Essential Products, the Anti-iPhone, and the Future of Tech

With a few important mantras—one being “simple is always better”—Sidekick- and Android-creator Andy Rubin has launched a new tech company today. Essential Products was born out of the realization that even though tech gadgets are meant to help simplify our lives, they oftentimes do the opposite. Today two products (both set for a summer release) have been announced: an edge-to-edge and top-to-(almost) bottom screen smartphone …

ACLU Executive Director Anthony D Romero’s TED Talk

An inspiring and fascinating take on art and the 2016 election

“The mother of all disruptions” is how lawyer and ACLU Executive Director Anthony D Romero described the 2016 US Presidential Election. “Once again,” he said at this year’s TED in Vancouver, “Politics is personal.” And indeed, the election and resulting protests, civil action and unrest, permeated all aspects of his life. In his eloquent, thoughtful and ultimately tender talk, Romero explained how his personal love …

Walking Around the BMW Concept 8 Series

A preview of the Bavarian manufacturer’s future yin and yang design language

First introduced in 1989, the 8 Series established a new design language for BMW by departing from upright and boxy forms in favor of a lower, wider stance and more angular nose. The full-size, four-seat coupe was immediately both iconic and curious as it stood out from everything else on the road at the time. Production ended in 1999, but now the 8 Series is …