiny bathroom provides a living and sleeping space for the two children, now teenagers, or guests. At the water's edge, a 108-square-foot cube holds a sauna with a curved aspen wood bench and Nero Marquina marble tiles, as well as a laundry area. The fourth cube is close to the road and provides a carport. Construction began in August 2020. 'It was supposed to take one year,' Mr. Johall said, 'but it took two years.' The project faced numerous delays from pandemic-related price spikes, adverse weather and complications getting materials to the building site. 'We weren't allowed to drive heavy trucks on the road during the winter,' explained Mr. Johall, which was a problem since most deliveries needed to come with a crane that could lower materials to the construction site. The team ended up having helicopters make some of the final deliveries. 'That was such a good idea, and something we should have done much earlier,' Mr. Johall said. As the project progressed, the construction cost ballooned to over $1.5 million — more than double what the couple had initially budgeted. But it was an investment they believe was worth it. As creative professionals, they were keen to realize the most ambitious architecture they could dream up with Claesson Koivisto Rune, without cutting corners. 'We tried to do everything in the best possible way,' he said. The reward is a home the family enjoys so much that it's become their primary residence, even though it's half the size of their house in the Boras city center. 'You can't have art on the walls,' Mr. Johall said. 'But when you open the curtain in the morning, nature provides a new painting every day.'
The Citizen
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Former Aiden O'Brien-trained Irish colt 25-1 for the July
The Equator switches hemispheres. The Equator has been priced up at 25-1 by Hollywoodbets for the 2025 Durban July, which might turn out to be excellent value for an adventurous punter. Or not. The surprise entry for South Africa's premier horse race blindsided most July watchers. And an explanation that the Irish-bred colt had been imported primarily with stud duties in mind seemed to lull many observers into overlooking his racing credentials. Top pedigree The facts are: The Equator won once in six starts in Ireland and England and finished second twice. He was considered good enough to run at Royal Ascot. Yet it seems he was deemed surplus to requirements by trainer Aiden O'Brien. However, scratch the surface and a more promising picture emerges. O'Brien, it should be remembered, is the world's most successful trainer, so even a cast-off from his Balldoyle stable might be a long way off a dud. Most significantly, The Equator's pedigree is quite fabulous. He is a son of Galileo, one of the greatest racehorses of his time and certainly one of the greatest stallions of all time – being champion sire of Ireland and Great Britain a remarkable 12 times. The mother, Quiet Reflection, a granddaughter of two standout stallions in Oasis Dream and Haafd, was Britain's Cartier Champion Sprinter in 2016. With that blood in his veins, and being from Galileo's final crop, it's no wonder the proprietors of breeding powerhouse Coolmore decided to keep The Equator for their own racing enjoyment. He was a fine specimen – a big bay like his dad, with a sassy walk – who O'Brien was quite excited about. Outing at Royal Ascot In the famous blue and orange colours of Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Sue Magnier, The Equator made his debut as a juvenile at Leopardstown racecourse in July 2023 – as 2-1 favourite with star jockey Ryan Moore in the irons. He finished fourth, but trainer and rider praised the way he ran to the line. An eight-month break followed, which didn't seem to bother the colt as he won easily by 3.25 lengths next time out at the same venue, ridden by Wayne Lordan. The connections were encouraged enough to take The Equator to Royal Ascot in June 2024, where he finished fifth in the Group 2 Queen's Vase – with stable-elect Illinois winning the race under Moore. The Equator was runner-up in his next two races, at Navan and York. In November 2024, his three-parts sister Lake Victoria stretched her unbeaten record to five from five when taking out the Breeders' Cup Fillies Juvenile Sprint at Del Mar in California. Just days before that spectacular action, South African horse owner Willem Ackerman bought The Equator on the UK's Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale, along with three other notable thoroughbreds. At Ackerman's side giving advice was former South African champion trainer Paul Peter, whose son Tony now has The Equator in training at his Turffontein yard and might be saddling the big fellow at Greyville on 5 July. More than stud duties It's been reported that The Equator will, at some date, retire to Nigel Riley's Heversham Farm stud outside Joburg, where the likes of Jackson, MK's Pride and Pomodoro already stand. The latter, of course, is a Durban July winner. Thoughts about impending stud duties were, unusually, to the fore when the 61 first entries for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July were unveiled at the weekend. Cape Town Met champion Eight On Eighteen was among the names, despite his connections speculating publicly that he might not be in the final line-up for the R5-million showpiece – with the Daily News 2000 and Champions Cup potentially offering better value in terms of stud fees. Also nominated was last year's July winner Oriental Charm, who is already being featured in stallion adverts for the coming covering season at Drakenstein Stud. If breeding shed notions are putting punters and bookmakers off The Equator, they're certainly not distracting them from the other two entires. Eight On Eighteen and Oriental Charm share the top rungs of the odds boards at 5-1 and 6-1. Notable absentees from the first draft of 61 July hopefuls were Cosmic Speed, Garrix and All Out For Six, all of whom had attracted ante-post betting money.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford future models 2025-2035
The frenzy of tariffs presently upending the plans of so very many car makers are just one among several major issues confronting Ford Motor Company. Demand for EVs is not what it had been forecast to be by now in North America, average MPG requirements are in flux in the US, mandates for electric vehicles have changed in Europe and may shift again, the Chinese market is shifting rapidly…and so on. What is any CEO to do? Ford is sticking with Jim Farley while CFO John Lawler remains too, both navigating some especially choppy waters worldwide. This company has previously survived multiple tricky periods and crises, and there is little reason to believe it won't thrive anew once the present turbulence dissipates. Or is replaced by some new challenge. It was ever thus in the global car industry. Nearly US$1bn profit in China For all the upset and concerns over North American operations as well as the financial hits in Europe and what to do about its overcapacity there, it's all too easy to forget that Ford remains a highly successful business. Take China as one example. Despite now selling only around 10,000 passenger vehicle a month in the world's largest market - about the same level as Hyundai, Volvo or Nio - John Lawler recently told analysts that pre-tax profit from Chinese operations was the equivalent of US$900 million in 2024. The investments in Chinese plants continue, the emphasis more recently switching to exports. Examples include the locally built Mondeo/Taurus, Equator, Equator Sport and Bronco being shipped to multiple other markets. And more electrified vehicles are coming though Ford chooses not to compete directly with the welter of cheap EVs being brandished by BYD, Geely, Chery Auto, Leapmotor and others. A return to India? Ford's presence in the world's most populous nation is also a subject that world headquarters in Dearborn continues to examine closely. Its exit from Indian manufacturing operations was a painful experience but the company keeps an open mind about a possible return. Having sold the Sanand plant to Tata Motors in 2022, its other factory - Maraimalai near Chennai - was instead idled. Local media claimed Ford had entertained bids from VinFast, SAIC and Tata before deciding to retain the site. The latest indications are that Maraimalai Nagar is to re-open not, as had been rumoured, to manufacture the Endeavour SUV, but as a powertrain complex. Specifically, engines and related components are supposedly to be made there for export. Negotiations towards a proposed agreement with the government of Tamil Nadu are reportedly ongoing. An official announcement is due later in 2025. Ford's next best seller now due in 2028 It may not be America's most popular car brand, Toyota taking the number one slot for the first quarter, but the F-Series continues to be the national best selling model series. In 2024, the RAV4 beat the F-150 but including the Super Duty trucks, Ford was able to boast yet again that it makes the nation's favourite model. Well, models. The next F-150 is still three years away and already some details have leaked. Generation fifteen, the code for which is P736, has been delayed, now being set to enter production in mid-2028 from the originally planned late 2027. P702, pictured above, dates to 2021 and was facelifted last year. A later-than-scheduled arrival means the second generation F-150 Lightning (project code: T3) will now arrive before P736 (as will the next Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra). At one time, the plug-in pick-up was set to premiere in 2025 but many US consumers' disinterest in EVs saw Ford change push back the launch date. This is also said to be due to a major ongoing effort of removing unnecessary costs from the programme. Now expected in the second half of 2027, the F-150 EV will be manufactured at BlueOval City's Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center. Depending on how popular it may or may not prove to be, Dearborn Truck and the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center could also be deployed to add capacity commencing in 2028 or 2029. As for the life cycle, that would be seven years, so a freshening is scheduled for model year 2031 with generation three pencilled in for the 2035 model year. A third plant for Super Duty trucks There will be some news for the Super Duty trucks in 2026 which is when Ford plans to launch an updated series, supposedly adding a hybrid option for the F-250 and F-350. Also, presuming the present situation with tariffs can be resolved, assembly of both at the Oakville plant in Ontario should still go ahead. The fresh investment was announced in July 2024 a few months after the Canadian factory built its final Ford Edge. Oakville Assembly had been due for a refit to produce a pair of three-row electric SUVs but both models were cancelled. Instead, Ford has been busy retooling the site for 100,000 units per annum of Super Duty production. This will be in addition to Ohio Assembly and Kentucky Truck, both of which are at capacity. Essex Engine Complex, which makes the 5.0-litre Coyote V8, is also gaining investment via a new assembly line for the Super Duty's 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 diesel and 7.3-litre Godzilla gasoline V8. As Ford has not (yet) stated anything to the contrary, its US$3bn+ spend on truck and engine production in Canada is presumed to be going ahead. And as for when the next generation of the Super Duty series arrives, that will be for the 2029 model year. Mustang sedan There aren't many cars left in the global line-up. The Mondeo/Taurus will be facelifted later in 2025 but there is no guarantee that Ford China will replace it. In North America, the company is instead betting on a four-door model around the same size, effectively a stretched and re-engineered Mustang. The 'Mach-4' will likely be revealed this year and new for the 2026 model year. Expanding the Mustang line to a third model is clever thinking, particularly as the Mach-E has done well in some countries but not so well in others. It should be facelifted for MY26 with a successor in the pipeline for CY2028. Whether or not generation two will be manufactured in Mexico - the current one has been built at Cuautitlán Assembly since 2020 - is presently under discussion. Ford of Europe shifted early into electric crossovers and SUVs, believing this would give it an advantage over competitors. Instead, many customers are still very keen on IC-powered models, the Puma being the best example. An electric version of this small crossover has just gone on sale. Both it and the petrol variants should be facelifted in 2026 and replaced in 2029. Europe: a new IC-powered SUV in 2027 The European division's two other main electric passenger vehicles are doing OK, not great. These, the VW-derived Explorer (CX740) and Capri (CX740L), are inherently first class designs but luke warm interest in EVs of this size is holding them back in many countries. Ford is due to facelift both in 2028 and launch successors in 2031. These should be linked to a smaller so-called 'multi-energy' model which will be made in Spain commencing in 2027. The next vehicle for the Almussafes (Valencia) factory is now two years away from launch, and should be a Kuga successor with HEV, PHEV and possibly EV options. Platform-wise, it will use one of Ford's own architectures, as should the next Explorer and Capri. This is of course presuming that the Niehl (Cologne) plant is not shuttered or at least loses a lot of capacity, which might well happen. Much depends on how CX740 and L fare during the next few years. Next Explorer: 2027 or 2030? Back in North America, the sixth generation of that region's Explorer still has three (potentially more) years of build remaining. The U625 series model dates to 2019 and was facelifted in 2024. A refresh of the existing CD6 platform will be the basis of the next model but there are conflicting reports of when exactly generation seven will debut. This could be as far off as 2030 should the rumours of a second facelift for U625 (in 2027) prove true. Chicago Assembly will remain the only manufacturing location in North America. Positioned above the Explorer, the largest SUV which Ford builds is also one of its newest models for the North American region. Expedition generation five, new for the 2025 model year, is the twin of the Lincoln Navigator, both also being available in extended form. They have been in production at Kentucky Truck (Louisville) since January. A hybrid option is likely to be added for the 2028 model year ahead of a facelift in CY2029 and successors in 2032. Despite all the uncertainty presently bedeviling Ford and its competitors, the so-called 'Affordable Electric Vehicle Platform' is said to be on-track for launch in 2027. Mainly for models manufactured in North America, the architecture will be the basis for a medium-sized pick-up. Ford should provide an update on this project and associated next generation vehicles within the coming months. "Ford future models 2025-2035" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Upgrade your laundry room with these 15 washers and dryers
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. When it's time to replace your washer or dryer, finding the right appliance can make all the difference in your laundry routine. Whether you're looking for a single washer, a standalone dryer or a convenient washer-dryer combo, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and budget. Thanks to advancements in technology, today's models offer enhanced efficiency, innovative features and even an AI experience. Here are 15 top-rated washers and dryers with state-of-the-art technology. There are also simple, straightforward options for buyers who don't want anything too fancy. Original price: $1,399 The GE Profile UltraFresh front-load washer not only comes in a unique blue sapphire color, but it also has an odor-blocking vent system that eliminates excess moisture and prevents odors. The SmartDispense technology also helps you save on detergent. It helps dispense the perfect amount based on the load weight and the fabric type. Original price: $999 Samsung's smart compatible top-load washer is a smaller unit, but still offers 4.7 cubic feet of space, helping you get more laundry done faster. The unit can connect to Wi-Fi and when you pair it with the SmartThings app, so you can remotely start your laundry, schedule loads and more right from your smartphone. You get 10 preset washing cycles and the active water jets help you pretreat heavily stained loads. Read On The Fox News App Original price: $699 With 12 wash cycles and a large capacity, the Whirlpool deep water wash top-load washer is ideal for families who are constantly doing laundry. There's a cycle option for bulky bedding, delicates and soiled laundry, so there's nothing you can't tackle with this machine. Spring Clean Your Home With These 10 Sustainable Products Original price: $1,705.81 Upgrade your old washing machine with a Koolmare front load washer. It has 12 different washing cycles and a few temperature options, so you can carefully control how your clothes are washed. You don't need to worry about wrinkles with this machine, thanks to the simple steam function. When you need to delay the start of your laundry load, you can use the delay function to delay a loan up to 24 hours. Original price: $1,099 The LG smart top load washer has a huge capacity of five cubic feet. The angled washer front also makes it easier to reach your clothes without sacrificing capacity. This is one of the first washers with AI technology built in, so the washer selects the right wash motions and settings for you. You can also control your washer remotely using voice commands via Google or Alexa. Need a dryer for a small space? The Equator electric vented dryer is a compact dryer that has 3.5 cubic feet of space. This model is stackable with certain Equator models. The wrinkle guard protects your clothes, and you can select sleep or normal mode depending on how quiet you want the machine to run. Original price: $699 For a no-frills, large dryer, the Whirlpool seven cubic foot dryer is currently less than $500. Although it's simple, this dryer has a few helpful features, including an autodry system that senses when clothes have reached the right moisture content and it stops the cycle. The wrinkle shield option also keeps your clothes from wrinkling too much. Original price: $849 The large GE 7.4 cubic feet dryer is affordable and straightforward. There's a sensor dry feature that continually monitors temperature and moisture to determine the appropriate drying time. The My Cycle setting saves your favorite wash settings for easier use. You can also save money and energy with the Eco Dry setting. It reduces dry temperatures on certain cycles, so you're spending less. An Insignia 6.7 cubic feet dryer is an average-sized dryer with 10 drying cycles for delicates, towels, everyday laundry and more. The front load design makes it easier to unload your clothing, and the five temperature levels make it easier to avoid over-drying your clothes, which wastes money and electricity. Keep Your Kitchen Spotless With These 12 Cleaning Products Get a washer and dryer set for less than $1,000 when you choose the Insignia high-efficiency washer dryer combo. The washing machine has 12 cycle options, including a normal mode, an eco option, a bulky setting and a delicates option, among others. It also has auto-unbalancing detection that'll help your washing machine stop rattling around. The dryer is a front-loading dryer that's easy to use. The GE Profile washer and dryer combo is upscale and made with smart technology that can sense what your clothes need. The tangle control feature helps you minimize tangled messes that don't get clean. GE's smart feature helps you start, stop and monitor your laundry from anywhere. You'll receive real-time notifications and updates on your smartphone, and you can control each appliance with voice assistant. Samsung's stackable smart washer and dryer has an extra-large five cubic feet capacity and a super-speed wash that helps you clean a full load in just 28 minutes. The high-tech combo connects to Wi-Fi, making it easy to stop and start your washer or dryer with the SmartThings app. When you need to clean your washer, the Self Clean+ feature cleans the inside of your washer for you. It'll also remind you to clean it every 40 wash cycles. Declutter Your Home With These 10 Organizational Items Original price: $2,799 A stackable and sophisticated washer dryer combo is the Samsung Bespoke stacked laundry center. The imbedded AI detects soil levels and fabrics and will automatically adjust the settings for the right wash. There's also a super-speed wash and dry setting that will wash and dry your clothes in less than an hour. Original price: $1,389 Instead of a bulky washer and dryer set, an Equator all-in-on washer dryer can save you space. The dryer is ventless, so you don't need to worry about finding a place to vent it. Just be prepared to wait a little longer than with separate machines. A typical load takes two to three hours to wash and dry. The washer dryer has a pet feature that's designed to wash blankets, dog beds and other pet accessories more vigorously to eliminate odors. There are 14 total cycles you can choose from, including an allergy option and a sanitize option. For more deals, visit Original price: $2,899 The GE Profile ventless all-in-one washer dryer will wash and dry your laundry in about two hours. The dryer is ventless, so you can save some serious space in your laundry room. A ventless design also saves 50% more energy compared to your average washer and dryer set. GE's pet hair removal feature can easily get rid of cat and dog hair on your clothes and their blankets. This combo is also a smart combo that allows you to select detergents, download specialty cycles and receive cycle status notifications on your article source: Upgrade your laundry room with these 15 washers and dryers
