The Academy of Digital Art, Sciences, & Culture (ADASC) founding member Chris J. Snook and E! Entertainment Television founder Larry Namer recently announced the pre-eminent Web3 innovation awards show gala, The NFTYS. Today, the duo unveiled the striking NFTY Award that will be presented at the inaugural awards gala at The NIKO Theatre at Worre Studios in Las Vegas on June 14, 2023.
The NFTY award, designed by New Jersey-based artist Connor McLoughlin, known for his branding and design work for Master & Dynamic, Netflix, Peacock, Nike, Puma and Timberland, will be 3D printed in clear polymer that will be filled with lead and resin. The award manufacturing process is a blend of environmentally friendly and 3D printed methodologies, with each award costing thousands of dollars to produce standing over 12 inches tall and weighing approximately 6 pounds. The ribbons of the award design will be hand-painted, making each a one-of-a-kind, unique work of art. The 3D model design is by TurboSquid.com/Nn_Man. The official teaser can be found here.
“The NFTY is an iconic reflection on the historical depth that culture has always played in moving society into its next revolution or evolution,” comments Snook about the award design. “The award is a representation of the bold and bright future that lies ahead because of the creatives and innovators that earn her recognition.”
“Our goal with the presentation of the NFTY Award is to become a true career highlight for its winners, and a genuine keepsake befitting of the honor it bestows on its recipients,” adds Namer.
Each NFTY will be simultaneously minted as a digital twin when awarded to the recipient on the XRP Ledger as part of the support received from the Ripple Creator Fund, with an enhanced and vibrantly animated 3D digital twin and model of itself with each winner’s metadata. This will be stored on the Arweave PermaWeb to ensure an immutable historical record of the awards.
Additionally, the NFTY Award pays a special homage on its base to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, the co-inventors of the decentralized ledger/blockchain technology in 1991. They were also responsible for the first-ever mention and patent associated with what has become widely known now as the NFT – non-fungible token. The inscription reads “With Gratitude from Us All Who Stand on Your Shoulders to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, Jr.”
The NFTYS is the first ever live global broadcast show of its kind recognizing the cultural innovators who are redefining fashion, art, music, entertainment, and technology across the Metaverse. Nominations for the 2023 NFTYS will remain open until midnight PST on April 15, 2023. Nominate A Project to a NFTY — NFTYS.org | Academy of Digital Art, Sciences, & Culture and the shortlist of finalists in each category will be announced on May 15, 2023.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF DIGITAL ART, SCIENCES, & CULTURE (ADASC) – ADASC is a social benefit diversified DAO advancing the benevolent use of breakthrough technology innovation across Art, Sciences, and Culture. Its membership includes a variety of invite-only and public tiers that form the decentralized and diverse nomination committee of awardees and grants at its annual public celebration and broadcast of The Annual NFTY Awards Gala. For more information about membership to the Academy and nominations for The NFTYS please visit https://nftys.org
The IPCC just this week said that the world can still avoid the worst of climate collapse with genuine change, but that if we keep emitting at the current rate, the carbon budget for 1.5C will exhaust by 2030. That juxtaposition of hope and grim reality should be enough to focus everyone’s minds on the opportunities and threats that lie ahead.
At Tevva we believe that further government action is required to ensure that the UK achieves its net zero goals in the best and fastest possible way for the good of the environment, economy and British people. The recent Net Zero Review set out the ‘historic opportunity’ offered by net zero in the UK, by creating a new era of change and opportunity. Yet the report also made clear that more should be done to ‘back business’ and reap the economic benefits.
Our expertise lies in electric vehicles and specifically the electrification of trucks. Despite accounting for just two percent of vehicles on our roads, heavy-duty trucks (HDVs) are responsible for over a quarter of road transport emissions. Road transport and HDVs are also one of the largest sources of air pollution which causes 350,000 premature deaths per year in Europe.
Clearly more must be done to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial vehicles, and we’re asking the UK government to bring truck incentives in-line with those found in Europe. Brexit put us in a position where as a nation we were free from EU state aid rules which limited the amount of support governments could give to certain industries. Yet, the UK is lagging behind its European neighbors when it comes to incentives for electric truck adoption.
As a vehicle manufacturer, Tevva can offer its customers discounts at point of sale thanks to government incentives, with a maximum of £16,000 for small trucks and £25,000 for large ones. Yet, if you compare this support to what’s on offer in other European countries, you’re left with a feeling that more could be done. In Germany, for example, the government provides 80% of the price differential between diesel and battery-electric trucks, in the Netherlands it’s 45%. That’s potentially between £50-90,000 per truck more than what’s on offer in the UK.
We appreciate the British government’s support which enables us to make our 7.5t battery-electric truck even more appealing to fleets. But for this country to meet its net zero goals, more action is needed to stimulate electric vehicle manufacturing in the UK, which is really the only bright spot in an industry that has reached its lowest ebb for over 60 years.
The electrification of trucks is inevitable, and the technology has developed to a point where an electric truck is a viable proposition for many operators. There’s a huge appetite among fleets for electric trucks, as the opportunity to reduce emissions makes good business sense. Obviously there needs to be trust in the technology and clarity on total cost of ownership (TCO). Tevva is working with its customers to address both of these points and we’re confident that our electric trucks will save them money over the lifetime of the vehicle and improve their fleet and driver performance.
By developing a range of battery-electric and hydrogen-electric medium- to heavy-duty trucks that can improve air quality, vehicle safety, and lower total cost of ownership, Tevva is leading commercial vehicle decarbonization in the UK. Yet the market isn’t ready to adopt on scale without further incentivization, at least not with the required urgency.
Opinion Piece By Asher Bennett, Tevva CEO and founder
Frankfurt is a global leader in commercial, industrial, and high technology trade. As a leading conference destination, its a metropolis with a diverse population and culture. Dubbed the gateway to Europe, this multi-faceted cosmopolitan embraces the largest pool of Afro-Germans and has a stong LGBTQIA presence. Further, it has been accredited with procuring a major stock exchange, housing the 12th largest financial and securities center in the world. With such a vast array of resources, Frankfurt has proven to become an innovative force in the realm of environmental development and implementation. Largely due to its infrastructure and transport connectivity.
Lindley Lindenberg Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE. Lindley Lindenberg Hotel lobby coffee and pastry station. On-site dining facility at the Lindley Lindenberg Hotel in Frankfurt. Scrumptious plant-based appetizers and dishes are offered on the premises. Gorgeous rooftop views. Excellent handcrafted cocktails at Lindley Lindenberg Hotel in Frankfurt.
The Lindley Lindenberg in Frankfurt offers guests a very unique and special experience. The hotel offers options ranging from short, mid, and long-term stay. Studio Aberia decorated the rooms with over 500 pieces of contemporary artwork. Breakfast and baked goods are also offered by the hotel. There are many great amenities aiding in creating a communal feel, with a 25-minute walk to the city center. If you’re not in the mood for a stroll, the local tram station is just a few blocks away. Additionally, the property is loaded with tons of green spaces sprinkled throughout, a fitness facility, and boast motion censored hallway lighting, making it one of the energy-efficient lodges in the neighborhood.
The Guided Tour
Listen to David Jones Frankfurt sustainable walking tour guide on 360 MAG podcast HERE.
Frankfurt local tour guide David Jones speaks to Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE. Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Frankfurt offers many different museums that attest to the modern culture of the city. One of these was the MOMEM Museum. This museum highlighted techno music and the contributions of artists to the field. Showcasing a multitude of individual artists and DJ’s allowed for a more cohesive showing of international technological music. The celebration of the art was culminated in the showing of the past and present of electronic music and the intersection of club music and modern life.
On weather-allowing days, the Main Tower in Frankfurt offers the best views of the city. The 56 story skyscraper illuminated the best views in the city. The main tower also had dining and art areas and offerings adding the modern and contemporary air of Frankfurt.
David Jones, a former employee of Bank of America, provided us with valuable insights on eco-conscious establishments. These places focused on quality goods that would last a lifetime.
Shaping New Tomorrow sells suits using sustainable methods via 360 MAGAZINE. Shaping New Tomorrow fitting rooms and suits are made of recycled plastics. Hessnatur stands for fair fashion. Most items sold are cultivated with organic textiles.Vaughn Lowery, president of 360 MAGAZINE, tries on a teddy coat from Hessnatur fabricated with new wool, organic cotton, and camel hair.Hessnatur eco-friendly accessories and boots downtown Frankfurt, Germany via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery. Grüne Erde Store Frankfurt sells ecologically and socially fair manufactured furniture, home accessories, natural cosmetics, and clothing via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
The Foodie
Frankfurt is a culinary paradise, reflecting the diversity of the city’s population, there is never a dull bite.
After an eventful day, we stopped by Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage to indulge in a rich piece of cake alongside of a cup of java.Oosten Frankfurt is a port restaurant with delicious food via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
On our final night, we visited the original and authentic Curry Club. Our taste buds were thirsty for spices and the establishment was delivered effortlessly.
After a ten-day journey, we celebrated a greener Germany at Curry Club.
After hours
We finished our meal and went to the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. This nicely designed hotel bar seemed to house some of the town’s socialites. Everybody was lovely and dressed to impress.
Sofitel Frankfurt Opera via 360 MAGAZINE.Roomers Bar Frankfurt via 360 MAGAZINE.Inside the lavish and iconic Roomers Bar Frankfurt.
Following the recommendation of our guide, we welcomed an Uber to the most prestigious appointment in Frankfurt – Roomers Bar. After a short wait, we got access to this chic salon.
In the late hours, we fist-pumped to EDMs’ hottest hits. And consider our discoveries as to what makes this town and Germany so special. They are steadfastly committed to reducing their carbon footprint one step at a time.
Prada announces the tenth installment of their Timecapsule NFT Collection. The drop on March 2nd, which is the final release in a three-part series of shirts, features special prints by Italian photographer Enzo Ragazzini from his archives of the 1960s’ and 1970s’.
Titled INTERFERENZA OTTICA ART PRINT BY ENZO RAGAZZINI, 1969, the March shirt will feature a design made in 1969 for the Enzo Ragazzini exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London (ICA) with the optical interference technique, using mechanical devices of his own invention (the “rotating plane” for the circular patterns and the “rotating drum” for horizontal ones). This work was then digitized in 2017.
The shirt is in popeline, featuring the Prada enameled triangle logo with “MARCH” transferred on the back of the shirt. Each shirt comes accompanied by its own gifted NFT, which serves as an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community.
Prada is continuing to expand their Web3 community to those who purchased a Prada Timecapsule prior to the NFT initiative, launched back in June 2022. First launched in December 2019 and now marking its 39th iteration, Timecapsule collection holders can claim their own Timecapsule NFT, in sync with their existing physical product. More details can be found on the Prada Crypted Community on Discord.
Details:
The Prada Timecapsule drop is open to customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China Mainland, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong S.A.R., Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Korea, Romanian, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States for 24 hours only, starting from March 2nd, 2023 at 3pm CET.
Each drop is limited to 50 items.
To be eligible, you must:
All information on the RSVP process is shared with community members on the Prada Discord Channel and you must:
Hold a Prada Timecapsule NFT in your wallet (purchased from Prada directly or secondary market)
Be part of the Prada Crypted discord
Be verified as a holder via and have the green tick to prove verification in the Prada Crypted Discord
About Enzo Ragazzini
Enzo Ragazzini was born in Rome in 1934. From the end of the nineteen fifties he began an intense photographic activity also working on optical and graphic experiments then unpublished, expanding his research in the field of visual perception and optical phenomena. He participated in the first photographic exhibition held in 1969 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London (ICA) entitled Four Photographers in Contrast, with Don McCullin, Tony Ray Jones and photographer Dorothy Bohm. He made one of the first covers of the English magazine “Time Out”. He also holds a solo exhibition at the Modern Art Museum in Oxford on his optical research in the darkroom. In 2001 he held a personal exhibition at the Municipal Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome (GCAMC today MACRO) entitled Luci Rosse. He currently collaborates with the University of California on publications about socio-anthropological research.
About Prada Timecapsule NFT
The Timecapsule drop is an online monthly event that takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Limited quantities of the Timecapsule Collection products are made available for 24 hours. Each limited-edition Timecapsule item has its own unique serial number and is prepared for delivery with custom packaging. By purchasing the Timecapsule, customers will be able to redeem the related NFT. With this process, Prada maintains consistency and harmony between the exclusivity of the Prada Timecapsule and the rarity of the corresponding NFTs. Each NFT includes the drop serial number and the serial number for its accompanying physical item, so there is a direct relationship between the physical and virtual products. NFT owners are eligible to participate in exclusive benefits and experiences, as well as gain priority access to future drops. Prada Timecapsule NFTs are issued on Ethereum infrastructure, offering a secure and user-friendly experience. The Aura Blockchain Consortium provides the underlying NFT solutions and technology.
About Prada
Since 1913, Prada has been synonymous with cutting-edge style. Its intellectual universe combines concept, structure and image through codes that go beyond trends. Its fashion transcends products, translating conceptuality into a universe that has become a benchmark to those who dare to challenge conventions focusing on experimentation. The Prada brand is part of Prada Group, a global leader in the luxury goods industry, which owns the Miu Miu, Church’s andCar Shoe brands as well, and produces and distributes luxury leather goods, footwear and apparel. It also operates in the food sector with Marchesi 1824, and in the eyewear and fragrance industries under licensing agreements.
The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover P530 First Edition is a clear definition of a successful product and one of the most stunning vehicles on the market, attracting the attention of car enthusiasts as well as the general public. This new British SUV model showcases non-hybrid and new hybrid engines with adopted rear-wheel steering and new accommodative seven-occupant seating. The P530 provides a range of customizations for customers including notable options between short and long wheelbases, luxury and comfortable amenities, and a split rear tailgate.
Design
The first edition of this enhanced Rover was designed for both a breathtaking melding of function and design that reconstructs the previous models. Lead designer, Gerry McGovern, and his team reimagined an icon. Gerry and the team indeed successfully crafted a remarkable fifth-generation Range Rover P530 and arrived at classic sleek, pared-down elegance. Imagine 23-inch veers uniquely filling the arcs and “the hidden” vertical rear light. Check out the vertical taillights that appear when illuminated that indeed make a difference for the rear. The switchgear is more upscale, sleeker, and softer than previous models. For the first time, the first edition Range Rover has an additional third-row feature that expands the previous linear design, making the interior a show stunner.
Most importantly, short and long-wheel-based designs have a choice of four, five, or seven-seat interiors. The P530 comes with an engine capacity of 4.4 liters with a V8 Twin –Turbo petrol design, automatic transmission of eight-speed, drivetrain equipped with intelligent all-wheel intelligent driveline dynamics, a classic exterior color sunset gold satin, interior trim fitted with perlino semi-aniline leather, and Pirelli-285/40 R23 A/S tires. The new model is also equipped with an electrified powertrain that provides PHEV that conjoins the advanced Ingenium petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor, empowering the car to function as a full petrol engine or electric vehicle when necessary. Engine includes an intercooler and twin-turbocharged DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection engine with a displacement of 268 in3, 4395 cm3, power of 523 hp @ 6000 rpm and Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm.
Technology
This First Edition tech advancements include the finest materials to craft a conducive haven for all passengers, making each journey a memorable and wonderful experience. Talk about the works – a steering wheel modernized with electric power-assisted steering, rack, and pinion all-wheel steering, a 13.1-inch Pivi pro touchscreen designed as an instructions center platform, hard buttons for HVAC, and rotary controllers. Driven modes and off-road functions like crawl control, hill descent, and low range provide flexibility for any driving occasion. Additionally, the SUV has Android Auto and wireless Apple Car play, Meridian sound, improved seats, and Alexa voice control. Meridian sound comes with the third-generation dynamic noise dissolution system, which displays engine sounds transmitted to the cabin, tire noise, and wheel vibration for a full sensory trip. The engine sound transmitter generates a canceling signal and includes a duo of 60 mm breadth speakers fixed on the head support of the four main passengers’ seats for a beautifully personalized ride. The new model standard wheelbase is equipped with front and rear suspension. The front suspension has a double wishbone with a virtual swivel axis and split a lower arm, electronic air suspension. To contrast, the rear suspension has five-link axles, electronic air, and suspension.
Performance
The 2022 P530 was crafted with peerless refinement and effortless performance. It has an inclusive line-up of unconventional 6 and 8-container drivelines, either an advanced chargeable turbo of 4.4L “hot-vee” V8 thrusting out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft or mild-hybrid chargeable turbo of 3.0L straight-six making 406 lb-ft of torque and 395 ponies. There’s even a straight 6-cylinder with an advanced 48v mild hybrid Ingenium petrol and diesel engine with a 39.2kWh battery operated containing lithium-ion, which has a 105 kW electric motor integrated with transmission and a usable capacity of 31.8kWh. The recent model’s performance on the road is smooth and delivers seamless wafting, which separates it from the previous models. To top it off, it can blend serene road trip rides with enhanced body control. On the pavement, the P530 will hover over broken pavements, melting large suspension movements and neutralizing small ones to shake down the needle of the chassis briefly. It provides electrified performance with a comprehensive line-up of advanced powertrains that brings new levels of capability to Land Rover‘s flagship SUV and efficiency compared to past fleets.
Bolster an electrified performance with two new Extended-Range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains providing up to 113km/70 miles of EV range and extraordinary efficiency. The vehicle has two main charging options: a DC rapid charger, which provides an efficiency of 0-80 % in under an hour, and an AC home charger which provides an efficiency of 0-100% in five hours. Notably, the extended Range PHEV uses three driving modes: save mode, EV mode, and hybrid mode. Save mode preserves the battery level to be used later while hybrid mode optimizes energy efficiency between petrol and electric power.
Additional features
Advanced rear-wheel steering has improved tighter turning stability above 50km/h which can reduce its turning circle. Touch control makes shifting from the second-row seat to the third-row seat easy; all you have to do is tap the touch control to activate the rear sliding and tipping forward function. Generally, there’s advanced, responsible and sustainable interior options. The interior offers customers a more comprehensive range of finishes and materials, such as innovative tactile Ultra fabrics and textiles. The new model SWB and LWB have new auto-folding load space covers behind the first, second, and third rows with a sheathable design that moves back when the upper tailgate is unlocked. The load space provides a more spacious load area for the convenience of the customers.
To add, it comes with unique technical specifications of HF 523, a torque lb-ft 553, top speed of 155 mph. The P530 is available in a Sunset Gold Satin finish and offers various exterior colors. Other features entail a tailgate events suite with leather cushions, wireless device charging with a phone signal booster, blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition, and an adaptive speed limiter.
Target Audience/ Pricing
In short, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover P530 First Edition is a perfect match for someone who is looking for luxurious amenities and willing to incur extra 100,000 dollars for a unique Range Rover experience. Due to its improved occupant capacity, the automobile caters to individuals with large families looking for spacious load space areas and additional seating.
The Range Rover P530 First Edition is your option if you want something more exclusive and pricey. The model’s price depends on customers’ preference; a standard wheelbase will cost you approximately $263,700 – $333,410.
Check out The 2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition Here
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
In its fifth generation, the original hybrid boss redefines sustainability with style and grace in large part because of its lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase.
Even in its prime, the 2023 Toyota Prius paints the perfect picture at a precise price. With six USB-C, wireless Apple CarPlay × Android Auto in tandem with 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, it is probably the most attentive as well as an intuitive vehicle in its category.
2023 Toyota Prius first drive via Kathy Dyess and 360 MAGAZINE. 360 MAGAZINE reviews the 2023 Toyota Prius. Photo: Kathy Dyess
The cockpit is more contemporary than its predecessor: digital cluster above the steering wheel, 12.5″ multimedia display, and overall functional design.
Arriving at 57 mpg with a bigger 2.0 L in-line engine offering 60% more power, the vehicle has more torque, thanks to the constantly changing E-CVT. Dial in different distributions for a stiffer steering alongside AWD is more than conducive for pinching into corners.
With UFOish skin and tons of trailing technology, perhaps this is the Gen Z dream car?!
Ergonomics, coupled with an eco-architectural skeleton, it will no longer be alien to an urban environment.
The Legacy Continues
When the Toyota Prius made its groundbreaking debut in 2000, it changed the automotive industry forever. The high-tech sedan ushered in a new generation of vehicles that combined an electric motor with a high-efficiency engine. That unmatched legacy continues with the recent reveals of the all-new 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime.
As the most fuel-efficient Prius to date, the 2023 Prius has a EPA-estimated 57 miles per gallon combined fuel economy rating (LE FWD model), bringing accessible electrification to drivers everywhere. The 2023 Prius Prime also adds to the innovative nameplate. Now after a decade in production, this plug-in hybrid model continues to offer customers the flexibility of getting around town on zero-emission battery power or hybrid mode for fuel-efficient road tripping. What’s more, it also offers extra performance and technology, enhancing an already enticing package.
Without question, both the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime are key vehicles in Toyota’s diverse electrified portfolio as the company works to achieve carbon neutrality. Available in a variety of grades to complement customers’ personal tastes and lifestyles, both vehicles are ready to uphold Prius’ legacy as a respected and sought-after global nameplate.
Read on to learn about the top five things that make the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime innovative additions to the eco-sensitive Prius family.
Modern and Mindful Design
Built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, both vehicles offer a low center of gravity and increased rigidity compared to the previous generations. The result? A wider stance and lower driving position that feels nimble yet comfortable. The 2023 Prius will be available in LE, XLE and Limited grades, and the 2023 Prius Prime will be available in SE, XSE and XSE Premium grades, respectively. No matter the grade, they all provide a smooth ride.
The attractive features don’t stop there. Both vehicles’ exteriors boast modern, polished designs. Each possesses a piercing silhouette with sporty yet sleek exterior styling. With an aerodynamic flair, the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime feature a roofline 2 inches lower compared to the prior generation for a more athletic look. The vehicles are 1 inch longer and nearly 1 inch wider in the rear, adding to the aesthetic appeal.
For both the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime, the position of the battery is also optimized, with placement under the rear seat for enhanced luggage capacity.
The Prius Prime also blends its cool aesthetic with a bit of star-powered tech: a solar roof. This on-board charging feature uses roof-mounted solar panels to recharge the Prius Prime’s battery when parked. The panels deliver supplemental power to accessory functions, like air conditioning, when driving. A clever design conceals the electrodes for a seamless, glossy appearance.
Premium Performance
Drivers can expect enhanced acceleration and effortless handling when they get behind the wheel of both the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime. Both have larger 2.0L engines and newly developed lithium-ion batteries. New for 2023 Prius, the battery pack is smaller and lighter and achieves a 15% increase in output compared to the previous-generation nickel metal battery.
The 2023 Prius Prime’s battery has been improved as well. The new, larger lithium-ion battery is projected an all-electric estimated range increase of more than 50% over the previous estimated range of 25 miles. The EPA figures are expected to be available in Spring 2023.
Superb dynamic performance is a key benefit of the 2023 Prius all-wheel-drive (AWD)-equipped vehicles due to the capable Electronic On-Demand AWD system. It uses a motor to drive the rear wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off and when driving on slippery road surfaces such as snow. What’s more, the 2023 Prius has three drive modes: NORMAL, ECO and SPORT. In ECO mode, the drive force response to accelerator operation is suppressed slightly to modulate the throttle and enhance fuel economy. In POWER mode or SPORT mode, the drive force in the low to mid-accelerator operation is increased to help enhance throttle responsiveness.
Top-Notch Tech Capabilities
The 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime are designed and equipped with the tools to make life easier and more convenient — thanks to the available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system feature. The drivers of both vehicles will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features. The system is capable of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to keep things up-to-date.
Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find points of interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more — all hands-free.
To sonically elevate the journey, the eight-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system comes standard only on the 2023 Prius Limited grade and the 2023 Prius Prime XSE Premium grade. With the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats, enhancing the audio experience.
Safety and Convenience Features
Safety is one of Toyota’s priorities. The Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0, which comes standard, helps the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime uphold those high-quality standards. This suite offers an array of active safety systems that include the existing systems available on the prior generation Prius; but they also include some additional enhancements and capabilities, all of which are designed to help keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
To help drivers prevent collisions, the Safety Sense comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. The system is designed to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists while providing audio and visual alerts. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a feature that works in collaboration with the Pre-Collision system. It can help detect and warn drivers of vehicles that are approaching or positioned near or in adjacent lanes.
Another noteworthy feature is the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which adds a fourth following distance setting to the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This is designed to help the system provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
There have also been enhancements to Lane Tracing Assist. This system now helps provide more space between vehicles being passed by cars in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving paths with minor steering adjustments while helping to keep the vehicle within its lane.
Another feature that’s been enhanced is Road Sign Assist. It has expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.
Proactive Driving Assist is new to Prius and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of technologies. When system operating conditions are met, the vehicle’s camera and radar are designed to provide gentle braking into curves or braking and steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert is designed to help detect vehicles that are approaching from either side while pulling out and alerting drivers with a visual and audible warning.
Collectively, all these features and amenities work to help create a dynamic driving experience that’s stylish, convenient and, most importantly, designed to help with safety.
As Toyota continues its commitment to finding highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers lifestyles across the U.S., the 2023 Toyota Prius and 2023 Prius Prime will be a part of a lineup that looks to move “beyond zero.” As a symbol of that commitment, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero” badge, a global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in Toyota products, manufacturing and beyond.
For more information on the Prius and Prius Prime, please see the vehicle press kits.
Live and Breathe the Film Industry: Israeli’s Star Artist Eva Lanska’s take on the Film Industry and NFT Spaces
The NFT space is a haven for art lovers and artists all over the world. Our recent conversation with the Israeli star Eva Lanska provides an intimate understanding of her experience in the NFT space and the film industry. Being an Israeli film director and artist, she sells and promotes her work in the NFT space while also working as a film director in her Tel Aviv studio. Eva claims that film direction and art have been her passions since the age of seven, but it has taken her twenty years to realize her dream. She discusses her struggles as a female director and artist, highlighting the challenges she has faced in the industry. “Art, film, this is what we choose, these are our lives, one day the door will open and we will become who we want to be, and we will take our place,” she encourages women in the industry. Eva reveals that she does not come from an influential family of Hollywood personalities and as such, she has had to work her way into the Hollywood family.
The story behind the exceptional woman reveals the reality in Hollywood. “If you do not come from a famous Hollywood family, you have to work extra hard to get noticed in the industry…because the Hollywood inner circle is a very small, closely knit family,” Eva states. “Before getting noticed, one has to live and breathe Hollywood,” she confesses. We all admire the stunning Israeli artist for navigating the difficult path into Hollywood’s inner circle. “Talent is simply not enough, knowledge is not enough; you must become one with the community,” Eva says, possibly the most candid advice she has for people trying to make it in the entertainment industry.
The conversation quickly shifts to the NFT space and what it means to artists around the world. Eva describes the NFT space as a platform that offers artists the freedom of expression. At first, she finds it intimidating, particularly as a woman new to the platform. It becomes even more intimidating for her when she meets award-winning scholars, but she overcomes her fears and eventually establishes a reputable name in the industry. Eva also expresses her dissatisfaction with the platform’s marginalization of women, claiming that their projects often take longer to be approved or funded. “We can only go forward, never look back, and we are gonna go till we achieve,” she encourages women in the industry. “Stopping, giving up is not an option,” she adds, “we have to keep going and moving forward.”
Miami Art Week is a celebration and appreciation of the world’s best art collections, it is no surprise that Eva Lanska’s collection is featured. The NFT exhibition will display some of Eva’s large-scale sculptures and paintings, along with Michael Benisty, WhIsBe, Noah Becker, Lauren Baker, Maxim Zhestkov, and more, at the Bagatelle Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Photographic works from Lanska’s Gematria collection and The Existential Choice are featured exclusively at the NFT event. For the opening event, Eva collaborated with SmartMedia to produce a special limited edition (1000) NFT from her Gematria series called Gematria 596. She proudly describes this piece as a symbol of purity. Eva’s art is celebrated for the messages it conveys, she has previously used art to address gender equality and societal injustices. This event serves as a reminder of the powerful woman Eva Lanska is and how her art will leave a lasting impression on the world.
Gematria by EVA LANSKA via 360 MAGAZINE.
The Existential Choice by Eva Lanska via 360 MAGAZINE.
Lectra announces the acquisition of the majority of the capital of TextileGenesis
Lectra extends its software offer to material traceability and reinforces its position in Industry 4.0
Lectra announces the signature of an agreement to acquire 51% of the capital and voting rights of the Dutch company TextileGenesis. As a major player in the fashion, automotive, and furniture markets, Lectra contributes with boldness and passion to the Industry 4.0 revolution by providing software, equipment, data, and services to brands, manufacturers, and retailers.
Founded in 2018, TextileGenesis provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that enables fashion brands and sustainable textile manufacturers to ensure a reliable, secure and fully digital mapping of their textiles, from the fiber to the consumer, and thereby guarantee their authenticity and origins. This solution ensures the traceability of TextileGenesis’ customers’ entire sustainable textile supply chain in order to meet the demands for transparency, driven by changes in legislation in a growing number of countries and by growing consumer awareness, thereby encouraging sustainable development.
Its innovative traceability mechanism, which addresses both ends of the textile value chain, as well as its network of partners for material certification, and its technology platform guarantee the exchange and tracking of reliable and secure data throughout a material’s life cycle.
Several of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands as well as leading sustainable fiber producers are already convinced of the value of TextileGenesis’ innovative offer, which enables the connection of multiple actors of the sustainable fashion ecosystem on this platform.
“Fashion is one of the most fragmented industries due to its long and complex value chain, which makes it opaque to brands, suppliers, subcontractors, and consumers” says Amit Gautam, founder of TextileGenesis. “Today, only 19% of fashion industry actors have visibility of their value chain, and this visibility is often partial. Many brands, especially those that have set ambitious sustainability goals, face a real challenge in terms of supply chain transparency. If they cannot track the life cycle of certified materials, they will not be able to justify the sustainability of their products,” he adds.
“Having the highest ethical standards, guaranteeing the well-being of our employees, and preserving the environment are embedded in Lectra’s DNA and guide our daily decisions. Through our technology, acquisitions, and partnerships, we aim to empower our customers to work in a more socially and environmentally responsible way,” says Daniel Harari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lectra. “We look forward to joining forces with TextileGenesis’ talented teams to accelerate the development of their sustainable material traceability solution and deepen our knowledge of the textile value chain in the fashion industry,” he concludes.
At the beginning of January, Lectra will acquire 51% of TextileGenesis for 15.2 million euros. The acquisition of the remaining share capital and voting rights is expected to take place in two stages, in 2026 and 2028, for an amount that will be calculated based on a multiple of the 2025 and 2027 recurring revenues.
About Lectra:
As a major player in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, Lectra contributes to the Industry 4.0 revolution with boldness and passion by providing best-in-class technologies.
The Group offers industrial intelligence solutions – software, equipment, data and services – that facilitate the digital transformation of the companies it serves. In doing so, Lectra helps its customers push boundaries and unlock their potential. The Group is proud to state that its 2,500 employees are driven by three core values: being open-minded thinkers, trusted partners and passionate innovators.
Founded in 1973, Lectra reported revenues of 388 million euros in 2021 and is listed on Euronext Paris (LSS), Lectra has set a revenue target of between 514 and 534 million euros for 2022.
The Capabilities of Using Drones in a Food Industry Supply Chain
Are Drones the Solution to the Restaurant World’s Delivery Problem?
When the COVID-19 pandemic trapped diners at home, many restaurants survived by ramping up their delivery services. Delivery providers like DoorDash and Uber Eats allowed restaurants to continue serving their clients even when their dining rooms were closed. What few restaurants expected, however, was that the increased volume of food delivery would be a trend that continued beyond Covid.
Recent stats show that the spike in food delivery that started during the pandemic has not gone away. Diners have apparently decided that they like the convenience of having restaurant meals delivered to their homes or offices. For restaurants, however, the trend is not so convenient, primarily because delivery is expensive.
According to research from McKinsey, the average service commission that restaurants are paying to delivery services is between 15-20%. During the pandemic, those fees were seen as the cost of survival. Post-pandemic, paying those fees — or passing them on to their customers — is something most restaurants do not consider to be sustainable.
Some restaurants looking for a better way to serve their delivery customers are looking to drones as a solution. Drones, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are being used in a wide variety of applications, from job-site surveillance to search-and-rescue to inventory inspection. For restaurants, drones promise a more scalable, affordable, and sustainable solution to the growing demand for food delivery.
The basics of drone delivery
The benefits that drones promise to the world of delivery are easy to appreciate, starting with how readily they can scale when demand for delivery increases. In a traditional model, more delivery volume means more drivers. By leveraging GPS, AI, and machine learning, drones can fly automated flight paths. In essence, one drone “driver” can manage multiple delivery vehicles. With the most advanced software systems, the destination provided in the food order is the only “driver” needed to get the customer his or her food.
The financial implications of driverless delivery are huge for the food service industry. Drone delivery does away with fees paid to traditional delivery drivers, as well as expenses related to driver recruiting, driver management, and vehicle insurance. Overall, drone delivery presents a much more sustainable model when it comes to the financial investment.
Drones also allow for quicker delivery times. With few exceptions, drones can take a direct path from a delivery’s source to its destination — they are not delayed by stop lights or traffic jams. In the food industry, where the quality of hot dishes decreases with each passing minute, the accelerated delivery times that drones empower is a major benefit.
Gasoline costs, which are a major variable that traditional delivery models must take into account, are not an issue with drones since the vast majority of drones are powered by rechargeable batteries. Once the initial investment is made, drones continue to deliver with minimal investment.
Challenges that must be overcome
Meeting regulatory requirements has been a challenge to drone development from its early days. To take flight, drones must comply with the requirements put forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This means meeting safety guidelines as well as charting flight paths that avoid no-fly zones.
Rules recently issued by the FAA make it easier for businesses to use drones for deliveries. The rules, which were issued in January 2021, expand drone capabilities by allowing for routine operations of drones over people and at night. Previously, such use required a FAA waiver. Upon announcing the new rules, the FAA said that they serve as one of a number of regulatory steps that will allow for growth in the use of drone technology.
Restaurants can avoid taking on the burdens associated with FAA requirements by working with companies that provide what has come to be known as Drone as a Service (DaaS). Such companies engineer drone systems that facilitate the required delivery service while ensuring that all mandatory regulatory requirements are met. Utilizing DaaS allows restaurants a high degree of flexibility and scalability without requiring them to develop any expertise in drone technology or make an investment in equipment.
Models for drone food delivery
Using drones as a means to get food orders from restaurants directly to customers is a model that has already proven to be effective. The town of Oranmore in Ireland, for instance, made headlines in 2021 when local cafes began using drone delivery to facilitate coffee deliveries. The drones, which were launched from a centrally located rooftop, lowered orders to their destinations on a cable while hovering at a height of 80 feet. The system facilitated deliveries within two minutes.
In the US, drones are being used by restaurants in a number of cities. In Holly Springs, North Caroline, for example, drone delivery is in use by nearly two dozen restaurants. The drones being used travel at 33 miles an hour, empowering deliveries in less than 5 minutes.
Another potential model for using drones as delivery vehicles involves facilitating the movement of orders from restaurants to an intermediary location where they can be picked up by last-mile delivery drivers. This model could prove to be effective for delivering to multi-family dwellings where those who place orders do not have an available landing zone. Drones could deposit orders to a rooftop staging area or other location where onsite delivery personnel could pick them up and manage the final phase of the trip.
Another model that restaurants have explored involves using drones as wait staff within the restaurant. Similar to how drones can be used to move inventory within warehouses, this model utilizes drones to cut down on the need for human resources. It has the potential to deliver meals from the kitchen to servers in the dining room, or to deliver meals directly to diners at their table, and has already been tested delivering food orders to attendees at sporting events.
The growth of demand for delivery options is something that restaurants that want to remain competitive cannot ignore. At the same time, a better model for addressing the added expenses of delivery must be identified.
Drones technology addresses both issues, empowering a more efficient delivery system that is also more cost effective. In 2023 and beyond, drone delivery promises to become a top competitive advantage in the restaurant field.
Article by: Dr. Shawun Passley, Ph.D.
Shaun Passley
Dr. Shaun Passley holds numerous masters degrees from DePaul University, Benedictine University, and Northwestern University, and has a PhD in Business Administration. In addition to founding ZenaTech, he is also Chairman & CEO of Epazz, Inc. — an enterprise-wide cloud software company — and the manufacturing company Ameritek Ventures. Shaun’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit enable him to identify key market opportunities and successfully launch new ventures. He is responsible for EPAZZ, Inc.’s software and product development which includes the design, research, and development of ZenaDrone and future products and services. ZenaDrone is an entirely bootstrapped venture that is aiming to help the agri sector in Ireland close its emerging labor gap through automation.
A Canadian technology solution provider that specializes in drone development, tracking solutions, augmented reality, and more. Founded in 2018, the company’s initial products were aimed at marijuana and hemp-related businesses that included tracking plants from seed to sale and processing payments. The capabilities of drone technology in tracking plant progress in any field resulted in an ambitious expansion plan for ZenaDrone. Zenadrone is designed for industrial drone monitoring uses in construction, agriculture, surveillance, search and environmental inspection. Further, the drone has customizable functionalities, attachments, and features that enable Zenadrone to provide customers with a mechanism that streamlines the inspection and monitoring processes, saving field technicians from hazardous work, reducing workforce and operational costs, automating and performing tasks efficiently, and completing tasks that may be difficult or impossible for humans to do.
Tel K. Ganesan moved to the United States with bright dreams. After being able to earn an engineering degree in India, a change of environment was a challenge, but Tel overcame all those adversities to finish his postgraduate degree as he began his path to success.
His attitude has never allowed him to give up on what has made him Tel K. Ganesan, mentor, philanthropist, and businessman. “If you want an opportunity to knock, it’s time to build a door,” Ganesan says.
Ganesan grew up under the strong influence of his mother’s pursuit of the American Dream. Eventually, Automotive Engineering brought Ganesan to the United States, specifically the city of Detroit, where he pursued a master’s at age 21. He has lived in Detroit for 30 years and has never wanted to leave since he came. He chose this place as his home and to contribute his grain of sand in the city, he is rebuilding everything that has to do with the business landscape with Kyyba Inc., consisting of Kyyba Innovations, Kyyba Wellness, Kyyba Music, Kyyba film, and Kyyba Kidz.
Tel K. Ganesan is the CEO of Kyyba Innovations and President of Kyyba Inc., Engineering Services and Software Products. The Kyyba brand has expanded into film productions through his company Kyyba Films. According to Ganesan: “I started as an ID entrepreneur and then diversified into other areas lately into films, music, Fashions, and wellness so that’s what I’ve been doing so far.’’
Tel K. Ganesan has always believed in doing what the heart says. With the founding of Kyyba Kidz, he has pursued his dreams of making the world a better place by helping the most disadvantaged children. Ganesan has always been grateful for the education and healthcare he received growing up. “A lot of major tech companies are run by people of Indian origin,” Ganesan emphasizes, “the root cause goes back to the societal conditioning of putting education in the mindset of people.” Through educational programs, the foundation seeks to bring trust, honesty, growth, and confidence to every child in need. The main goal of Kyyba Kidz is “to increase the cognitive and psychological awareness of young people to help them achieve great achievements in life by choosing the right career” explains Ganesan on his website.
Ganesan is a testament to faith in his American dream and entrepreneurial spirit. As stated by Tel, “you have only one life. At this point in life, I’m doing something for my spirit which is really getting into this creative space.’’ With perseverance and hard work, he has taken his career from businessman to film producer. “Whatever I learn in one business I apply to another business in another industry and keep it going so I know.’’ Tel Ganesan admits.
Kyyba Films in association with Nasik Rav Media releases “Trap City” starring Brandon T Jackson and actor and GV music composer Prakash. WATCH TRAILERS HERE. As a film producer, Tel Ganesan has an exciting project ahead of him. “I learned about trap culture… And that anyone can be in a trap because of the environment, society, economics, and sometimes even psychological conditions,” he recalls, “and I took this as an inspirational and spiritual awakening of understanding what’s really happening.” “I want to send an inspiring message on how to get out of the Trap through this movie,’’ Ganesan clarifies.
Ganesan is thrilled about the upcoming release of “Trap City” around the first quarter of 2023: “I’m gonna graduate from this one (Trap City)…this is like cutting my teeth into the film business.” Some of Ganesan’s projects after the release of the movie “Trap City” are working in the world of the metaverse and seeking collaborations with other companies with much larger budgets.
Call him a film producer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, innovator, guide, or speaker; Tel K. Ganesan really is an all-rounder. Today, his dreams are a reality. Like any other successful human being, he has pursued ambition with a never-give-up attitude: “Successful people do what unsuccessful people aren’t willing to do. I don’t wish it was easier; I wish you were better.”
For more information about Tel K. Ganesan and Kyyba Inc, click HERE
