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India Today
6 days ago
- Science
- India Today
As AI gets smarter, study says humans are starting to sound and talk more like ChatGPT
When SMS first came, it changed the way we talk. Unlike writing paragraph length responses, we started talking in just a few words due to the character limit. This led many of us to develop a habit of speaking with fewer words, and it continued from there. Now, according to researchers, a similar shift is occurring, this time due to AI chatbots. According to a recent study, while humans are feeding AI models, it turns out that we are not just teaching robots, we are also copying from them. advertisementA study by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Germany reveals that there has been a measurable shift in the way humans speak. They found that people are beginning to adapt to how AI chatbots like ChatGPT speak and write and communicate. The study analysed over 360,000 YouTube videos and 770,000 podcast episodes released before and after the launch of ChatGPT. In the analysis, the study discovered a sharp rise in the habit of humans using words typically generated by AI. These include words like meticulous, boast, and realm, as noted by a report in the Verge. The researchers call these "GPT words" and suggest that humans are memorising them and using them in everyday speech more than ever before. 'We detect a measurable and abrupt increase in the use of words preferentially generated by ChatGPT,' the study noted. The study also points to a kind of linguistic feedback loop, where machines trained on human speech are now subtly reshaping it in return. 'This marks the beginning of a closed cultural feedback loop,' the authors in the study published in the preprint server arXiv. One word in particular that stood out in the study is delve. Study co-author Hiromu Yakura referred to it as a linguistic watermark, stating that it signals AI's growing influence on human language. ''Delve' is only the tip of the iceberg,' Yakura explained, suggesting that this marks just the beginning of a broader transformation in human this isn't the first time researchers have observed the influence of AI on human expression. Earlier studies have focused on impact on written language. But this new study in particular focuses on the significant shift humans are experiencing in spoken communication. According to Levin Brinkmann, another co-author, 'It's natural for humans to imitate one another but we're now imitating machines.'The study highlights that the influence of AI is not just on the vocabulary. The researchers believe the tone and structure of language are also starting to change. Humans are now using longer, more formal sentences, with less emotion and a more polished delivery. 'We internalise this virtual vocabulary into daily communication,' said Yakura, who sees this trend across lectures, podcasts, and online also raise concerns of the wider implication of the change in human communication style based on AI. They highlight that the AI is not just changing the word choices. According to scholars like Mor Naaman of Cornell Tech, the change is not just making us lose the linguistic diversity, but a deeper human touch, vulnerability, spontaneity, and personality. 'Instead of articulating our own thoughts,' Naaman warns, 'we articulate whatever AI helps us to articulate we become more persuaded.'Researchers acknowledge that while AI is helping humans to improve efficiency and even encourage more positive social exchanges, like autocorrect or smart replies, it is also making people more dependent on it. Now rather than trusting their own words and feelings, humans are depending more on AI in all sorts of conversations. - Ends
The Verge
11-07-2025
- The Verge
Google's latest Nest Learning Thermostat is more than $60 off for Prime Day
Google's fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat (the latest model) is one of the few smart home accessories I rely on every day, and it's at an all-time low price of $218.99 ($61 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. Prime Day is almost over, but Best Buy and Google are also offering a $40 discount. This generation introduced greater compatibility with HVAC and smart home platforms, improvements to its Smart Scheduling feature, and a significant hardware redesign. Verge reviewer Jennifer Pattison Tuohy said in her review that it 'improves on the original in almost every way.' Google's latest Nest Learning Thermostat offers a sleeker design, support for Matter, and a Soli radar sensor to detect if a person is approaching. It also includes a second-gen remote temperature sensor for monitoring the temp in a room of your choosing. Read our review. The first thing I noticed after installing mine was how big its display is. Turns out, it's 60 percent larger than previous models — large enough to show extra details in addition to your home's current temperature. You can customize what information is shown within the thermostat's settings, but I chose the time, humidity level, and outdoor temperature. The thermostat will only show the smartwatch-like complications when you're up close; if you're far away, the entire display is dedicated to a single piece of information. Previous versions of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat required a C-wire to provide power, but that's no longer the case. However, we still recommend using Google's compatibility checker to be 100 percent sure it will work with your HVAC system. Matter support is another first for this version of the Learning Thermostat, so you can use it with your preferred smart home platform, including Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung's SmartThings. Once the thermostat is connected, you can use the platform's app or corresponding smart assistant to control your home's temperature. If you enable the Smart Scheduling feature, the thermostat will learn when you use your HVAC system and your preferred temperature, and begin making those changes automatically. You can always go back to manual control, but not having to think about changing the temperature when you wake up or before you go to sleep is as useful as it sounds. Similarly, this thermostat comes with a wireless temperature sensor, which you can put in a room that gets too hot or cold to ensure the HVAC system runs until that area is at your desired temp. The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the few gadgets besides my smartphone that I rely on daily, and the only smart home accessory I consider a necessity. If you've been on the fence, there're only a few hours left to take advantage of this deal. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.
Chicago Tribune
03-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Oak Park cop who arrested Allan Reddins killing suspect awarded Medal of Valor
Oak Park police Sgt. Derrick Verge received the Police Medal of Valor from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police for shooting and arresting the man who is charged with killing Oak Park police Det. Allan Reddins last November. Verge, a 21 year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department received the award at the July 1 meeting of the Oak Park Village Board. On Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving last year, Verge was responding to a domestic incident when he heard of a report of a shooting in downtown Oak Park. Verge ran through Scoville Park and found the shooter still armed and taking cover behind a concrete pillar by the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library. 'Recognizing the immediate deadly threat posed to the public and his fellow officers, Sgt. Verge fired two rounds striking and downing the shooter from a distance of 40 yards,' said Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis, the vice president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, while presenting Verge with a medal. 'Sgt. Verge and other officers approached the downed suspect, secured the nine millimeter pistol he had used, placed him under arrest and administered first aid to treat his wounds.' The suspect, Jerrell Thomas of Chicago, is facing multiple charges including first degree murder, attempted murder, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon. His case is still pending. Verge grew up in Oak Park and previously served as a school resource officer as well as in many other roles in the Oak Park Police Department. 'He has dedicated himself to a life of service,' said Oak Park police Chief Shatonya Johnson.
The Verge
02-07-2025
- The Verge
Nuki's Smart Lock is a better retrofit door lock
The Nuki Smart Lock ($159) is the most advanced retrofit smart lock I've tested. It features a sleek, compact design that looks and works like a regular doorknob, but it's much more than a doorknob. It can automatically unlock as you approach, lock behind you, unlock using a keypad or your fingerprint, and be controlled from anywhere. It also supports every smart home platform through Matter, and you can still use your existing key — if you're old-school like that. I love the button integrated into the stainless steel design that locks and unlocks with a single press — no need to turn the knob. And the Nuki is shockingly fast: quicker than manually turning the lock and easily twice as fast as any other smart lock I've tested, locking in under a second. 9 Verge Score Exciting new retrofit locks have been few and far between since the fourth-generation August Wifi Smart Lock launched over 5 years ago. While that lock has held up as a good option for a smart lock that doesn't require replacing your existing deadbolt, the Nuki is a better choice. It's faster, smaller, and smarter than the August, plus it works with Matter over Thread and promises up to a year of battery life. That's significantly more than the two to three months I got with August. The European-made lock also arrives with an impressive focus on privacy and a competitive price. But a subscription for some features in its app and an interesting approach to charging the lock could be dealbreakers. I love trying out all the cool new tech smart locks are leaning into – from palm scanners to facial recognition and built-in cameras, but I get that most people just want their smart lock to look like a regular lock. Unfortunately, design is too often an afterthought for lock manufacturers. Most smart locks are big, black, and bulky, and either plasticky or very expensive. The Austrian-designed Nuki strikes a sweet spot: a minimalist style with a premium look and feel, all for under $160. The Nuki Smart Lock is its first designed for the US, but the company has been making locks for over a decade and is on its fifth generation in Europe. The lock's small size stems from a clever design that has evolved over the years to be constructed entirely around a new brushless motor. It's essentially a motor with a lithium-polymer battery attached. The battery is built-in and non-removable, which helps with the compact design and seamless look. It charges via a proprietary 6-foot USB-C/Magsafe-style cable. The idea is you can charge it without removing the lock, and if someone opens the door while it's connected, the cable pops off safely. I love the integrated button that locks and unlocks with a single press But I didn't have an outlet anywhere close enough to the door to try this, and I'm likely not alone. Removing the lock for charging is simple, but then you can't open your door for the two hours it takes to charge. Not ideal. The cable is almost comically long, but probably needs to be longer. Additionally, a non-removable battery raises concerns about longevity. Nuki claims the battery should last 10 years, and says a replacement plan will be offered. Installation was simple. After charging the lock, I removed the thumbturn from my Schlage deadbolt and replaced it with the Nuki backplate, then snapped the lock into place. The rest of the setup is via Nuki's app, which requires you to create a security code rather than signing up for an account. This means you don't have to provide Nuki with any information about yourself to use the device, a rare feature for a smart lock. One quirk, however, is that the security code feature made navigating the app rather slow, as it checks the code again every time you enter a more 'sensitive' section of the app. You can choose to use the lock locally over Bluetooth with Nuki's app, or connect to Wi-Fi, Matter over Thread, or both for control away from home and integration with smart home platforms. If both are enabled, Nuki says the lock prioritizes Thread to conserve battery life. Nuki's app is one of the most fully-featured I've tested, offering multiple settings and customization options. Along with standard features like assigning guest access, enabling auto-lock and auto-unlock, I could set schedules, which many locks only allow through a smart home platform. There are also some other neat features, such as Night Mode, which locks the door at a set time, disables auto-unlock, and enables auto-lock. I also like the option to set swipe gestures in the app for quick control when approaching the door. Connecting to Wi-Fi provides access to Google Home, Alexa, and MQTT (for connecting to Home Assistant). There's also the option to sign up for a Nuki cloud account. This isn't required to use the lock or the app, and comes with a steep $5.90 monthly subscription fee. The keypad lacks a zero button, which momentarily confounded me since all my go-to codes require a zero. The subscription adds cloud-based features, such as remote control from the Nuki app and notifications, including a tap-to-unlock prompt when you approach the door, as well as one that alerts you if the door is unlocked when you leave. It also enables integrations with Airbnb and other rental platforms, as well as web-based controls for the lock. If you don't subscribe, you can only use the Nuki app locally over Bluetooth, and you won't get notifications from it. Nuki is offering all new customers free access for the lifetime of the lock if they sign up before September 30th. Unless you really need those extras, opt for the Matter-over-Thread connection. This enables out-of-home control and notifications through any Matter-compatible smart home platform (I used Apple Home). Thread connectivity is free and improves battery life (up to a year versus 6 months on Wi-Fi). But bear in mind, you will need a Matter hub and a Thread border router. With the Nuki, you don't have to choose between the manufacturer's app control and your Matter app of choice. I could control the lock in the Nuki app and use its more advanced features, including hands-free auto-unlock, while also having basic control in Apple Home. This is an issue with Matter in general, where the standard doesn't support some of the more advanced features of smart devices, such as auto-unlock. Some manufacturers, such as the Kwikset Halo Select lock I recently tested, require you to choose one or the other. Outside of the app, you can use the Nuki Keypad 2, included in a bundle with the lock for $229. It's designed to be mounted outside your door using 3M tape or screws. It supports both PIN codes and fingerprints. The fingerprint reader worked well, though its small surface sometimes required repositioning my finger a couple of times. I liked the keypad's tactile rubbery buttons and dedicated key for locking, but it lacks a zero button. This momentarily confounded me since all my go-to codes require a zero. There's also no backlight, making nighttime use tricky without a porch light. Nuki sells a door sensor to detect open/closed status, but unlike most locks, it doesn't come with the sensor; you have to buy it separately for a whopping $59. I tested the lock over Bluetooth, Thread, and Wi-Fi, and in all cases, it was super responsive, executing commands instantly. As mentioned, the motor is amazingly fast, as you can see in the video. But this means it's loud, although thankfully only for a second. The LED ring on the knob showed me at a glance whether the door was locked or unlocked (and can be turned off). Disappointingly, there's no support for Apple's Home Key or ultra-wideband unlocking (UWB), a new tech coming to smart locks to enhance the auto-unlocking feature. Nuki says it will release a keypad later this year with UWB and NFC that will be compatible with the new Aliro standard, which should extend Apple's tap-to-unlock Home Key features to Android phones. While innovation in full replacement locks has moved fast, retrofit locks have largely lagged behind — as noted, August was the last great option, and we haven't seen a new model since 2020. It's unlikely we ever will. August is now part of Yale, and the Yale Approach appears to be August's successor. While the Approach is a fine lock, it lacks August's flair. At $99, it is cheaper than Nuki, so might be more appealing to renters, but it doesn't support Matter and has a larger footprint, both for the lock and the keypad. $6 a month is too high a price to pay for the privilege of unlocking your front door The Nuki is a fantastic lock that I would recommend to anyone who wants a smart lock that doesn't look like a smart lock, doesn't require replacing your existing deadbolt, and lets you keep using your current key — especially if you use it with Matter. It's a better option than August, thanks to longer battery life and broader smart home support. Just be sure to have the Matter infrastructure in place to support it, or purchase the lock before the end of September to receive lifetime Nuki cloud access. As a startup without a large corporation behind it, Nuki is smart to look to secure its future with the ongoing revenue of a subscription. But $6 a month is too high a price to pay for the privilege of unlocking your front door. Photos and video by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It's impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we started counting exactly how many times you have to hit 'agree' to use devices when we review them, since these are agreements most people don't read and definitely can't negotiate. To set up the Nuki Smart Lock, you must download and install the Nuki app (iOS and Android), no account is required. You need to accept the following agreements: The Nuki can be set up in Matter platforms such as Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings, but you need to use the Nuki app initially. Final tally: two mandatory agreements
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Ride Review: Verge TS Pro 'Hubless' Electric motorcycle
Is that back wheel missing some parts? Nope, the Verge motorcycles utilize a chainless, beltless, ... More shaftless drive system based around a large electric motor built into the back wheel itself. OK, perhaps a wee bit of clarification is needed: No, the distinctive machines from electric motorcycle maker Verge are not exactly powered by Homer Simpson's favorite snack food. But technically, they are powered by a type of donut: a large round 'hubless' electromagnetic motor that makes up the rear wheel and contributes to the Verge models' signature look (below). Appropriately—and with a much-needed wink at often overly pretentious names for 'branded' technology—the motor is called… the Donut Motor. And it's expected to show up on more motorcycles soon. More on that in a bit. Four small arms hold the motor, which is mated to a carbon fiber rim to cut unsprung weight. The ... More inside part of the hub does not rotate; the wheel and tire rotate around it. Recently, while on assignment for another publication that took me to the Los Angeles area, I had the opportunity to ride a Euro-spec Verge TS Pro on the relatively placid streets near Beverly Hills very early in the morning. Verge is still working to homologate its bikes for the U.S., with sales expected to start later this year through a still-expanding dealership network. Verge states they are currently selling the bikes in Estonia, Finland, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Monaco. The company is based in Estonia, where the bikes are also made. The Verge team recently set a Guinness World Record for the farthest distance traveled on a single charge on an electric motorcycle using the TS Pro. Although they didn't quite reach the 200-mile mark, they secured the record with enough charge remaining to surpass that distance. Take a look: Verge TS Pro Tech Overview While smaller, lighter 'city plus' urban-focused electric motos seem to be the current trend, the 245kg/540-pound Verge TS electric motorcycles are very much not a member of that category. The Verge machines prioritize speed, power, and even more speed. The bikes feature substantial battery packs: a 20.2 kWh battery in the $29,990 TS Pro model I was riding, or a larger 21.8 kWh pack in the $44,900 TS Ultra trim. Verge is also offering a glossy 'seasonal' version of the Pro called the California Edition for a $1,000 premium. All that energy powers that unusual hubless 17-inch rear Donut Motor, which delivers 102 kW/137 horsepower and an incredible 1,000 Nm/737 pound-feet of torque when set to maximum output in Beast ride mode on the Pro and California. On the Ultra, those numbers rise to 202 horsepower and a staggering 885 pound-feet of torque. Thankfully, the bikes are equipped with traction controls to prevent riders from losing control during hard acceleration, along with multiple riding modes. Range mode maximizes ride time, while Zen mode strikes a balance between the wilder Beast mode and the relatively docile Range setting. A Custom setting allows riders to adjust the level of danger and finesse as desired. Verge claims a range of over 200 miles on a full charge in Range mode with what I suspect is a very well-behaved throttle hand while sticking to city streets. Vital statistics, including speed, are displayed on a small monochrome LCD located beneath the lip of the small bug screen atop the handlebars. Since there's no need for gasoline, the Verge's vented 'tank' houses the vital electrical and charging components, while a large touchscreen occupies the top section. Tapping an RFID card to the tank brings the machine to life. Verge has developed a robust UI and operating software called Starmatter, which features an 'Advanced Machine Vision System' on the top-spec Ultra, but I did not ride that model. With Starmatter, riders can poke around under the digital hood, so to speak, to adjust regenerative braking and several other metrics. A small button on the right bar pod activates the bikes from Parking mode, and another changes the ride mode. Dual 320mm Brembo disc brakes with ABS slow the 17-inch front wheel, while a huge, custom-design 380mm rim-mounted rear rotor is required out back due to the lack of a hub. The giant rotor also gives the back of the bike even more of a sci-fi vibe in conjunction with three large-gauge cables feeding power to the rear motor. Suspension is adjustable both front and rear, with the Ultra featuring Öhlins equipment. Up front, dual LED projection headlights, positioned above and below an EU marker light, give the Verge a somewhat robotic countenance. An LED taillight is neatly integrated out back, and my EU-spec bike had tiny, tiny but very bright LED turn signals that will be replaced with large, less attractive DOT-spec signals when the bikes arrive stateside. Also, the Euro-spec bikes feature handlebar-activated brakes front and rear, while the U.S. versions will have a standard-style foot pedal for the rear brake. As on most electric motorcycles, there is just one forward 'gear' and no clutch or gearshift. Verge tells me that they will add reverse capability in a future firmware update. What's It Like To Ride The Verge TS Pro? Yours truly on the streets of Los Angeles on the Verge TS Pro. Tap an NFC card to a spot on the faux tank and the Verge TS Pro comes to life, but in Park mode for safety. A button next to the throttle arms the drivetrain, and after that, it's as simple as twist and go, like most electric motorcycle. Other controls and such are in the usual places and operate like normal although I missed the turn signal button and hit the nearby horn button for a few unwanted beeps. I started out in Range mode, and even in this most conservative of ride modes, the Verge TS Pro is almost violently quick off the line. Verge claims a zero to 60 of 3.5 seconds in Beast Mode, but that figure doesn't feel too far off from the full-crank launch in Range Mode. Once underway, I expected the long, low Verge TS Pro to have the handling characteristics of a long, low cruiser, and indeed, the TS Pro even includes a second set of pegs (but no controls) in a more forward 'cruiser' position for relaxed riding, along with the pegs amidships. EU-spec machines like I rode have dual handbrakes (like a scooter), U.S. market versions will likely have a standard front brake and foot-controlled rear brake. Despite the long wheelbase and wide rear tire, the TS Pro turns easily and tracks well. Weight is ... More apparent, however. In the early morning light, myself and JJ from Verge (formerly of Lucid Motors) rode along curving, twisting streets through Beverly Hills, and to my surprise, the Verge TS Pro had very neutral handling, with the steering falling in just a tiny bit at slower speeds, but far less than I anticipated seeing how the rear tire is a massive 240-section meat that looks like it was lifted off some big-inch V-Twin brawler. But above walking speed, the TS Pro felt planted, stable and cornered with unexpected grace - and speed. And there is speed to spare. We scouted out a long stretch of straight, traffic-free roadway and once stopped, I dialed up Beast mode on the display, then girded for the launch. The Verge did just that - launch - with a high-pitched howl from the rear motor as the TS Pro moved through 60 mph in a literal blink and kept on accelerating, a whine rising from the rear hub as the speedometer digits climbed ever higher. As the TS Pro closed in on triple digits, I spotted the familiar silhouette of a law enforcement SUV parked on the side of the road ahead, complete with light bar. I laid into the brakes which scrubbed off speed quickly but I had been far in excess of the speed limit. Again, it was very early in the morning on a weekend with no moving traffic, but still, I was clearly on the wrong side of the law. However, as I went by, still on the brakes, I noticed it was a private 'security' vehicle and unoccupied. Greatly relieved, we concluded acceleration testing and quickly headed back to base. Observations The Ultra Pro adds a bump-stop seat pad. With nearly 900 pound-feet of torque, riders will need it. As I noted earlier, I had been watching the development of the Verge machines from a distance, especially since they have essentially been Euro-only offerings until now. It was a great experience to get a bit of seat time on this unusual electric motorcycle - it certainly impresses, both in terms of its sci-fi style and bonkers performance capabilities. And to think I wasn't riding the top-spec Ultra version. My own sportbike, the formidable Honda Super Blackbird, seems almost quaint in comparison to the TS Pro. When riders talk about 'eyeball flattening acceleration,' this is what they are referring to. Coupled with the quiet delivery of so much power, the Verge TS Pro has that undeniable 'hand of God' feeling when you twist the throttle - even in Zen mode. Time and space suddenly compress and what was down the road is now coming up fast. It's an amazing experience to ride. Verge is also looking beyond the motorcycles and is offering the Donut Motors to other makers for motorcycles and other types of vehicles as well. That said, the Verge machines still face the same issues as other full-size, full power electric motorcycles in the U.S. market; weight, battery storage capacity, recharging issues and a high price. Undoubtedly, the Verge machines are a premium offering with style and performance to match their price. And really, for the performance and exclusivity of the TS Pro, a tick under $30,000 seems fairly reasonable, especially considering many upper-end gas powered motorcycles easily clear that number. But the Verge bikes, being all-electric, still must contend with charging times far longer than a gas stop and the still relative unavailability of public chargers in the U.S. compared to gas stations (and Euro infrastructure). We are still in the early-adopter years of electric motorcycles, but if buyers are looking for a standout electric bike with a strong sense of style and almost incomprehensible performance capabilities, the Verge TS Pro delivers. CEO Interview: Tuomo Lehtimäki As a bonus, I talked with Verge CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki about the issues around electric motorcycles, the development of the Verge machines, and Verge's business model. The interview has been lightly edited for brevity. Considering the myriad and considerable financial challenges seen in the full-size electric motorcycle market, why undertake this endeavor? What is Verge doing differently from other leading electric motorcycle makers that will (hopefully) bring long-term success? Tuomo Lehtimäki: Our competitors are scaling up models that aren't financially sustainable. They're selling bikes at a loss and hoping to fix the numbers later. We've done it the other way around: we focused first on building winning technology, then made sure it could be profitable. After that we started scaling the business. Even in the early days, before the product even existed, we designed the business model: the main point was to have in-house development, in-house manufacturing, direct-to-consumer sales, and our own service network. That gives us enough control of the value chain to be competitive in the long run. Because of that vertical integration, we're in a position to grow sustainably, no matter what the market throws at us. What are the advantages of the Donut motor tech over the current motor tech that is common in Zero models, LiveWire, etc.? When it comes to powertrains, the holy grail is simplicity: having just one moving part. There are no chains, no belts, no gears. There's just one moving part. This brings many advantages: What are the main technical challenges in producing the donut motor? The biggest challenge has been that everything about the motor is new - not just the motor itself, but how it's manufactured. We had to not only invent the motor, but also invent the production methods ourselves to make this work at scale. That's why we've built everything in-house: R&D, testing, validation, and manufacturing. Full vertical integration. It lets us move fast, try things, learn quickly, and refine the product continuously. That speed and control has been both our biggest challenge and our biggest strength. Any time you put a "motor' in a wheel, it adds a lot of unsprung weight, which can negatively affect handling and punish suspension. What is Verge doing to offset that issue? That's exactly the point we've worked to solve. Our goal was to prove you can integrate the entire powertrain into the wheel - and still deliver great handling. After six years of development, we've brought that challenge down to a level we're happy with. We've been continuously reducing weight and can now offset the issues related to this kind of powertrain with premium suspension components. We've also developed the bike's dynamics and handling working closely together with our partners at Öhlins and Wilbers. Every choice we've made - like having a carbon fiber rim - reflects how seriously we take performance and ride quality. Where did the idea or inspiration for the motor technology come from? From day one, we believed that fewer parts make for better technology. The holy grail of powertrains is having just one moving part. And that's what we set out to build. Our first prototype showed that it was not only possible, but practical. As we kept developing it, the more benefits we started seeing. That's when we realized we're not just building a motor for one motorcycle - we're building a drivetrain that can power anything from a scooter to a full-on race bike. What kind of service (if any) does the motor and the motorcycle require? The motor doesn't need any servicing over its lifetime. With less moving parts and no oils or liquids the bike requires minimal maintenance. Is the U.S. certification timeline of Q4 still on schedule? What will US pricing look like, especially considering possible tariffs? Yes, we're still on track to complete certification in Q4 this year. As for pricing: anyone who has placed a reservation in the past or places their order now will keep the current price. And we are not planning to change prices unless tariffs shift significantly. We're monitoring the situation carefully, but we're not rushing to make any changes. Thank you for reading. Subscribing to allows you to leave comments and supports contributors like myself. You can also follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.
