Six months later, All Day Breakfast still has not returned.
Many of McDonald's franchisees and workers want to keep All-Day Breakfast from ever returning to the menu.
"I absolutely do not think we should bring it back," one McDonald's worker said. "It makes us faster, and gives the grill less to worry about."
"Any final decision will be made in partnership with our franchisees, based on consumer demand, and designed to drive the business while minimizing operational disruptions," McDonald's said in a statement.
McDonald's All Day Breakfast may soon be a relic of a past era, destroyed by 2020.
The fast-food giant stopped serving breakfast all day in late March. At the time, the change was presented as a temporary tweak, part of a larger effort to simplify operations during the pandemic.
However, six months later, All Day Breakfast is still nowhere to be found, sparking questions from confused and distressed customers.
One McDonald's employee told Business Insider that he has witnessed customers angrily speed away from the drive-thru lane after finding out that the location no longer serves All Day Breakfast.
But, despite some infuriated customers, the employee and multiple franchisees who spoke with Business Insider do not want All Day Breakfast to return to McDonald's. (McDonald's employees and franchisees spoke with Business Insider on the condition of anonymity.)
"I absolutely do not think we should bring it back," the employee said. "It makes us faster, and gives the grill less to worry about."
McDonald's said in a statement to Business Insider that the company "removed All Day Breakfast from the menu to simplify operations in our kitchens, which we saw provided better speed of service and order accuracy."
"As McDonald's and franchisees evaluate if and how we bring All Day Breakfast back to our menus, we want to ensure these improvements will remain consistent for our customers," the statement continued. "Any final decision will be made in partnership with our franchisees, based on consumer demand, and designed to drive the business while minimizing operational disruptions."
Some McDonald's workers and franchisees have hated All Day Breakfast for years
All Day Breakfast was celebrated as a hit by McDonald's leadership, with same-store sales rising 5.7% in the US the quarter it rolled out across the nation. However, from the start, some franchisees and employees were critical of the plan.
Some employees felt that serving breakfast all day created extra work in already cramped kitchens, as well as making the transition from breakfast to lunch more difficult. Franchisees complained about crowded kitchens, extra work, and slower service.
McDonald's has not yet made a final decision on All-Day Breakfast.
Hollis Johnson
Franchisees stopped fighting All Day Breakfast as same-store sales continued to rise. However, when the pandemic hit in March, All Day Breakfast was on the chopping block once again, along with other unpopular items, such as salads and grilled chicken.
"To simplify operations in our kitchens and for our crew, and ensure the best possible experience for our customers, we are working with our franchisees and local restaurants to focus on serving our most popular choices," Bill Garrett, McDonald's senior vice president of operations, said in a statement to Business Insider at the time.
"We will regularly evaluate the situation and look to move back to our regular menu as soon as possible," Garrett added.
In recent months, McDonald's has added back items it removed due to the pandemic, such as desserts and the Bacon McDouble. McDonald's also launched Spicy Chicken McNuggets and Chips Ahoy! McFlurry last week. However, All Day Breakfast has yet to return.
With a more simplified menu, McDonald's has been able to significantly speed up service, with drive-thru times improving by roughly 15 to 20 seconds in major markets around the world.
Franchisees told Business Insider that speeding up service and reducing complexity in the kitchen is far more important than offering serving breakfast all day. McDonald's drive-thru business is crucial, as most of the chain's dining rooms in the US remain closed.
The National Owners Association, an independent group that represents roughly 80% of McDonald's US franchisees, has pushed back against All Day Breakfast ever returning to menus. In June, the NOA board voted to drop All Day Breakfast for good, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time.
Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighters in formation with a B-52H as part of a Bomber Task Force Europe mission titled Allied Sky, August 28, 2020.
US Air Force/Master Sgt. Burt Traynor
The Dutch air force said its F-35s would take part in a one-day exercise with US bombers last month, but the risk of a thunderstorm forced it to cancel the participation.
The risk is related to an issue with the F-35's fuel system, a design fault that could cause the jet to explode if struck by lightning, that was first discovered during tests in 2009.
On August 28, 2020, six B-52H Stratofortress bombers took part in Allied Sky, a single-day mission that saw the strategic bombers overfly all 30 NATO nations.
Allied Sky was conducted by two teams: four B-52s with the 5th Bomb Wing, from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, deployed to RAF Fairford, UK, were tasked to cover European portion of the mission flying single-ship sorties; two B-52s, also belonging to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, flew as a two-ship formation over Canada and the United States.
As reported in detail in this previous article, the one-day mission provided an opportunity for the B-52 to integrate with several NATO nations' air force fighter aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft: RAF Typhoons and FAF Mirage 2000 over the Baltic off Lithuania; BAF F-16s over Belgium; RDAF F-16s and RNoAF F-35s over Scandinavia; Polish Air Force F-16s and MiG-29s over Poland; Czech Air Force JAS 39 Gripen over Czech Republic; Romanian Air Force F-16s and MiG-21 Lancers over Romania; Bulgarian MiG-29s over Bulgaria; Croatian MiG-21s over Croatia; Hellenic Air Force F-16s over Greece; Italian Air Force Typhoons and F-35s over Italy; Portuguese F-16s over Portugal; Ukrainian Su-27s and MiG-29s over Ukraine.
According to the initial plans, also the F-35A Lightning IIs of the Royal Netherlands Air Force would have had to take part in Allied Sky escorting one of the B-52s. The KLu had announced the participation of the Dutch Lightning II jets on social networks but the mission was cancelled due to bad weather:
Indeed, as Sidney Plankman, a Dutch MoD spokesperson confirmed to the Algemeen Dagblad media outlet in an article published on September 19, 2020, the intention was that the brand new F-35s from Leeuwarden Air Base would escort the B-52s.
However, "there was a great risk of lightnings that day. Therefore we have decided not to do it." Noteworthy, most probably due to more clement weather conditions, the Norwegian F-35s were able to escort the B-52 that flew up north to Scandinavia on August 28.
On the day before the Algemeen Dagblad article was published, the Dutch MoD issued a news release to explain that the RNlAF F-35s are temporarily not flying with thunderstorms.
"Damaged pipes have been found on F-35A fighters. These are pipes from the On-Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) in a fuel tank. All countries with F-35As were advised to avoid flights near storm cells and to protect the aircraft on the ground by a shelter or lightning rod," says the Dutch MoD statement. "The OBIGGS ensures that the risk of explosion of fuel vapors in the event of, for example, a lightning strike is reduced to a minimum. The damaged pipes can make the fuel tanks less well protected. After damaged pipes were found on 4 (non-Dutch) aircraft, further inspections followed. More damaged pipes were found, including at Dutch F-35As. The cause of the problem is still under investigation."
The public release also says that the problem with the OBIGGS and the current investigation will not affect the achievement of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC), that the Dutch fleet should declare by the end of 2021.
A well-known issue
Vermont Air National Guard F-35As on the flight line during exercise Northern Lightning 2020, at Volk Field in Wisconsin, August 11, 2020.
Air National Guard photo illustration/Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell
The F-35 has suffered from issues with the OBIGGS for several years. The deficiencies with the system that is supposed to pump nitrogen-enriched air into the fuel tanks to inert them were first discovered during tests in 2009. The testing revealed a design fault that could cause the F-35 to explode if struck by lightning.
For this reason, the aircraft was restricted from flying within 25 miles of "known lightning conditions" until the issue with the OBIGGS was fixed. Those restrictions were lifted after the OBIGGS was redesigned in 2014, but new flaws in tubing used to circulate inert gas into fuel tanks to prevent explosions were found again. In June 2020, Bloomberg reported that the deliveries of the new F-35s had been halted because of the issue and then started again with the same 25 miles restriction as a safety precaution.
In August 2020, a picture showing Vermont ANG F-35A jets sitting on the ramp at Volk Field, Wisconsin, on August 11, 2020, protected by mobile lightning rods during Northern Lightning Exercise made the news again.
The lightning rods in the image appear to be versions of LBA Technology, Inc's portable PLP-38-MOB model, which the Marine Corps also purchased to shield their F-35Bs from lightning strikes at deployed locations in 2018, wrote The War Zone.
But while lightning rods can help protecting the F-35 Lightning II (a bit of ironic, isn't it?) when it is on the ground, it looks like there is no other way to safeguard the precious aircraft than keeping it away from thunderstorms when it is airborne. And this can be a problem, both in planning and executing missions, especially those which need to be flown at all costs and in all-weather conditions (like QRA — Quick Reaction Alert).
A quality TV is the centerpiece of any home entertainment system, but finding the right display for your needs and the right price for your wallet can be challenging. When shopping for a TV, there are many different aspects to consider, including size, panel type, resolution, HDR support, smart TV platform, and more.
If you're looking for a display with genuine home theater performance in mind, then you'll likely want to opt for a 65-inch- or- larger premium 4K TV. The best 4K TVs typically use an OLED panel, or a high-end LED panel with quantum dots and local dimming. These display types will provide you with the best contrast, black levels, and brightness performance for dazzling high dynamic range (HDR) images.
For buyers who simply want a reliable TV for casual viewing, however, a smaller screen and a more budget-friendly LED panel should get the job done just fine. Though picture quality won't be quite as impressive as more expensive display types, there are many affordable LED TVs out there with solid performance. And, while 4K resolution and built-in smart TV interfaces were once thought of as premium features, nowadays even entry-level TVs come with 4K panels and smart TV capabilities as default features.
Once you've settled on the basics for what you're looking for in a new display, there are plenty of deals readily available from all of the major TV manufacturers, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Hisense. To help narrow things down, we've rounded up all of the best TV deals available right now.
Prices and links are current as of 9/22/2020. Added Vizio P-Series Quantum, Samsung 8 Series, and Hisense H65. Removed deals that are no longer active.
Best OLED TV deals
LG
When it comes to picture quality, no other display type offers better overall performance than an OLED TV. Unlike traditional LED TVs (which use LCD panels), OLED TVs don't require a backlight. Instead, every pixel is able to produce its own light or shut off completely. This enables OLED displays to produce superior black levels, contrast, and viewing angles compared to regular LED models. With that said, OLED panels can't get as bright as LED TVs, and they can be susceptible to burn-in if you leave a static image on the screen for hours on end.
For most buyers, however, the pros of OLED tech far outweigh the cons. Of course, the high-end picture performance of an OLED TV typically comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, OLED TVs from LG and Sony often go on sale.
The best OLED TV deal available right now is for the Sony 65-inch A8H 4K TV, which is currently available at Newegg for $351 less than competing retailers, like Amazon and Best Best Buy.
Unlike OLED displays, LED TVs still use traditional LCD panels with backlights to produce their images. Though this tech does have some drawbacks when it comes to black levels and viewing angles, high-end LED TVs are still capable of very impressive picture quality with industry-leading brightness. High brightness is particularly desirable for the best HDR performance, allowing highlights to really pop from the screen.
Many high-end LED TVs are branded as QLED TVs since they include quantum dot technology. This feature allows the displays to achieve a wide color gamut for more accurate and rich colors. Premium LED TVs typically include full-array local dimming as well, enabling the backlight to dim in specific zones across the screen. This enables the display to achieve much better contrast and black levels compared to LED TV models without local dimming.
The best value on a premium LED TV right now is for the Samsung 65-inch Q90T. This flagship 65-inch display features quantum dot color, full-array local dimming, and a high-end design. The Q90T has previously been on sale for $100 less than its current price, but this is still a solid deal for buyers who want a premium QLED TV.
Like premium LED TVs, the best mid-range LED TV models also offer many impressive picture quality features, including quantum dots or other wide color gamut technologies. Brightness levels aren't quite as high as more expensive models, however, and contrast isn't as precise since there are typically fewer dimming zones or no dimming zones at all.
Still, if you're a buyer who wants to save a bit without losing support for the latest display technologies, like HDR, then a mid-range LED TV model will likely be a good fit. There are a lot of enticing deals on mid-range LED models right now, including the brand-new Vizio 65-inch P-Series Quantum 4K TV. The TV features impressive image quality for its price, and includes 200 zones of local dimming, along with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.
For buyers who are less concerned about picture quality and more interested in simply finding an affordable display with reliable smart TV connectivity, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to consider. These models don't include advanced image features like local dimming or quantum dots, but you can find some entry-level models with basic 4K HDR playback capabilities.
Budget LED TVs can also be found in smaller screen sizes for people who want to purchase a TV that's suitable for a smaller living room or bedroom. And, while 4K is pretty much the standard for most new TV models, you can still save some money by opting for a lower resolution HDTV.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
The PlayStation 4 is the most popular video game console of the current generation.
Charnsitr/Shutterstock
Sony's PlayStation 4 has dominated the video game industry since it launched in November 2013, and deals on consoles, games, and accessories are frequently offered.
Though the PlayStation 5 is due out in November 2020, Sony says it plans to continue supporting the PS4 for years to come thanks to its huge install base.
The PlayStation 4 still has plenty of new games on the way, and you can find lots of great discounts on PS4 classics, even with a new console generation on the horizon.
The PlayStation 4 is one of the best-selling video game consoles of all-time, with more than 100 million consoles sold around the world since its debut in 2013.
Sony has dominated the current console generation with PlayStation 4-exclusive games like "God of War," "Horizon Zero Dawn," and "Marvel's Spider-Man." Hit franchises like "MLB the Show" and "Uncharted" also continue to keep fans dedicated to the PlayStation brand.
Beyond a library of more than 2,500 video games, the PlayStation 4 also serves as the anchor for countless home theater systems, providing Blu-ray and DVD playback, digital movie rentals, and support for popular streaming apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Twitch.
The PlayStation 5 is due to launch on November 12, but Sony says it will continue releasing upcoming games, like "Spider-Man: Miles Morales," for the millions of PS4 owners while gamers gradually adopt the new console. As an added bonus, the PS5 will support hundreds of the most popular PS4 games, so you can start building a library now and bring them over to the new console when you're ready to upgrade.
Below, we've collected the best deals on PlayStation 4 consoles, exclusive games, and accessories. These discounts should all come in handy whether you're picking up a PlayStation 4 for the first time, building your library of games, or trying to find the cheapest price on a PlayStation peripheral.
Prices and links are current as of 9/22/2020. Added new deals for PS4 games. Removed deals that are no longer active. Updated by Kevin Webb.
Best PlayStation 4 console deals
The PlayStation Pro was released in 2016 and is the only PS4 capable of 4K graphics.
PlayStation
After releasing the original PlayStation 4 in 2013, Sony released two new versions of the console in 2016 — a slim model replacing the original, and the more powerful PS4 Pro.
The PlayStation 4 Pro is capable of playing games at 4K resolution, while the standard PS4 is limited to 1080p. Despite the resolution limits, every version of the PS4 is capable of HDR color output, and a 1TB hard drive is now the PS4 standard.
Though there are no discounts currently available on new PlayStation 4 consoles, with the PlayStation 5 on the way, buying a used or refurbished PlayStation 4 could be a wise choice if you just want something to hold you over until you're ready to upgrade to the next generation console.
Unfortunately, stock for all PlayStation 4 consoles remains low at many retailers. With that in mind, the below products might not currently be available for shipment. We'll update this section with more retailer options as stores add more inventory.
Best deals on PlayStation 4 games
"Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order" is a single player action game from the creators of "Apex Legends" and "Titanfall."
"Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order"/Respawn Entertainment
There are thousands of games available for the PlayStation 4, so we've chosen to focus on the some of the console's most popular titles. Digital games are available through the PlayStation Network storefront, which also offers sales on a regular basis.
Best PlayStation 4 controller deals
The reason your PS4 controller might not be charging could be something simple that can be fixed with troubleshooting.
The DualShock 4 is the standard PlayStation 4 controller but it's also compatible with Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android devices.
With controllers like the Xbox Elite Series popularizing the use of rear paddle buttons, premium controllers like the SCUF Vantage have become popular choices for the PlayStation 4 as well. Sony released a special attachment to add back buttons to the DS4 controller in January 2020, but it's been hard to find in the months since.
Though there are no discounts on brand-new DualShock 4 controllers right now, you can save $7 by purchasing a pre-owned controller via GameStop.
Best PlayStation VR and PS4 accessory deals
The PlayStation VR works best with the Move Motion controllers, but they're not required for all VR games.
Sony
The PlayStation VR is the top-selling VR headset, thanks in part to the 100 million people who already own the required PlayStation 4. The headset connects directly to the console and can be used to play standard games in 2D as well as immersive VR titles like "Firewall: Zero Hour."
The PlayStation Move Motion controller has been around since the days of the PlayStation 3 and works in tandem with the PlayStation VR to track arm and hand movements. They're not mandatory for playing games in VR, but some games require them for proper motion control, like "Superhot."
The Gold Wireless Headset is one of Sony's official headsets for the PlayStation 4, but the PS4 console and controller are compatible with a wide range of third party audio devices.
There are no discounts currently available on brand-new PlayStation VR headsets or bundles, but GameStop has refurbished PlayStation VR units for $149.99 when they're in stock. We'll update this section with more PlayStation VR and accessory deals as they are announced.
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that's required for online play with nearly all PlayStation 4 games. The subscription also offers special discounts in the PlayStation Network store, and subscribers get free games each month that remain available as long as the PlayStation Plus subscription is active.
If you're already a PlayStation Plus subscriber, buying a discounted membership will add time to the length of your current subscription.
Meanwhile, PlayStation Now is a subscription streaming service that lets you stream hundreds of games to your PC or PS4. Think Netflix, but for PlayStation games. The service includes games for PS2, PS3, and PS4. As an added bonus, PlayStation 4 owners can download the full version of their PlayStation Now games to play offline.
If you plan on voting by mail, the first thing you have to do is register to vote as soon as you can, as deadlines to register in some states are early in October.
Voting is slightly different in every county and state across the country, but this year, it will be easier to vote by mail than ever before.
At least 34 states and the District of Columbia are making exceptions and allowing everyone who's registered to vote by mail.
If you still want to experience voting in person, 25 states and Washington, DC, are already set to hold early voting.
Visit vote.org to check if you are registered to vote.
Voting in 2020 is already underway, and it's looking different than it ever has before.
States are broadening the rules for absentee ballot requests and early voting — and more people than ever are expected to vote by mail.
But you can't vote unless you are registered. So to check if you are registered, you can go to vote.org. Then you can request an absentee ballot.
Usually, voters can request an absentee ballot if they have a reason for being away from their district, like if they're attending college in another state or are deployed on a military mission. But, this year, 34 states and the District of Columbia are making exceptions and allowing everyone who's registered to vote by mail.
You can go to vote.org and click on "Vote by Mail." There, you can select your state to learn the specifics. Sometimes, you may have to send an email to your local election official or fill out a paper form, but those scenarios are pretty rare.
In general, the earlier you request your ballot, the sooner you'll get it.
Nine states, the District of Columbia, and some counties in Montana are automatically mailing ballots to everyone who's registered, without a request.
But you should still plan on to check your registration information on vote.org to make sure your address is correct. Expect your ballots three to six weeks before Election Day. When you get it, fill it out exactly how it says so that scanners can read it.
For example, if it says fill in the oval, fill in the oval — don't circle it. Use a blue or black pen, not a pencil. Don't forget to sign it, otherwise your vote won't count. The place for the signature is on the outer envelope, not actually on the ballot in some cases.
Mail it back right away to give the post office ample time to deliver it — since it can take up to eight days to get to the right place.
Experts worry that the higher number of requests could overwhelm the system and keep votes from being counted. With that in mind, a lot of places will offer ballot drop-off locations at precincts or polling places. And you can often just drop it off at your local election office.
If you still want to experience voting in person, 25 states and Washington, DC, are already set to hold early voting. You might want to pay close attention to what rules and deadlines your state has.
Keep in mind though, nine states will only allow you to vote on Election Day, November 3. Make sure to also check with your local elections office where early voting will take place, as it could be a polling station or a vote center.
Verify the hours you can vote, since they may vary. Finally, make sure to bring the necessary identification to the polls.
Thirty-four states require citizens to bring an ID. In 16 states and Washington, DC, voters can cast a ballot in person on Election Day without one. But voters still need to verify their identity in other ways, such as by signing an affidavit or poll book or by providing personal information, like your address or birth date.
Be prepared to wait in line, and take necessary precautions like wearing a mask.
For more questions, you can go to vote.org. Remember that voting is different in every county and state, so check your local elections website often, as rules and dates will likely continue to change because of the pandemic.
An artist's impression of the Eudyptes atatu penguin in New Zealand 3 million years ago.
Simone Giovanardi/Massey University
Researchers in New Zealand identified a new, extinct penguin species via fossils.
The discovery indicates that crested penguins have lived in New Zealand for millions of years.
Based on this and other findings, researchers believe all modern-day penguins evolved from ancient penguins that roamed the now-sunken continent of Zealandia.
Earth's lost eighth continent, Zealandia, sank into the sea between 50 and 35 million years ago. Today, we know the tiny fraction of it that remains above the waves as New Zealand.
But before most of Zealandia disappeared — about 60 million years ago — ancient penguins walked upon the 2-million-square-mile continent. In fact, a recent discovery has led scientists to conclude that all modern-day penguins likely descended from Zealandia's ancient birds.
The newly identified fossils of an extinct penguin species offer a crucial, previously missing link between ancient and modern penguins.
Last month, researchers announced that they'd found a set of well-preserved 3-million-year-old fossils, including a skull and a wing bone, on New Zealand's North Island. They identified the bones as belonging to a previously unknown species of crested penguin, which they named Eudyptes atatu.
The finding serves as "an important clue that New Zealand might have been a biodiversity hotspot for seabirds for millions of years," Daniel Thomas, a zoologist at Massey University and the lead author of the study, told Business Insider.
That's far longer than researchers previously realized; earlier studies had only dated the presence of crested penguins on New Zealand back about 7,000 years, Thomas said. The new timeline suggests the region is the penguin's most likely place of origin.
"We propose that New Zealand is likely to be where the earliest ancestor to all crested penguins lived, and where the ancestor of all penguins lived," Thomas said.
New Zealand is the 'seabird capital of the world'
Fossils of Eudyptes atatu show its key features, including a narrower beak (top left) than that of the modern-day Snares crested penguin (top right).
Jean-Claude Stahl, R. Paul Scofield/Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Canterbury Museum
The word atatu comes from the Maori term ata tū, which means dawn; Eudyptes refers to crested penguins — those with feathery yellow stripes above their eyes. There are between four and seven species of them alive on Earth today, depending on which taxonomist you ask.
New Zealand is home to 13 species of penguin for at least part of the year – the most of any country on Earth. More broadly, the island nation is considered the "seabird capital of the world," according to its Department of Conservation. More than a third of its 80 native seabird species aren't found anywhere else in the world.
The fossils from the extinct Eudyptes atatu penguin were found embedded in rock near the coastal region of Taranaki. Local collectors discovered them first, then alerted researchers at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
After their analysis found the fossils to be about 3 million years old, the researchers compared the fossils to bones of other, living crested penguin species. They found that the ancient penguin was fairly similar to modern-day crested penguins, though its beak was more slender. That's a clue it had a different diet than its modern cousins, most of whom survive mainly on small fish, krill, and crustaceans.
A group of Moseley's rockhopper penguins, one of the four to seven crested penguin species native to New Zealand.
Irina Kulikova/Shutterstock
So E. atatu could either be an ancestor of some species of modern crested penguin, or it could be a sister species that shares a common ancestor.
The researchers fed the information from their analysis into a software program that uses data about fossils and other information to map species' most likely origin points and migration patterns. That simulation is what led them to conclude that all modern penguins likely descended from the same Zealandia-dwelling ancestor.
Ancient penguins roamed the lost continent of Zealandia
E. atatu lived in New Zealand tens of millions of years after the rest of Zealandia sank. But the researchers think its ancestor evolved about 60 million years ago, suggesting that penguins likely once wandered the continent while the rest of its surface lay above sea level.
A map of New Zealandia, outlined in gray.
World Data Center for Geophysics & Marine Geology / National Geophysical Data Center, NOAA
These ancient penguins may have been gigantic. In 2017, researchers found that prehistoric "mega-penguins" stood 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds.
The majority of Zealandia, which is about half the size of Australia, now sits 3,500 feet under the sea. In addition to mega-penguins, the continent was once likely home to dinosaurs and lush rainforest.
Why advertisers are betting on retailers like Walmart and CVS
The pandemic has been a boon to marketers that sell essential items and invested early in e-commerce. And it's also been a boon to retailers like Walmart and Target that realized they could use their sites to sell advertising alongside packaged goods.
Patrick Coffee and Tanya Dua report that as marketers use their ad dollars to drive e-commerce, they're looking to these retail alternatives. Key points:
Marketers are desperate to find alternatives to the all-powerful Amazon, with its byzantine ad sales structure, fees, and sheer dominance.
Places like eBay, CVS, and Instacart have opened for advertising business in recent years and are seen as having advantages over Amazon, like service, big store footprints, and neutral selling platforms.
They might not be toppling Amazon off its perch just yet, but the longer the pandemic drags on, the more likely people's shift to online shopping — and advertiser's new habits — are likely to stick.
The biggest losers? Traditional media like TV, whose viewership is declining and that aren't performance-driven like commerce platforms.
People are starting to accept that gamers aren't a monolithic group of young guys in their parents' basement.
Lauren Johnson got ahold of slides from a new pitch deck Amazon is taking out to advertisers as it ramps up ad sales on its live-streaming platform, Twitch.
Amazon wants advertisers to know, among other things, that Twitch users are largely over 18 (presumably with money to spend) and are interested in lots of other things (They watch TV! They cook!)
Ad agency work is notorious for grinding down people early in their careers and its lack of job stability. It's only gotten worse in the pandemic, when agencies have laid off thousands as clients have gutted their budgets.
So you'd think agencies would be fertile ground for labor unions, which have already had success organizing digital media editorial workers.
This is despite the fact that their work, like agencies, can be rift with internal competition and frequent job changes, factors that could be seen as working against a successful organizing effort. For that matter, few if any US agencies have unions.
It's worth remembering that unions helped set standards for pay and layoffs procedures at digital media companies but weren't necessarily able to save jobs from the economic pressures falling on the industry.
Adidas launched a new Boost sneaker for urban runners called the Pulseboost HD. They're the first pair to use Adidas' new high-density (HD) version of Boost cushioning.
Featuring a lower-to-the-ground profile, a responsive Boost HD midsole, and a high-traction outsole, the Pulseboost HD has everything runners need to make sharp turns and jukes and navigate the various terrains of urban environments.
While running in the Pulseboost HDs, we felt stable, more connected to the ground, and had no foot fatigue.
At $140, the Adidas Pulseboost HD is on the lower end of the price range for Boost running sneakers, and they come in both men's and women's sizes.
I've gone on record saying that Adidas makes the most comfortable sneakers ever because of its Boost technology. There are hoards of people, from competing athletes to casual wearers, who would say the same.
The revolutionary Boost cushioning technology has been one of Adidas' most major assets in recent years, and it just got its first major update since its 2013 reveal.
Building off of the responsiveness, energy return, and comfort that the original Boost material delivers, Adidas has developed Boost HD, a high-density version that's designed to be more stable.
Rather than slapping the updated Boost technology on any of its existing silhouettes, Adidas paired it with a newly developed knit upper and an all-new outsole on its latest performance runner called the Pulseboost HD.
Designed with modern urban runners in mind, the Adidas Pulseboost HD features an Adaptive Knit upper that stretches and moves where it's needed, the updated Boost HD midsole for increased stability and high energy return, and an artificial intelligence-developed Adaptive Traxion outsole that's optimized for handling various terrains and conditions found in urban environments. The sneakers also feature a scannable QR code on the tongue that links to a Spotify playlist, so you'll always have tunes while running.
First impressions
My first impression of the Pulseboost HD was that it looks pretty similar to the Ultra Boost Uncaged considering they both have knit uppers, bootie constructions at the ankles, and Boost midsoles. However, they are notably different. The Pulseboost HD has a very low profile (the midsole, not the ankle) and streamlined design — you feel a lot closer and more connected to the ground, whereas Ultra Boosts give the sensation of being elevated.
Aesthetically, the Pulseboost HD has a great style, whether you plan on running in them or not. In my opinion, Adidas is one of the best brands at making the elements of sneakers that are distinctly for performance actually look good, too. This can be seen with the reinforced Adaptive Knit stripes on the lateral side of the shoe and even the futuristic-looking outsole.
Weighing in at 12 ounces, the Pulseboost HD is minimally heavier than the 10.9-ounce Ultra Boost and 11-ounce Ultra Boost 19 (weights are based on size 9 shoes). Despite the small difference in weight, the sneaker still feels exceptionally light. I think the difference in weight can mostly be attributed to the Boost HD midsole since it's denser.
In the past, I've found that Boost midsoles can sometimes be too squishy when doing activities that require stability, but the Pulseboost HD solves that issue well. They're still more comfortable than a more traditional EVA foam or plastic midsole, but they're sturdy enough to feel planted on the ground. After running, my feet felt just as good (no fatigue or pain) as they have with other Boost sneakers, so there was no sacrifice in comfort.
While the denser Boost foam was designed to help runners make sharp turns and cuts and go from pavement to cobblestone to grass (and whatever other surfaces they might come across in a city), it also serves well for other training techniques that require stability like workout drills or weightlifting.
Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton also had the opportunity to test the new Adidas Pulseboost HD and enjoyed them just as much as I did. Here's what she had to say:
"I've learned to mostly trust Adidas when it comes to knit uppers, but I wavered when I first opened the box. My initial impression of the Pulseboost HD was that they looked cool, but that the knit may have prioritized style and breathability at the expense of total functionality. I didn't want to feel like my foot was loose inside the shoe on a run, or risk the knit stretching out.
In practice, though, the shoes are pretty great — especially for running in a city where you need to be able to dodge tourists just as nimbly as you need to move forward. I wore them first for a walk on New York City concrete, and the cushioning and energy return were obvious upfront — the kind of lightweight, springy feel that makes you itch to race somebody. On a run, the cushioning was good and dense. The knit was breathable and adaptive, and the non-stretch zones across the forefoot and midfoot did their job.
Most importantly for me, though, ended up being the Pulseboost HD's combination of less bulk, a stable base, and having the foot sit closer to the ground than in other Adidas shoes with Boost soles, so I could bob and weave without losing energy or my balance."
The Adidas Pulseboost HD is a wonderful shoe for urban runners. Despite being $40 less than Adidas' flagship runner, the Ultra Boost, the $140 Pulseboost HD should by no means be considered inferior — it's simply different and in some ways, it's actually better. It's lightweight, low profile, and has ample energy return that doesn't sacrifice stability.
If you're looking for comfort and a connected feeling to the ground on your runs in the city, I strongly recommend the Pulseboost HD.
Peacock is a new streaming service that makes hundreds of NBC TV shows and Universal films available for free. Comcast, NBCUniversal's parent company, officially launched free and premium versions of Peacock on July 15, though some Comcast internet and cable customers have had early access to the service since April.
Peacock was intended to launch alongside the 2020 Olympics to provide a live stream for the Summer Games in Tokyo, but the linchpin event has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the major disruption, NBCUniversal managed to launch Peacock as scheduled.
Peacock has brokered deals for new original series produced by Tina Fey and Kevin Hart, as well as rights to stream classic series like "Law & Order" and "Will and Grace." "The Office," a perennial Netflix favorite and one of NBC's most beloved series, will move to Peacock in January 2021. A new original series adapting the book "Brave New World" has already debuted on Peacock, along with original films, like "Psych 2," and exclusive documentaries, like Dale Earnhard Jr's "Lost Speedways."
Peacock's library is also full of classic Universal movies, and the streaming service has announced that all eight "Harry Potter" movies will be coming to the platform over the next six months. Other franchises, like "Jurassic Park" and "Fast & Furious," will be available on a rotating basis as well.
Peacock will also feature live sporting events, like the Premier League and the 2021 Olympics. A number of popular sports radio shows, including "The Dan Patrick Show," "The Rich Eisen Show," and "PFT Live with Mike Florio" will also stream exclusively on Peacock.
With Peacock now available for everyone nationwide, we've broken down some of the basics related to this new streaming service, including full details on pricing, plans, content, and supported devices.
Updated on 9/22/2020 by Kevin Webb: Added details about the arrival of Peacock on Roku products.
Peacock is a new streaming service created by NBCUniversal with three subscription plans: Free, Premium, and Premium Plus. The platform offers a collection of TV shows, movies, and original series, along with live sports and news updates.
Content can be viewed via an on-demand library or via special streaming channels broken down by genres and franchises.
Peacock's catalog includes a mix of new and classic NBC shows, like "Saturday Night Live" and "Parks and Recreation," and Universal films, like the "Fast & Furious" franchise. Original programs will also be offered in the higher-priced tiers.
Peacock officially launched nationwide on July 15. You can sign up for a Free, Premium, or Premium Plus subscription right now through the Peacock website. Premium and Premium Plus plans both come with a free seven-day trial for new members.
Peacock's streaming app is available on Vizio and LG smart TVs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, Android TV, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Chromecast, and Roku. The service is also available through its official website. You can browse a full list of supported devices here.
If you have an Xfinity X1 or Flex device you can access Peacock Premium for free by searching for the app and entering your email.
Is Peacock available on Roku or Amazon Fire TV?
Peacock is not yet available on Amazon Fire TV products, but Roku added the Peacock streaming app to its devices in September 2020. It's unclear when the app will arrive on Amazon devices.
How much does Peacock cost?
The base version of Peacock is free, but there are commercials. Peacock promises more than 7,500 hours worth of movies and TV with Peacock Free, but you can get access to twice as much content by upgrading to a Peacock Premium plan.
The Peacock Premium catalog includes new original series, gives subscribers access to exclusive content from NBC shows, like "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," and lets you watch ongoing shows, like "Saturday Night Live," the day after they air on TV.
Peacock Premium costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. However, Peacock Premium still has commercials. If you want to watch Peacock Premium without ads, you need to upgrade to the Peacock Premium Plus ad-free plan for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus plans both come with a free seven-day trial for new subscribers. If you already subscribe to Xfinity internet or cable you get Peacock Premium for free with your current subscription.
You'll be able to stream classic NBC shows, like "Law & Order," "30 Rock," "Parks & Recreation," "Friday Night Lights," and "Saturday Night Live." Peacock Premium users will also be able to access new episodes of ongoing NBC shows the day after they air. One of the most anticipated Peacock shows, "The Office," wont be available until January 2021, due to a prior agreement with Netflix.
Daily broadcasts from NBC News and MSNBC will stream on Peacock, and subscribers can access past documentaries and "Dateline" investigations.
Universal film franchises, like "Fast & Furious," "Jurassic Park" and "The Bourne Trilogy," will be available in full on Peacock, along with classic movies like "E.T.," "Reservoir Dogs," "Schindler's List," and "Lost in Translation." The "Harry Potter" series is also scheduled to arrive on Peacock in October. With that said, Peacock's movie selection isn't permanent, so some titles may be removed or added back from time to time.
Peacock Premium subscribers will be able to watch new original shows, including a new Tina Fey-produced series called "Girls5Eva". A new comedy special and an interview series from comedian Kevin Hart are also in the works for Peacock.
Peacock will include exclusive children's content with new episodes of shows like "Curious George," "Where's Waldo," and "Cleopatra in Space." Universal kids films, like "Shrek", "Despicable Me," and "Trolls World Tour," will be part of the Peacock library as well.
Peacock also features live sports for free, including matches of the relaunched 2020 Premier League and the PGA Tour's US Open. "The Dan Patrick Show," "The Rich Eisen Show,"and "PFT Live with Mike Florio" will also stream exclusively on Peacock.
Though the platform's launch was meant to coincide with the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the coronavirus pandemic has led to the postponement of the Summer Games until next year. Instead, Peacock will offer past Olympic highlights and exclusive interviews with Olympic athletes.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
Your tableware (dishes, bowls, utensils, etc.) should be beautiful and durable enough for both everyday use and special occasions.
While previous generations may have picked up a set of Lenox or Wedgwood plates at a department store, a new group of dinnerware startups have made setting your table easier — and more affordable — than ever.
A few of our favorite places to shop for dinnerware online include: Food52 Shop for colorful and unique designs, Year & Day for sophisticated, minimalist ceramics made in Portugal, and East Fork Pottery for authentic, handcrafted pieces with a slightly rustic feel. Not only do they all look great, they're microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Like many things in the world of home goods (see: sheets, cookware, mattresses), tableware can be overwhelming to shop for. Nowadays, you might even question if you actually need full dinnerware and flatware sets. They're often overpriced, and besides, who even throws formal dinner parties anymore?
But maybe your attitude on tableware all depends on where you shop and how you plan to use it. If you think about tableware in terms of the plates, serving bowls, and utensils you use every day — whether you're preparing a four-course meal for friends and family or making boxed mac and cheese for one — why not make every dining experience more exciting and enjoyable?
Once you let go of the idea that dinnerware is only for wedding registries or that it has to match all the other pieces in your cabinet, you can have fun with it. We found eight online stores that don't abide by the usual tableware "rules."
Here's where to shop for tableware online, plus all the info you need to know about their materials and construction, shipping and return policies, and more.
Background: Like most people in the midst of a move, founder Kathryn Duryea (formerly of Rocksbox and Tiffany & Co.), was initially excited to buy home essentials for her new place. But again and again, she found herself disappointed by the boring, expensive, and low-quality tableware options out there, so she started taking glaze-making classes and doing the research to bring her own vision to life.
She found her match in a ceramics factory in Portugal. Launched officially in 2017, Year & Day took off online with its made-for-the-camera color palettes — which include dreamy names like Moon and Daybreak — and classic silhouettes. The pieces cost $11-$13 each and sell out often, thanks to their versatility, durability, and weighty feel. Not to mention, they're easy to mix and match. You can also use the site's helpful quiz if you're not sure exactly what you're looking for.
Materials and construction: Year & Day sources local clay from Portugal and uses recycled clay scraps in order to conserve resources. Its specific clay firing process results in a vitrified surface, which means it's strong and resistant to water and breakage, and all ceramic pieces are dipped in semi-matte glaze. They're safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer, and oven-safe up to 480°F.
The flatware is also made in Portugal, with 18/10 stainless steel and forged blades on the knives, while the drinking glasses are crafted in Italy with breakage-resistant stems and chemical-free glass. These pieces are dishwasher-safe as well.
Other things to know about Year & Day:
Free shipping on orders over $150
30-day return policy
Can be added to a universal wedding registry such as Zola
Product range: Dinnerware, servingware, flatware, drinkware, barware, and bed and bath products
Background: As a couple moving in together in New York City, Rachel Cohen and Andrés Modak struggled to figure out how to decorate their new home. Both recent Wharton grads, they had the creativity and business expertise to form their own solution to this common conundrum. Their online company, Snowe, carries all the home essentials you could ever want, from silky sheets and fluffy robes to dinnerware, barware, and candles.
The design philosophy is based on the idea of "real living" — what are the materials and silhouettes you'll never tire of and want to use every day? As a result, none of the products should surprise you too much. For tableware specifically, you'll find classic white plates that you can pair with silver, black, or gold flatware, as well as wine glasses, tumblers, and champagne flutes to toast with at dinner parties.
Materials and construction: Plates and mugs are made in Portugal using porcelain imported from Limoges, France, which has a rich history of porcelain production dating back to the 1700s. They're safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. The drinkware is made in Italy with crystallized glass that's strong enough for "hyperenthusiastic toasts," according to Snowe. The flatware is crafted from Italian 18/10 stainless steel, with three finish options: Brushed Gold, Black Satin or Classic Stainless.
Other things to know about Snowe:
$5 flat rate shipping on all orders
60-day return policy
Homebody Perks is a rewards program for exclusive discounts and perks
Has its own registry, which includes benefits like a 20% 1-year anniversary discount and a 'Thank You Manager"
Product range: Dinnerware, servingware, flatware, drinkware, barware, and more home and kitchen goods
Background: Food52 launched its shop in 2013 to bring its community of home cooks a tightly curated collection of well-designed home and kitchen wares, from practical small appliances and cookware to beautiful decor and dinnerware. While you'll see some big and recognizable brands in the shop, it's more likely you'll come across and fall in love with the artsy, independent brands.
While there's no shortage of tableware styles — from minimalist pieces to plates and bowls in bright colors, intricate patterns, and a wide spectrum of finishes — Food52 Shop's selection doesn't feel overwhelming. Plus, every single product is shown styled, so you can easily imagine how it would fit onto your own table setting.
Materials and construction: In addition to classic ceramic, you can shop less conventional tableware materials like bamboo and melamine. Details about construction and care can be found on each individual product page, but for the most part, all the tableware sold is safe for the microwave and dishwasher.
Other things to know about Food52:
$9 flat rate shipping per order
30-day return policy
Has its own registry, which includes benefits like a 10% completion discount and gift tracking
Background: Sara Kelly, a former product development and marketing manager, found that the ceramic plates she bought while on a European vacation brought her joy long after the trip was over. The problem was, she had difficulty finding additional tableware that inspired the same feelings. Plus, as a single professional, she felt bombarded by the constant pressure of wedding registries and the expectations of entertaining. Her Houston-based startup Rigby aims to take away that pressure and make setting the table easy and enjoyable again.
Rigby's basic tableware sets include salad and dinner plates, breakfast and pasta bowls, mugs, drinking glasses, and flatware (one option has a less conventional copper finish). They're easy on the eyes with their neutral colors, and easy on your hands because of their thick construction and soft angled curves.
Materials and construction: Rigby's products are made in two different regions in Portugal that are known for their ceramics production, steelmaking, and glassblowing. The pieces are all handmade, built to last, and dishwasher-safe. The ceramic dinnerware is safe for the microwave, oven, and freezer.
Other things to know about Rigby:
Free shipping on orders over $150
30-day return policy
Can be added to a universal wedding registry such as Zola
Product range: Dinnerware and drinkware, as well as flatware and other tabletop goods made by other merchants
Background: East Fork is a 10-year-old ceramics shop that's a beloved institution in its community of Asheville, NC, but has grown in popularity nationwide thanks to the homegrown, slightly rustic look of its dinnerware. It started out of a tobacco farm with three friends and is today a business with more than 80 employees and 20 different glazes released to date.
In addition to selling its own ceramic wares, its online shop features pantry essentials (e.g. beans from Rancho Gordo), cookbooks (e.g. "Donabe"), and decor (e.g. hand-embroidered Otomi table runners) curated from small or independent makers. Similarly to shopping at a small, personable, and creative neighborhood store, you'll check out of East Fork's site with more than a few beautiful pieces you didn't expect to buy.
Materials and construction: East Fork uses clays dug from the American Southeast, along with glazes that are all formulated and mixed in-house. The distinctive brown speckles on its products come from the firing process, which draws iron from the iron-rich clay to the surface. The clay is molded into pottery through a few different techniques, including jiggering and wheel-throwing, and fired at a high temperature to give it a vitrified surface. You can find more details about East Fork's process here. All the pottery pieces are safe for the microwave and dishwasher.
Other things to know about East Fork:
Shipping charges are based on a flat-rate tier system according to the price of your order
30-day return policy
Has its own registry
Factory tours available in Asheville, NC. The factory is currently closed due to the coronavirus.
What to buy:
Note: East Fork's factory was temporarily shut down due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and items are now made-to-order. All items are marked as "pre-order" and should be shipped within eight weeks, or will be available for local pick-up if you're in the Asheville area.
Product range: Dinnerware, drinkware, cookware, and a rotating collection of globally-sourced home goods
Background: We love Our Place's multicultural spin on kitchen gear. While you'll always be able to shop the brand's Essentials collection of tried-and-true cookware and dinnerware (we're especially fond of their hand-painted speckled ceramic stacking plates), Our Place's most interesting offerings are the result of limited-run partnerships with artists and craftspeople from around the globe.
So far in the realm of tableware, these include Chinese serving platters and chopsticks made from locally sourced wood as part of a Chinese Lunar New Year collection and mezcal glasses, bowls, and woven table runners included in a bundle of handmade goods from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The brand also places particular emphasis on ethical production and labor, which isn't surprising considering co-founder Shiza Shahid is the former CEO of the Malala Fund nonprofit.
Materials and construction: The ceramic dinnerware is made in China and handpainted with a glossy, speckled finish, while the drinking glasses are made in Thailand with handblown natural glass. Both are safe for the microwave and dishwasher.
Product range: Dinnerware, servingware, flatware, drinkware, and general home goods and furniture
Background: While Lulu and Georgia is a large online home store where you can find all types of furniture and decor, each of its products still manages to feel unique and special. Founder Sara Sugarman comes from a well-known company in the home space (her family owns luxury flooring company Decorative Carpets), but unlike her family business, which caters to hospitality and designer clients, Lulu and Georgia is for regular consumers like you and me.
With its wooden, cast iron, and terra cotta options, Lulu and Georgia is best for those seeking rustic tableware that's easy to mix and match. You'll find the most offerings in the dinnerware and servingware sections and the site makes it easy to complete your tabletop set with its "Complete the Look" feature at the bottom of each product page.
Materials and construction: Many of the products are crafted in the US by a variety of makers, though we did also see ceramics that were made in Portugal. Details about construction and care can be found on each individual product page, but for the most part, all the tableware sold is safe for the microwave and dishwasher.
Other things to know about Lulu and Georgia:
Shipping charges are based on a flat-rate tier system according to the price of your order
Product range: Dinnerware, flatware, servingware, drinkware, barware, and other home goods, in addition to fashion, beauty, and kids products
Background: Verishop is a fairly new site that frames itself as an Amazon alternative, offering both a more reliable and high-quality product selection and a shipping policy that's just as convenient as Amazon's. Across categories, there's an emphasis on ethical and sustainable brands and online startups.
The tableware section is no exception, highlighting brands like Year & Day, Hawkins New York, and Quette Home. Product selection here isn't as robust as Food52's, but the fast two-day shipping turnaround could definitely make Verishop an attractive place to make a purchase when you need high-quality products quickly.
Materials and construction: Details about construction and care can be found on each individual product page, but for the most part, all the tableware sold is safe for the microwave and dishwasher. We found it more difficult to track down information about where the tableware is made, so you may need to research individual brands outside of the Verishop site.
Other things to know about Verishop:
Free two-day shipping on most orders (excludes hazmat items)
60-day return policy
Offers competitor price matching within 30 days of purchase
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
Microsoft's Xbox One X and Xbox One S.
Microsoft
The Xbox One X is still the most powerful video game console on the market, and Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox One games will be playable on its upcoming Xbox Series X as well.
Low cost subscription services, like Xbox Live and Xbox Game Pass, also bring tons of value and affordable games to the Xbox One.
Below, we've compiled the best deals on Xbox consoles, games, accessories, and subscriptions.
Right now, "Red Dead Redemption 2"is on sale for $34.99, which is $25 off its regular price.
Microsoft debuted its first Xbox console less than 20 years ago, but the brand has blossomed into one of the titans of the video game industry. Its current flagship console, the Xbox One, has shipped more than 50 million units worldwide and dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of the next Xbox consoles, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, on November 10.
For now, the Xbox One X is the most powerful video game console on the market, out performing the PlayStation 4 Pro and Nintendo Switch. The Xbox One S is a strong console as well, boasting 4K resolution playback, HDR support, and a host of media center features that make it an ideal centerpiece for your home entertainment setup.
Microsoft has worked to create a robust ecosystem for Xbox fans, which will include letting them play Xbox One games on the upcoming Series X. Services, like Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass, also bring extra value to the console, offering thousands of games to players for a low price.
We've collected the best deals on Xbox One consoles, games, subscriptions, and accessories below. These should come in handy whether you're an Xbox veteran looking forward to the Series X, or looking to pick up your very first video game console.
Here are the best Xbox One deals for September 2020:
Prices and links are current as of 9/22/2020. Added new Xbox One video game deals. Removed deals that are no longer active. Updated by Kevin Webb.
Best Xbox One console deals
The Xbox One X, the Xbox One S, and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.
Microsoft
Due to high demand, stock for all Xbox One consoles remains low at many retailers, especially for the Xbox One X. With that in mind, the below products might not currently be available for shipment. We'll update this section with more retailer options and discounts as stores add more inventory.
Best deals on Xbox One games
Rockstar's "Red Dead Redemption 2" was the best-selling game of 2018.
Rockstar Games/Take-Two Interactive
There are thousands of games available for Xbox One, so we've chosen to focus on just a few of the console's most popular titles. Digital games are available through the Microsoft Store, which offers sales on a regular basis.
The Xbox One controller has become the standard for PC gaming thanks to its compatibility with Windows and countless indie games. Newer versions of the Xbox One controller make it easy to connect to your computer or phone with Bluetooth too. While most controllers use rechargeable batteries, the Xbox One controller still relies on AA batteries.
Microsoft also makes a premium Xbox One gamepad, the $180 Xbox Elite controller. The Elite series offers some notable improvements, like a rechargeable battery with 40 hours of playtime, four rear paddle bu tons for extra control, customizable thumbsticks, and a rubber grip.
There are no discounts currently available on brand-new Xbox controllers, but you can save $10 if you buy a pre-owned controller from GameStop.
Xbox Live Gold is a subscription service that's required for online play with nearly all Xbox One games. The subscription also offers free games each month that remain available as long as the Xbox Live Gold subscription is active.
If you're already an Xbox Live Gold subscriber, buying a discounted membership will add time to the length of your current subscription.
Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass is a subscription gaming service that lets you download hundreds of games to your Xbox One or Windows PC. The service costs $5 a month on PC or $10 a month on Xbox One. New Game Pass subscribers will only pay $1 for their first month thanks to an ongoing promotion.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes an Xbox Live Gold subscription and will give you access to Game Pass on both PC and Xbox for a regular price of $15 per month.
Yoga is one of the best ways to improve flexibility, center your mind, and achieve a beneficial sense of relaxation and calm.
Before starting in on any yoga routine or practice, you'll want to make sure you have the right gear and that starts with getting a proper yoga mat.
The best yoga mats are able to make your sessions more enjoyable by allowing you to balance better through your poses while providing a cushioned area to exercise.
Our top pick, the Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat, features a closed-cell surface that keeps out sweat and has a dotted texture that keeps your hands and feet from slipping out of position.
If you've ever practiced yoga, you know that not all yoga mats are created equally. Each style and material caters to a different set of needs, goals, and specific types of yoga. Subtle design changes between mats can also help or hurt your unique movement patterns and may cause unusual aches or pains in any pose.
How to shop for a yoga mat
There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for a yoga mat that best serves your needs. Size and portability are important to many yogis, mainly because you'll often tote your mat along with you — unless you do your practice in the comfort of your own home. Some mats are longer than others, so keep that in mind, especially if you're taller.
While certain people like sticky mats that help their feet from sliding around, others find them annoying, providing too much hold when they want the freedom of movement. The same goes for a mat's relative thickness or thinness. Most yoga mats are relatively slim but others are thick for extra protection and cushion for your joints.
Consider the durability and the types of materials used, too. You want a mat that's going to last, isn't made with harsh or harmful chemicals, and is easy to wipe clean after a sweaty session of hot yoga.
How we test
Each yoga mat featured in this guide went through a series of on the mat tests to see how well they stacked up across these four categories: Performance, durability, ease of cleaning, and value. Specifically, here's how each category contributed to which yoga mats ultimately made the cut:
Performance: How a yoga mat performs encompasses a variety of uses. This could mean howmetri grippy it is for helping you hold poses or reliably move a hand or foot even if you're a little sweaty, or it could be how comfortable or padded the mat is. In categories such as the best lightweight yoga mat or the best yoga mat for sweaty yogis, we looked at those features specifically (instead of docking points for a lack of padding or too much grip) when choosing what to feature.
Durability: It may not seem like it but yoga mats can take a beating, especially if you use it often. Be it puddles of sweat or the constant barrage of knees, elbows, heels, and shoulders, a yoga mat is under constant pressure. Because of this, you ideally want one built to stand up to this kind of abuse and that's designed to last for several sessions.
Ease of cleaning: Sweat is nearly inevitable when you practice yoga — even during a particularly mellow session. It's recommended that you clean your yoga mat after every use (especially for anyone who sweats heavily) and a mat that's easy to clean is a necessity.
Value: Value is the combination of every category we judged the yoga mats on plus it's actual price point. We like to think that it's better to invest more in a quality mat that lasts than to spend the money on several cheap mats in the same amount of time. When choosing our budget pick, we also wanted to make sure it wasn't some shoddy mat but something that delivers premium quality at a more wallet-friendly price.
To help make your purchasing decision easier, we sweat-tested a number of the top yoga mats on the market and compiled this guide to finding the best depending on your priorities, from perfect pose alignment to eco-friendly materials.
Updated on 9/22/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the section on how to shop for a yoga mat and added a rundown of how we tested each pick, added the Yogi Bare Teddy as our favorite washable mat, checked the availability of each recommended product, and updated the prices and links where necessary.
The best yoga mat overall
Manduka
The Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat provides just the right amount of padding without being too thick and clunky, and the price stays low even with its sustainable materials and no-slip grip.
When it's time to trade in those bargain yoga steals for a yoga mat that's built to last, the Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat is the way to go. Whether you're practicing yoga daily or just stretching out once in a while, the 4.7mm thick padded mat keeps your hands, knees, and feet cushioned against any hard floor and supports your back as you relax into savasana.
If this is your first investment in a well-made yoga mat, you might balk at the price tag. However, the Manduka ProLite mat comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you're safe from losing your mat to flaking, peeling, and fading. Whereas some mats deteriorate over time, Manduka promises that this one will only improve like a well-seasoned cast-iron pan.
In my 13 years of practicing yoga, I much prefer a mat that wicks away moisture, sweat, and dirt instead of absorbing it into the material. The Manduka ProLite's closed-cell surface does just that, and the mat is easy to clean and treat. Vinegar and sea salt is recommended to help break in the mat's texture and restore grippiness to the surface.
The more serious you get with your yoga practice, chances are a non-slip surface rises to the top of your priority list. Contrary to what you might see on Instagram, even yogis sweat, and there's nothing quite like sliding out of downward-facing dog into a flat pancake because you can't keep your hands in place on your mat. Manduka boasts that its "proprietary dot patterned bottom" prevents the mat from sliding across the floor, no matter how hot your yoga room gets.
Manduka makes the ProLite mat in two lengths — 71 and 79 inches — so that more height-gifted yogis can stretch out without fear. Plus, the icing on the cake is that the mat is completely non-toxic, 100 percent latex-free, and even promises a clean manufacturing process.
When you're ready to invest in a mat that will last a lifetime and treat your yoga body along with it, the Manduka ProLite is your best bet.
Pros: Just the right amount of padding to cushion knees and hands in tough poses, and the no-slip grip texture and eco-friendly materials are all covered under Manduka's lifetime guarantee
Cons: Although it's thin in comparison to the Manduka Pro version, the Manduka ProLite is still a pretty thick mat; the ProLite does take some maintenance and attention
The best yoga mat for perfectionists
Liforme/Business Insider
The Liforme Mat has a printed alignment system on the surface that will help you find your symmetry, balance, and proper footing in any pose.
No matter what kind of yoga you do, proper alignment is an important part of learning the poses and their transitions. The first thing you'll notice about the Liforme mat is that discreet lines, shapes, and markers are etched into its surface to help you place your limbs accurately and mindfully as you move through your practice. Liforme's mat is also slightly longer and wider than most traditional yoga mats, so you'll never feel cramped or confined.
Alongside alignment, the Liforme mat's other major benefit is the grippy surface. Through its commitment to eco-friendly materials, Liforme created a proprietary "GripForMe" material blend of natural rubber and sustainably-sourced felt to cushion your knees, hips, and hands with 4.2mm of padding. The mix also keeps you from slipping and sliding when the sweating starts.
Continuing the eco-friendly trend, each layer of the PVC-free mat is heat-bonded to avoid toxic glues and adhesives, and even the alignment marking system is etched into the surface to avoid synthetic dyes.
The surface of the Liforme mat is so grippy, you won't be able to glide into downward facing dog anymore, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. So if a sticky, non-slip surface is your idea of the perfect yoga mat, the Liforme mat will do the trick.
If you're not the most flexible of yogis or if you're on the shorter side, you may have trouble hitting the alignments recommended by that pattern on the mat, but if your limbs happen to line up with the printed system and you're looking to go deeper into perfect alignment, the Liforme mat is the one for you.
Pros: Eco-friendly, PVC-free mat is extremely sticky to help avoid that unintentional slip-n-slide feature that happens as other yoga mats get sweaty and wear over time
Cons: Normalized alignment in this one-size-fits-all system won't work for everyone, this is one of the more expensive mats out there
The prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat is made from 100% thermoplastic elastomer, which means it's non-toxic, sustainably made, and completely recyclable.
Synthetic materials and unnatural rubbers used in mats fell out of favor in the yoga community as the practice spread internationally alongside global concerns about the state of our environment.
Since it's made from 100% thermoplastic elastomer or TPE, all the environmental costs of manufacturing synthetic rubbers and plastics are eliminated from the prAna E.C.O. Mat equation. Once you're ready to toss your mat out, the material is completely recyclable so it won't clog up a landfill somewhere.
TPE is also UV resistant, so your E.C.O. Mat won't fade or deteriorate with sun exposure. It's completely latex-free, chloride-free, and PVC-free. The best benefit of TPE is that it's extremely lightweight: a 72-by-24-inch mat with a thickness of 5mm still weighs in at only 2.2 pounds.
On the yoga benefits side, the E.C.O. yoga mat is known to be super sticky so your hands and feet won't slide, but the TPE material may not be the most cushioning option for those looking to protect their knees and backs from the hard pressure of the floor. The mat is double-sided, though, so you can rotate front-to-back and top-to-bottom to get a seriously long-term, even wear on your mat even with heavy use.
Even if you're just looking for a lighter mat or an eco-friendly option to shake things up, the prAna E.C.O. Mat is a low-cost way to try something new.
Pros: Good for the environment from production to deterioration, this mat is made of eco-friendly thermoplastic elastomer that is non-toxic and recyclable
Cons: Everyone has their own idea of the best non-slip sticky surface, and some users reported the eco-friendly material was stretching instead of sticking
The best washable yoga mat
Yogi Bare
Yoga mats don't get easier to clean than this machine-washable option from Yogi Bare called the Teddy — just fold it up, toss it in your washer, and it comes out clean without sacrificing quality or durability.
One of the most important ways to care for a yoga mat is to make sure it stays clean — especially if you use it outside or tend to heavily sweat while you practice. Though most mats allow for a simple spray and wipe down, the Teddy from Yogi Bare is machine washable, meaning you can literally throw it in the washing machine and let the washer do its thing.
Not only does this make cleanup much easier but it ensures the mat gets evenly cleaned. And don't worry about the washer compromising its integrity; it's natural rubber base and microfiber top did well during my testing to keep as intact as when I first bought it, even after multiple washes.
Even if the Teddywasn't machine-washable, it'd still be a great yoga mat. Its microfiber surface is grippy, especially after I'd been sweating a bit on it, and it's just padded enough that it provides a soft landing whenever my feet (or wayward knees and elbows) hit the ground. Though I reviewed the Cosmic colorway (which is great), it also comes in patterns called Nevada, Tropical, and Terazzo.
The mat runs for $65.95, which is well worth the investment considering how easy it is to keep clean. If you're tired of using spray cleaner and towels to clean and disinfect your yoga mat, the machine-washable Teddy is exactly what you need. -- Rick Stella
Pros: Machine-washable, grippy microfiber top, natural rubber bottom stays in place, comes in a variety of fun patterns
Cons: Its machine-washable nature is only good if you have a washer, those who like highly padded mats may want to look elsewhere
The best budget yoga mat
Gaiam
The Gaiam Print Premium Yoga Mat is highly affordable and features a ton of fun design options to bring a smile to your face while you practice.
The first thing you'll notice about Gaiam Print Premium Yoga Mats is the selection of colors and prints you can choose from. There's something soothing about practicing on a mat printed with peacock feathers or a perfectly symmetrical mandala pattern, in bright pastel greens and pinks or soothing shades of grey. Of course, the main benefit of this mat is the price point. It's an affordable option compared to some of the other top-ranked yoga mats out there.
Even so, this mat bears the Gaiam name which is respected and trusted in the yoga community. The mat is 5mm thick so you'll feel cushioned and padded but the PVC material keeps it lightweight and portable. Although PVC is often looked down on in the yoga community, this mat is free of the six specific PVC materials that have been banned, so you don't have to worry about health risks.
One thing to plan for: This mat won't last forever. In addition to your basic yoga mat wear and tear, both the material and the printed design are susceptible to sun damage.
The Gaiam Print Premium Mat's non-slip surface works well for most casual users but if you sweat a lot during your practice, you may need more traction and a grippier surface than this mat offers. As an introduction to your yoga practice without a hefty investment, or even as a backup choice for when your heavy-duty mat is drying, the Gaiam Print Premium is a solid option.
Pros: Serious affordability and fun designs make this mat a good fit for a casual yogi or someone just beginning their practice
Cons: Durability isn't guaranteed with a budget yoga mat, and even though Gaiam is a trusted yoga brand these mats won't last forever
When you're on the go, roughing it with a borrowed or rented yoga mat can be awkward, a little stinky, or just down-right gross. Travel mats hit the scene so jet-setting yogis and nature-lovers alike could pack their mats without the bulk of thick, padded mats they might use when practicing at home. The Manduka Eko SuperLite Travel Mat is the lighter, thinner version of Manduka's top-ranked Eko option, so it's a winner all around.
The Manduka Eko SuperLite Travel Mat is made of a woven scrim material that won't tear or stretch either with use or in your suitcase. It's thin enough to be foldable, so you can tuck the mat away into your backpack or your carry-on without added weight or bulk. The woven material still features a sweat-resistant closed-cell design so your mat will stay drier and cleaner for longer, without soaking up sweat or environmental moisture from wherever you happen to be traveling.
Speaking of environmentalism, the Manduka Eko SuperLite is made from natural rubber that is specifically not harvested in the Amazon — do yoga, protect the rainforests. And while you're practicing yoga in the rainforest on your natural rubber travel mat, you'll benefit from Manduka's trademark grippiness.
It's an affordable option but the mat isn't perfect for every environment because of its lightweight flexibility. If you're a heavy sweating yogi, the Manduka Eko SuperLite may not grip enough to keep you from slipping.
Pros: If borrowed hotel yoga mats give you the creeps, this is a great lightweight and foldable option to tuck into your carry-on or checked luggage while you're on the road
Cons: Thin yoga mats don't provide the cushion and support of more padded options, so if you have knee, wrist, or ankle injuries (or if you just like a little more padding), stay away
The best travel yoga mat
Amazon
The real rubber YoGo Travel Yoga Mat folds up into a compact package that you can stow in your suitcase when you travel.
When you need to travel but you don't want to leave your yoga mat behind, you need one that's compact enough to stow in your suitcase or throw in your backpack. The YoGo Travel Yoga Mat is just the one for the job.
It's a full-size yoga mat when you open it up but it folds to a very manageable size. For those of you who remember the Sunday edition of newspapers, that's about how big it is when folded up. The real rubber mat weighs 2.5 pounds and measures 24 by 68 inches when it's unfolded. It may not be as lightweight as other travel yoga mats, but it certainly is more compact.
You can fold it up like origami when you're done with your practice, and the durable straps and buckles keep everything in place securely. You can also use the handles to hang it up when you wash it clean. I use this mat regularly in my small apartment and love how easy it is to store. I never quite mastered the folding technique, so I fold it in half and roll it up tightly, but it still works.
Because the mat is made from eco-friendly natural rubber with a cotton mesh heat bonding technique, it is a very sticky mat. You won't slip or slide around on the mat at all, which is great if you get sweaty hands and feet like me.
It's also reassuring to know that YoGo plants a tree in Central America for every mat it sells, so you don't have to worry about contributing to deforestation. YoGo also gives training in organic farming to local communities so as to encourage sustainable farming practices. — Malarie Gokey
Pros: Easy to carry when folded, real rubber, sustainably harvested materials, excellent grip, perfect for travel
Cons: Expensive, initial rubber smell
Best yoga mat for sweaty yogis
Amazon
Whether you're a yogi who sweats a lot during workouts, or you enjoy the sweat-inducing practice of Bikram, the JadeYoga Harmony Mat is what you need to avoid slipping and sliding.
Sweating while practicing yoga is a near certainty for almost everyone but for those who tend to perspire enough to make their yoga mat dangerously slippery should try JadeYoga's Harmony Mat. Made from natural rubber, the Harmony Mat excels at allowing yogis to transition from pose to pose without the fear of losing traction or unnecessarily slipping out from underneath themselves.
Unlike many yoga mats that appear to have a smooth or even shiny surface, this mat instead features what seem to be tiny dots that improve traction. Tiny is the key term, too, as they don't become bothersome to the touch even if you're near the end of a 60-minute session.
The mat is incredibly comfortable, too. Featuring thick enough cushioning to protect your knees and back from getting dinged while practicing, it's not too thick to hinder movement.
JadYoga offers the Harmony Mat in three different sizes (68, 71, or 74 inches), as well as a dozen different colors and prints. It is on the spendy side at $85 but for sweaty yogis, it doesn't get better than this.
Yoga blocks are an important tool for yogis at any level. Whether you're looking to deepen your flexibility, venturing into new pose territory, or just trying to go easy on your joints and muscles, yoga blocks are key.
Built for form and function, yoga socks provide extra stability in your yoga poses, which is especially helpful when you start to sweat during hot yoga.
With moisture-wicking fabric, cleverly-placed mesh panels, and thoughtful cut-outs, much of today's athletic clothing is truly meant for athletic pursuits. It's a far cry from our days of grabbing the oldest shirt in our closet, cutting off the sleeves, and calling it a top.
People gather at the entrance for the New York State Department of Labor offices on March 20, which closed to the public due to the coronavirus outbreak in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Over 6 months, more than 60 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance — that's more than the number of claims filed during the 18-month Great Recession.
The travel and hospitality industries have taken a significant hit. In addition to major airlines, businesses such as ride-share company Uber and hotel giants Hilton and Marriott have announced furloughs.
Here's a roundup of the major companies who have announced downsizing their workforce due to the coronavirus thus far.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Ralph Lauren said it would cut its global workforce by about 15% on September 22, ultimately saving the retailer $180 million annually.
A man walks past Ralph Lauren's flagship Polo store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
As of September 21, Carnival Cruise Line is laying off an unspecified "small number" of its crew members as it reduces its fleet size. The cuts represent the company's second round of layoffs this year.
A Carnival ship.
Lufthansa announced on September 21 that it is further shrinking its global fleet and workforce. The airline did not announce how many job cuts to expect, but noted that it had a personnel surplus of more than 22,000 positions.
A Lufthansa Airbus A321.
Defense and aerospace giant Raytheon Technologies announced it will cut 15,000 jobs on September 17.
A visitor walks past the Raytheon stand at the 53rd International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris.
The Guggenheim Museum, which will reopen on October 3, announced that it will be doing so with a smaller staff — it laid off 11% of employees as of September 16.
New York City's iconic Guggenheim museum.
Kohl's is cutting 15% of its corporate workforce. The unspecified cuts will save the company $65 million annually, according to a September 15 securities filing.
Customers walk outside of a Kohl's store in Colma, California in November 2019.
Dell told employees on September 14 that it will start eliminating an unspecified number of jobs in an effort to cut costs, according to Bloomberg.
The logo for Dell Technologies Inc. is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Citigroup will continue laying off roughly 1% of its global workforce, the company announced on September 14. The cuts end a previous commitment to pause layoffs amid the pandemic.
The Citigroup logo is seen at the SIBOS banking and financial conference in Toronto in 2017.
United Airlines announced on September 2 that it will furlough 16,370 employees once federal aid expires on October 1.
A United Airlines check-in counter in Atlanta.
David Goldman/AP Photo
In a July 30 internal memo, United Airlines said it would furlough a third of its pilots — 3,900 people. The airline had announced on July 8 that it would issue layoff and furlough notices to 36,000 employees, including 2,250 pilots and 15,000 flight attendants. Before that, in a leaked May 4 memo, United Airlines said it expected to lay off at least 30% or some 3,400 employees on its administrative staff.
Ford is offering buyouts to 1,400 workers eligible for retirement this year in the US. The September 2 cuts make up just under 5% of the company's US workforce.
Ford vehicles lined up in a factory.
MGM Resorts is laying off 18,000 previously furloughed employees starting August 28.
The Bellagio hotel and casino, an MGM resort, is seen along the Las Vegas strip.
Coca-Cola said it plans to offer voluntary-separation packages to 4,000 employees in North America on August 28. It did not specify the total number of employees it plans to layoff.
Boxes of Coca-Cola are seen at a grocery store in Los Angeles.
Salesforce started to lay off 1,000 of 54,000 employees on August 26, according to the Wall Street Journal. The news comes one day after the company posted record sales. In March, CEO Marc Benioff pledged a 90-day freeze on layoffs.
Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO & cofounder.
On August 25, American Airlines, which previously announced cutting 20% of the company's workforce, said that it would cut 19,000 employees in October when federal aid ends.
Employees watch as American Airlines Flight 903 prepares for take off from Miami in 2016.
Delta Airlines plans to furlough 1,941 pilots in October following the expiration of federal aid, the company said on August 24.
FILE PHOTO: Delta Air Lines passenger planes parked in Birmingham
In April, Boeing committed to cutting its massive staff by 10%. In an August 17 memo, Boeing told employees it was starting a second round of buyout offers that would extend beyond the original expected numbers.
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner being constructed at Boeing's Everett, Washington plant.
WarnerMedia started layoffs on August 10. The first round of cuts are expected to impact 600 employees, mostly at Warner Bros. The cuts include top executives.
The Warner Bros. film studio lot in Burbank, California.
NBCUniversal started layoffs on August 4, impacting its broadcast networks, movie studio, and theme parks. The company is expected to cut less than 10% of its 35,000-person workforce.
The NBC Universal logo on one of the company's Los Angeles buildings.
Spirit Airlines is preparing to furlough 20-30% of its workforce, according to a July 28 internal memo. Those at risk include pilots and flight attendants.
L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, said it would lay off 15% of its workforce on July 28. The job cuts impact 850 people at the company's Columbus, Ohio, headquarters.
A shot from the Victoria's Secret annual fashion show.
Creative Artists Agency, a major Los Angeles talent firm, announced layoffs on July 28. It will layoff 90 agents and furlough 275 assistants — or nearly 20% of its workforce.
The CAA headquarters in Los Angeles, California.
Oilfield services company Schlumberger said it is cutting roughly 21,000 jobs on July 24. It also reported second-quarter losses of $3.4 billion.
A Schlumberger building in Houston, Texas.
Daimler, the company that owns Mercedes-Benz, may cut 30% of its global workforce, Manager Magazine reported on July 22.
A logo of a car at the Mercedes Benz automobile assembly plant.
Tailored Brands, the parent company behind Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, said it expects to layoff 20% of its workforce and shutter 500 stores on July 21.
A Men's Wearhouse storefront.
LinkedIn said it would cut 960 jobs, or 6% of its global workforce, on July 21. The cuts will impact hiring and sales positions.
LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky.
Instead of involuntary layoffs, Southwest Airlines offered extended leave and exit packages. As of July 20, 28% of its workforce — mostly pilots and flight attendants — have accepted such deals.
On July 15, American Airlines said that it will soon layoff 25,000 workers, including 9,950 flight attendants and 2,500 pilots. The cuts represent almost 20% of the company.
An American Airlines flight taking off.
Department store JC Penney announced that it would shutter 152 stores and lay off 1,000 jobs in corporate and field management on July 15. The company filed for bankruptcy in May and furloughed thousands in April.
The clearance section in a JC Penney store.
PVH Corp, the company that owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger among other brands, announced that it is shuttering 162 stores and cutting 450 jobs, or 12% of its workforce, on July 14.
A Calvin Klein advertisement.
Walgreens said it plans to cut 4,000 jobs on July 9, after reporting a $1.7 billion loss in the third quarter.
A shuttered Walgreens location in New York City.
While Macy's furloughed the majority of its workforce in March, it announced it would lay off about 3,900 corporate workers on June 25.
A Macy's storefront in a Seattle mall in July 2019.
HSBC, Europe's biggest bank, announced plans to cut 35,000 jobs — or 15% of its global workforce — across the US and Europe on June 17.
A woman walks past an HSBC bank amid the coronavirus pandemic in Paris, France on May 11, 2020.
On June 16, a union representing AT&T employees said the wireless carrier will lay off 3,400 and shut down more than 250 stores.
People walk past the AT&T store in New York's Times Square, June 17, 2015.
Hilton Hotels announced it is laying off 2,100 corporate employees on June 16, amounting to 22% of its corporate workforce.
The Hilton Hotel in Batumi, Georgia in 2016.
Chevron, the second-largest oil producer in the US, announced that it will cut 10% to 15% of its 45,000 global workforce on May 27.
A Chevron gas station sign is shown at one of their retain gas stations in Cardiff, California.
Boeing said it would lay off nearly 7,000 employees on May 27. The company initially announced that it would cut about 10% of its workforce on April 29. The company had 143,000 workers at the beginning of the year.
Workers enter the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington on April 21, 2020, as commercial airplane production resumes following a suspension of operations in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
IBM will eliminate "several thousand jobs" as of May 22, mainly in the company's technology-services division. Cuts come a month after new CEO Arvind Krishna withdrew IBM's financial outlook amid economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna.
Weeks after ride-hailing giant Uber announced it is cutting 3,700 jobs (14% of its workforce), CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced on May 18 that he will cut 3,000 additional jobs and close 45 offices.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
Airbnb announced it is laying off about 25% of its workforce, or 1,900 employees, on May 5. Its severance package includes several months' pay, a year of healthcare, and support finding a new job.
A woman talks on the phone at the Airbnb office headquarters in San Francisco.
Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic announced it would cut 3,150 jobs on May 5, in addition to retiring its iconic Boeing 747-700 planes a year early.
Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-700.
Ride-hailing company Lyft is laying off 982 employees and furloughing another 288, accounting for 17% of the company's workforce. The company made the announcement on April 29 and added that other cost-cutting measures include pay cuts for executive leadership.
A Lyft ride-share car waits at a stoplight in Sacramento, California in July 2019.
On April 28, online travel company TripAdvisor announced it was laying off more than 900 of its employees, amounting to a quarter of its workforce.
A TripAdvisor sign on a storefront, a ubiquitous site at tourist spots around the world.
Hertz said it plans to lay off 10,000 employees on April 20. The car rental company previously employed 38,000 people.
A sign displaying the Hertz logo.
On April 12, a union representing workers at Walt Disney World said the company will be furloughing 43,000 employees starting April 19. The amusement parks have been closed since March 16 and 200 essential workers will continue maintaining them.
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in January 2020.
On April 7, Tesla sent an email to employees saying it will furlough all nonessential workers until at least May 4, and reduce all employees' pay by at least 10%. These cost-cutting measures are expected to start April 13.
Tesla's factory in Fremont, California.
JCPenney has already started furloughing workers and confirmed it would continue to furlough a "significant portion" of its 85,000 employees as of April 5.
The exterior of a JCPenney store.
The Wing, a buzzy Instagram-ready women's coworking company, is laying off nearly all of its hourly employees and half of its corporate staff as of April 3, according to Vice. The company confirmed the layoffs but did not elaborate on numbers. Its founders are foregoing their salaries.
The Wing's Dumbo location in Brooklyn, New York.
ClassPass, the billion-dollar fitness platform, furloughed or laid off over half of its 700 employees on April 2 — 22% were laid off and 31% were furloughed.
ClassPass CEO Fritz Lanman.
On April 2, airplane manufacturer Boeing announced that it would offer a voluntary layoff plan to employees to cut costs. Those opting into the layoff plan will leave with a pay and benefits package, but the company offered no details about compensation.
A Boeing employee works on a 747-8 Intercontinental airplane at the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington.
Famed auction house Sotheby's is furloughing 200 people — or 12% of its workforce —as of April 1, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Sotheby's employees carry a painting by Roy Lichtenstein called 'Two Paintings with Dado, 1983' during a press view at the auction rooms in London.
Sephora laid off over 3,000 employees across the US via conference call on March 31. "It is our sincerest hope that we are able to bring these employees back on staff in the near future," Sephora said in a statement.
A Sephora store in New York City's Times Square.
Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette informed his staff via email that the company would be furloughing most of its 125,000 employees on March 30. The company only plans to have work for "the minimum number of employees necessary to maintain basic business operations" across Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury, Gennette wrote. He will stop receiving his salary, along with the rest of the board of directors.
A Macy's store in New York City.
Bird, the buzzy electric scooter company, laid off 30% of its staff via a Zoom call on March 27. The call lasted only around 2 minutes.
A Bird electric scooter.
Everlane, the clothing retailer focused on ethical sourcing, laid off over 200 employees and furloughed 68 others on March 27. CEO Michael Preysman will reduce his salary to zero.
A pair of Everlane jeans.
ZipRecruiter laid off 443 employees and furloughed dozens more on March 27, days after CEO Ian Siegel said the billion-dollar online job-hub company was safe.
Ian Siegel founded ZipRecruiter in 2010 and serves as the company's CEO.
Sonder, a billion-dollar apartment-rental startup billed as a hospitality industry disruptor, laid off or furloughed 400 people — one third of its workforce — on March 24, according to The Information.
A Sonder apartment in New York City.
GE announced that it will be reducing approximately 10% of its aviation unit's workforce, amounting to about 2,500 employees, on March 23. It also announced a three month furlough impacting 50% of its maintenance and repair employees. GE CEO Larry Culp will forgo his salary for the rest of the year, while GE Aviation CEO David Joyce will give up half of his salary.
The logo of General Electric is shown at its subsidiary company GE Aviation in Santa Ana, California on April 13, 2016.
According to the Washington Post, at least 200 workers across President Trump's hotels in Washington DC, New York City, and Las Vegas were laid off as of March 20. Other Trump properties, like Palm Beach's Mar-a-Lago, have temporarily closed.
A police boat patrols in front of U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 17, 2019.
Air Canada announced it is set to lay off more than 5,100, or 50%, of its flight crew on March 19. Renee Smith-Valade, the airline's vice president, called the decision "difficult but necessary" in a statement.
An Air Canada aircraft.
Cirque du Soleil announced it is laying off 95% of its 4,679 person staff on March 19, a week after canceling all its upcoming performances. The circus producer kept 259 staffers to plan and sell tickets for future tours.
Artists perform during a dress rehearsal for Quidam, a show by Cirque du Soleil, at the Royal Albert Hall in London January 4, 2014.
New York's Metropolitan Opera is the largest performing arts organization in the US by budget. On March 19, the Met laid off all of its union employees for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak. The Met also announced the cancellation of all performances through the end of the 2019-2020 season, which was set to end May 9.
The Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center at dusk.
Famous restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, which owns beloved NYC staples like Gramercy Tavern, laid off 2,000 employees, or 80% of its workforce, on March 18.
Danny Meyer opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, in 1985 at age 27, and went on to found Shake Shack, which is not currently part of the USHG portfolio.
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, which owns over 50 hotels in the US including the W in Los Angeles, laid off 50% of its 8,000 employees on March 17. CEO Jon Bortz also told the Los Angeles Times that the company may need to lay off an additional 2,000 employees by the end of the month.
The W Hollywood.
Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Third Street Media Group
Marriott International, the world's largest hotel company, said it has started to furlough what could amount to tens of thousands of employees on March 17. Furloughs, as opposed to layoffs, occur when employees are required to take an unpaid leave of absence. Arne Sorenson, the president and CEO, announced that his own salary will be suspended for the rest of the year and senior executives' salaries will be reduced by 50%.
Arne Sorenson at a meeting with President Donald Trump discussing the economic response to the coronavirus outbreak on March 17, 2020.
Norwegian Airlines announced the temporary layoff of 90% of its workforce on March 16, amounting to 7,300 employees. The airline also canceled 85% of its flights.
Norwegian aircrafts.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced that it would temporarily lay off 10,000 employees — 90% of its staff — on March 15. SAS also halted the majority of its flights and is operating with limited service.
An SAS airbus.
Gift-giving takes place throughout the entire year to mark holidays, birthdays, and special occasions alike. And to many people, one of the best parts of buying gifts is wrapping them up in gorgeous wrapping paper with ribbons, bows, and fancy tags.
Gift wrap adds a layer of beauty and anticipation to every gift, and let's face it, tearing through the paper to discover the treasure inside is simply delightful.
Since we love wrapping gifts as much as we love giving them, so we've rounded up the best wrapping paper and wrapping supplies you can buy. Whether you want wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes, or accessories to go on top, we've included the best options below, plus top picks for the tape and scissors you'll need to wrap all those presents.
Here are the best wrapping paper and gift-wrapping supplies:
Prices and links are current as of 9/22/20. We restructured this guide to showcase several picks from each of our top retailers.
The best overall
Target
Target has tons of wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes, tags, and other wrapping supplies in fun patterns for a great price.
If you want a huge selection of wrapping paper and wrapping supplies to choose from, at all times of the year, check out Target. Its holiday wrapping shop is incredible, and you can find just about any pattern you want from fun, silly prints to classic designs and gift wrap that kids will love.
You may also refine results on Target's website by holiday and occasion, as well as brand to quickly find the best options for your needs. Additionally, well-known brands like Papyrus, Minted, American Greetings, Hallmark, and so on sell wrapping paper and supplies at Target, too.
In addition to paper, you'll find tons of gift bags, gift boxes, tags, bows, ribbons, and other wrapping supplies.
Worth a look:
The best high-end design
Paper Source
Paper Source has everything you need to wrap a gift, including gorgeous wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes, tissue paper, and cards galore with high-end style.
If you care about the presentation of your gifts, you'll love the Paper Source's wide selection of artful wrapping paper and supplies. You can find everything from classic holiday prints and fun playful designs, to gift wrap that will work for any season or reason.
The company also makes gift boxes and gift bags, so if you hate wrapping presents, you don't actually have to wrap them at all. You'll also find lovely tissue paper, cards, and other decorating supplies like tags, bows, and ribbons.
Additionally, there's no need to worry about the paper ripping mid-wrap or the tissue paper disintegrating as you remove it from the package — everything from Paper Source is of the highest quality.
And if you're worried about the environment and care where your gift wrap comes from, you can feel good knowing that Paper Source uses 30% recycled paper in its solid color papers, partners with sustainable forestry mills, uses recycled materials to make many of its cards, avoids chlorine, recycles ink and all paper scraps, and utilizes other eco-friendly practices.
The gift wrapping, boxes, and other supplies are made using high-quality materials, so, expect to pay a premium for them.
Worth a look:
The best bundles
hallmark
Hallmark is a famous card company that makes affordable wrapping paper bundles that include everything you need to wrap a gift, including paper, tags, ribbons, gift bags, and more.
If you have many gifts to wrap, you may not want to spend a lot of money on expensive wrapping paper. Hallmark offers very affordable gift wrap bundles that come with everything you need to wrap presents, including the wrapping paper, gift bags, and tags. You can also buy these pieces separately for low prices.
Hallmark's gift wrap comes in tons of colors, patterns, and styles, including festive snowmen, classic stripes, and solid colors. Snoopy and other characters also pop up on certain gift bags in Hallmark's collection.
Single rolls of wrapping paper are pretty affordable, but a bundle with three rolls of wrapping paper, 10 gift bags, and 32 gift tag stickers is really where the bargain is. The bundle is a fantastic deal for those on a budget with a great deal of wrapping ahead of them.
If you're worried that affordable prices also mean poor environmental practices, don't be — Hallmark says its "gifting supplies are made with paper from well-managed forests," and "wrapping paper is made in the USA with European paper." It may not be recycled paper, but at least it comes from a relatively responsible source.
Worth a look:
The best classic prints
The Container Store
The Container Store has a selection of high-quality classic wrapping paper designs for a decent price, and you can aesthetically coordinate all your gift wrap.
You won't find cheesy or funny wrapping paper at The Container Store, but you will find classic, simple designs on the store's selections of wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes, and tags. The prices are fairly reasonable, though not dirt cheap, however, the quality may be less than that of some of our other choices.
The Container Store also makes it easy to match your wrapping paper to your gift bags, boxes, tags, ribbons, and bows. When you click on any wrapping paper, the store will show you related gift wrapping supplies that match the patterns and color schemes.
Editor's Note: The Container Store has not yet released its collection of holiday wrapping for 2020. We will update this slide with holiday gift wrap options when they launch.
Worth a look:
The best off-beat options
World Market
If you want fun, off-beat wrapping paper and supplies with an international feel, Cost Plus World Market has you covered.
After a while, you might become tired of reindeer, snowmen, Santa, candy cane stripes, and other typical patterns. And even for birthdays, after a while balloons and confetti patterns can feel a little boring. When you've reached that point and want to try something new, Cost Plus World Market offers unique and unexpected wrapping papers that feature Scandinavian gnomes, cactus plants, llamas, paisley patterns, and more.
You can, of course, find classic holiday or birthday designs, too, but even those will have a unique twist.
In addition to wrapping paper, you'll also find gift bags, tags, and other wrapping supplies, all for reasonable prices.
Editor's Note: Cost Plus World Market has not yet released its collection of holiday wrapping for 2020. We will update this slide with holiday gift wrap options when they launch.
Worth a look:
The best recycled paper
Amazon
Brown Kraft Paper is the ultimate eco-friendly choice for wrapping paper because it's made from 100% recycled paper.
If the thought of thousands of trees dying for the sake of producing wrapping paper that most people just discard and can't recycle breaks your heart, consider an eco-friendly alternative: 100% recycled Brown Kraft Paper.
Yes, it's brown and plain, but this Kraft paper is sturdy, affordable, eco-friendly, and is definitely not see-through like cheap gift wrap often is, making it ideal for wrapping presents.
It will also last a long time and is multi-purpose. Need to pack a box full so objects inside don't bounce around? Brown paper is the answer. If you're the artsy type, you can customize the brown paper by drawing designs on it, layering other colored papers, or by adding cute ribbons and string.
When it comes to wrapping gifts, you'll need good scissors or a sharp utility knife on hand. We think that Fiskars makes the best scissors for just about any task; its everyday scissors are a great buy. They cut wrapping paper easily and evenly thanks to their soft-grip handle and sharp blades.
Additionally, Stanley's Utility Knife cuts perfect straight lines easily and produces clean cuts. The blade retracts for safety, but it is sharp, so keep it away from young kids.
The best tape
Scotch Tape
Scotch Magic Tape is strong, cuts well, and blends right into wrapping paper as you flatten it out.
No gift wrapping station is complete without Scotch Magic Tape. The tape goes on clear and matte, so it blends right into your wrapping paper. It's also strong and cuts well.
If you've ever tried to buy cheap tape from another brand and been disappointed, you know why we're recommending Scotch tape here. It's simply the best for wrapping gifts.
Besides, the 6-pack of Scotch tape is very affordable and will last you through several gift-wrapping seasons.
Holiday cards are a great way to spread the love to your family and friends this holiday season, so we've rounded up the best places to buy cards online. All the cards we picked can be ordered online and sent via good old-fashioned snail mail.
Whether you prefer glass baubles or ceramic figurines, there are tons of ornaments out there to fill your Christmas tree with joy and warmth. These are the best places to buy Christmas ornaments online.
Holiday lights bring feelings of warmth and cheer even in the darkest and coldest days of the year. But you'll need a set that will stay reliably lit through years of use, harsh weather, and months of storage. These are the best holiday lights you can buy.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
The GoPro Hero9 Black has an upgraded sensor that lets it shoot 5K video and 20-megapixel photos. It also has a larger battery and a front LCD to preview what you're shooting.
Les Shu/Business Insider
The Hero9 Black is GoPro's newest flagship camera, capable of shooting videos up to 5K and photos up to 20 megapixels.
The resolution increase was made possible with a new 23.6-megapixel sensor — the first upgrade since 2012.
The Hero9 also has a bigger battery than its predecessors and a new color LCD on the front for previewing your shots.
GoPro also enhanced a few existing features while adding some new ones that improve the shooting experience.
In our tests, we found the increased resolution notable in videos and photos, and the battery provided almost 30 more minutes of recording time.
The improvements make the Hero9 a far more capable camera than before, without sacrificing the fun of shooting with it.
GoPro's new Hero9 Black camera brings some big changes. It is using a new 23.6-megapixel sensor — the first sensor upgrade since the Hero3, in 2012. Its new battery offers 30% more power than its predecessor. While the form-factor is familiar, there is now a color LCD on the front that gives you a preview.
Thanks to the new sensor, the Hero9 can now shoot higher-resolution videos — up to 5K. Photos also look better. There are also new modes and accessories that enhance the shooting experience.
While the Hero9 in some ways isn't a giant leap from last year's model, in other ways it is. These improvements have allowed the Hero9 to step out of the action cam relegation to become a powerful, standalone camera for everyday use. It won't beat the higher quality of a DSLR with a larger sensor and quality lens, or the convenience of a smartphone, but there's plenty of traits unique to the Hero9 — rugged exterior, small size, and fun shooting modes — that you won't find elsewhere.
If you've been holding out for a souped-up action cam, the Hero9 Black is it. And like all Hero cameras, it's fun to use.
Design
The Hero9 maintains the trademark small, boxy design of past Hero cameras, and the rubberized exterior introduced with the Hero5. To accommodate the battery the Hero9's dimensions are a bit larger than the Hero8, not to mention heavier. I used to describe older Hero cameras as pocket-friendly, however, that's becoming less and less of the case with newer models.
On one side, there is the battery compartment where you'll also find the microSD card slot and USB-C port for charging and data transfer. On the other side you'll find the power button and a redesigned microphone that helps drain water faster — it looks like a button or lever, but don't try to pry it open. Along the top is the shutter button.
The GoPro Hero9 Black has just two buttons: power (shown here) and shutter along the top. Below the power button is a redesigned mic that help to channel out water quicker.
Les Shu/Business Insider
I love the built-in mounting system, which GoPro describes as folding fingers. Introduced in the Hero8, it lets you mount the Hero9 with nearly all GoPro accessories. When it's not needed, they simply fold away. Older Hero cameras require that you put it inside a mounting "cage." I usually have a GoPro Shorty mini tripod attached as a way to easily hold the camera.
The Hero9 Black uses GoPro's new "foldable fingers" mounting system to attach to the hundreds of GoPro accessories available. For everyday use, I prefer the Shorty tripod.
Les Shu/Business Insider
I was happy to see GoPro reengineered the battery compartment door. It's removable, but it doesn't pop off as easily as the Hero8's. The spring-loaded latch system makes it easier to open while simultaneously providing a strong seal against dust and water. If you leave it open — say, for charging or connecting to a computer — make sure you're doing it in a safe and clean area.
Taking a page from the DJI Osmo Action, the Hero9 now has a color front-facing LCD, which you can use to make sure you're in the shot for selfies, vlogging, or TikToks. This 1.4-inch LCD is useful if you're standing up-close to the camera, but if you shoot mainly from the camera, it's not as practical. In older Hero models, the front LCD showed basic camera info; now, that info is laid over the camera's live-view, albeit in small font. I never found the front LCD to be handy for status info, and due to the small font, it's even less so now.
In addition to the the new front color LCD, the touchscreen LCD on the back also got bigger.
Les Shu/Business Insider
The touchscreen on the LCD is larger than the Hero8's, but the size difference is hard to differentiate. I appreciate that it remains a good quality display that's sharp, however. I found the touchscreen not as sensitive and responsive as previous Hero models with rear displays; GoPro said an upcoming firmware update should fix this issue.
The Hero9 is waterproof down to 33 feet and is dust-, cold-, and drop-resistant, making it a go-anywhere camera. Physical buttons require a hard press to activate — this is because they're sealed and also to prevent inadvertent presses.
Specifications of the GoPro Hero9 Black
Les Shu/Business Insider
Sensor: 23.6 megapixels
Image processor: GoPro GP1
Video resolution: 5K, 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p
Photo resolution: 20 megapixels
Displays: 2.27-inch rear color touchscreen LCD and 1.4-inch front color non-touch LCD
Audio: Three microphones with noise reduction
Dimensions: 2.8 (W) x 2.2 (H) x 1.3 (D) inches
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Waterproof: Down to 33 feet
Power: Rechargeable and removable 1,720mAh lithium-ion battery
Storage: microSD
Port: USB-C (power and data)
New features
Longer battery life
GoPro improved the battery compartment door to make it more durable. It opens to reveal the larger battery, USB-C port, and microSD card slot.
Les Shu/Business Insider
One enduring complaint about action cameras is the short battery life. With the Hero9, GoPro has extended battery life by 30% over the Hero8 Black, thanks to a larger battery. GoPro says the battery holds up better in extreme cold. Depending on usage, that could get you up to at least 20-to-30 minutes more shooting time, and you don't need to put the camera into an eco-mode to achieve this. GoPro says the battery holds up better in the cold.
In my test, I set the Hero9 to shoot a video continuously, in 1080p at 60 frames per second. From a full charge, I was able to shoot for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. This is an improvement over previous generations, where the most I could get is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Mileage could vary: If you're using Wi-Fi with a paired smartphone or shooting in higher resolution, that could shave a bit off the battery life.
The bigger battery also adds a bit more weight. It's not cumbersome but you do feel the difference when you compare it against the Hero8 or when attached to a body mount. Unfortunately, for Hero8 owners, if you like to carry spare batteries on your shoots, it means you'll need to invest in new ones, as the older batters are not compatible. Also, it can get extremely hot if you're doing continuous shooting.
Like previous Hero cameras, you can charge the Hero9 with a portable battery pack. This is ideal for long, continuous shoots like time lapses.
20-megapixel photos
A sample photo taken with the GoPro Hero9 Black camera.
Les Shu/Business Insider
Under the right conditions, GoPro cameras can capture very good-looking still photos. With the larger sensor, the Hero9 can now shoot 20-megapixel photos, an increase from 12 megapixels in previous Hero models. This means larger photos with better detail and contrast; I didn't notice any artifacts like purple fringing, which is something more common is very old Hero models.
In my tests, under ideal natural lighting conditions, the Hero9 shot photos with accurate colors and good exposure — although you can expect some overexposure of the sky if you've got a massively bright sun ahead. It's when you get into lower-light conditions, like during dusk hours, where you'll see noise when the photo is viewed at 100%.
Les Shu/Business Insider
Although the sensor is larger than the one in previous Hero cameras, it's still considered physically small. Because small sensors take in less light, in very-low-light situations you'll see a lot more noise and murkiness, especially if you're hand-holding the camera. That's not to say photos are totally unusable: If you stabilize the Hero9, it can shoot decent photos that you can use on Instagram. The Night Photo mode works surprisingly well, and we've even managed to photograph starry nights.
You also have the option of shooting in high-dynamic-range (HDR) or uncompressed RAW. These are not new features but they give photographers additional functionality. HDR captures multiple photos at different exposures to create an enhanced image, while RAW gives advanced users greater control during editing. The issue I have with GoPro's RAW file system is that it's based on Adobe's DNG format, so you'll need Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
Les Shu/Business Insider
Photography is an underrated feature in GoPro cameras. While the image quality may not be a drastic improvement over a smartphone, the ability to change the field of view and use the camera in rugged conditions make it far more versatile than a smartphone or even regular cameras.
5K video
Video, of course, is GoPro's main draw. GoPro cameras have been capable of shooting 4K for some time, but the Hero9 is the first to offer 5K at 30 frames per second. Again, this is made possible with the new 23.6-megapixel sensor. Besides higher-resolution video, the increased pixels let you grab a 14.7-megapixel still image from a 5K video.
There are advantages to shooting in 5K, particularly for videographers, YouTubers, or anyone working with video in some fashion. While most people are still watching in 1080p, shooting in a higher resolution helps to future-proof your content. And, when you downscale a 5K video to 1080p, all those extra pixels help to create a higher-quality image than if you were to shoot in 1080p natively. Even a 5K video viewed on a 4K TV will look slightly better, and in the future, a 5K video will look better on an 8K TV than a 1080p video would.
I've been impressed with the video quality from the past few generations of GoPros, and the Hero9 is no exception. Whether it's 5K, 1080p, or time-lapse, the image quality is very good and motion is smooth. But you'll definitely notice the sharper quality in a 5K video over 1080p. It's not as noticeable if you're posting to Instagram — it's why I shoot mainly in 1080p — but more so if you're watching it on YouTube on a TV. (Note that YouTube, Instagram, and most social networks apply some type of compression, so there will be a loss in quality that's not the fault of the camera.)
Of course, shooting 4K or 5K with a small camera isn't the same as using a larger, expensive high-end camera. The advantage of the Hero9 is that it's a budget option and it can be used in more places due to its small size, not to mention it's much easier to operate.
Removable lens cover, Mods
Les Shu/Business Insider
With the Hero8, GoPro introduced the concept of Mods, which are accessories that help enhance your shooting experience. These include a built-in directional mic with mic and HDMI ports (Media Mod), a flip-up LCD (Display Mod), and LED light (Light Mod). The Hero9 offers the same accessories, however, with the exception of the Light Mod, they require a new purchase as the Hero8 Mods are not usable with the Hero9.
GoPro brought back the removable lens cover, which it ditched in the Hero8 in favor of a fixed design. This allows you to attach the new Max Lens Mod, which provides a 155-degree ultra-wide view with low distortion and increased stabilization (Max HyperSmooth). The Max in the name derives from GoPro's Max 360-degree camera, where the technology stems from.
The Max Lens Mod also lets you rotate the Hero9 360 degrees while keeping the subject leveled (horizon lock) — in playback, instead of you spinning around in a circle, it's the frame that spins around you while you stay still. I'm not sure how often people will use this function, but having seen the insanely awesome videos GoPro users have made, I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is many.
In-camera modes
Besides the hardware upgrades, GoPro also updated in-camera functions as well as adding a few new ones.
My favorite function is TimeWarp, a time-lapse video mode that was first introduced in the Hero7 Black. Unlike a traditional time-lapse video that's made from a series of photos shot at an interval, TimeWarp is a video that's fast forwarded and it looks more fluid. Hero9 introduces TimeWarp 3.0, which lets you slow down to a normal speed with audio or half speed, during key moments in a video you want to capture more of. It's not a big update, but it's still very fun to use.
GoPro has done a great job with its image stabilization system, HyperSmooth. With the Hero9, HyperSmooth 3.0 improves it further, keeping your video from bouncing around even if you do. And with the new Linear and Horizon Leveling Mode, it'll keep your shot in a straight line as well.
A new option for the Linear and Horizon Leveling option help keeps the camera straight when shooting.
Les Shu/Business Insider
New to Hero are HindSight and Scheduled Capture. When HindSight is enabled, the camera continuously records up to 30 seconds. Oftentimes, a user presses the record button too late when they want to shoot something without a moment's notice. HindSight solves the issue by always recording ahead of time. This is ideal for moments like, say, whale watching, when you can't predict when something might happen.
With Scheduled Capture, you're essentially setting a timer for when you want the camera to start shooting. This is handy for things like shooting sunrises or the night sky, when you would rather sleep in. You can also set the end time.
GoPro recently introduced software that lets you use the Hero8 as a webcam for Mac and Windows computers. That same software will also work with the Hero9, so if you're also in the market for a webcam, this is one high-quality alternative that works well with Zoom, Google Meet, and other popular web-based conferencing apps.
Performance and use
The GoPro Hero9 Black powered up and ready to film.
Les Shu/Business Insider
Operating a GoPro Hero has always been about simplicity and ease-of-use, and that continues to be the case with the Hero9. Even though the hardware and functions have become more complex and diverse, to use it, all you need to do is turn it on and press the shutter button. Heck, you can even just hit the shutter and it'll power up.
There are certainly far more features than before, but thanks to a larger touchscreen, you'll find more on-screen buttons that give you direct access to often-used settings, as well as four that users can customize. The Hero9 uses the same interface introduced in the Hero8, which is designed to minimize tedious menu navigation to find what you need, like changing the focal point of view. Despite all these functions, it's actually easier to use than something like the Hero3 and Hero4. With voice control enabled, which works really well, you can just tell the camera to start recording or take a picture.
If you are a casual user who doesn't want to play with settings, you can use Capture Presets to pick the type of shot you want, from Standard to Activity, Cinematic, and Slo-Mo. As the name suggests, the presets are tuned to the common settings that most users would need for those particular shots. I like to use Capture Presets as a starting point and then fine-tune them further until I get my desired settings.
The Hero9 is not only fun for casual use, but it can be amped up to shoot some serious video. It's not a huge departure from the Hero8, but using both side by side during testing, I couldn't help but notice that extra weight. For everyday use, this isn't a big concern, but I can see how it would bother me if I had to, say, attach it to my wrist.
GoPro App
No camera company has perfected the smartphone companion app like GoPro — period. The GoPro App pairs with the Hero9 easily and quickly, and with it, I can control the camera, as well as download clips and photos to create shareable videos, all within the app. (Tip: The GoPro App is also what I use to quickly edit and create short videos from clips I shot with my phone and other cameras.)
Because I can now access so many of the settings easily from the Hero9's touchscreen, I don't use the app as often to control the camera, as it requires a few minutes to pair and set up. But, for things like time lapses, when you need to control the camera remotely, or conduct a live-stream broadcast, the GoPro App is handy.
I also enjoy using the app's movie-creation function (Quik Stories) to turn my footage into Instagram-ready videos. You don't even need to edit if you're short on time: Just pick the clips and photos you want, and the app turns it into a shareable video, with music and transitions. I usually fine-tune the settings, but a short movie can be had in just a few minutes.
Normally, 4K and 5K files tend to be large and difficult to edit. Because GoPro is using HEVC compression, the files are manageable enough to be edited in the GoPro App. If you want to offload the footage to a computer for editing, it must support the HEVC format.
Price and availability
The GoPro Hero9 Black is available now for $450. You can get it for $350 if you purchase the GoPro Subscription for one year. Normally $10 a month, the GoPro Subscription is a good deal: It includes a no-questions-asked replacement, discounts on GoPro accessories, cloud storage, and live-streaming through the service.
For this review, I tested the Hero9 Bundle. For an extra $50 ($500 or $400 with one-year subscription) you get a 32GB SD card, extra battery, handle, clip mount, and travel case, in addition to the camera. These are all handy accessories to have, which is worth the small additional cost.
For $50 more, you can get the GoPro Hero9 Black Bundle that comes with useful accessories, including an extra battery, microSD card, grip, and more.
GoPro
The bottom line
Despite the welcome hardware upgrades, the GoPro Hero9 Black isn't drastically new. Instead, it's a camera that continues to refine by advancing what it has while throwing in a few new things — one that helps GoPro step out of its "action" category and into a standalone camera for everyday use. Despite all that's new, the camera embodies the same spirit as its predecessors.
Perhaps we'll see a totally different Hero camera in the future — you could argue that's already here, with GoPro's Max 360-degree camera — but the Hero9 remains a camera that is fun and easy to use, while giving you features to do even more, if you want it to.
Should you buy it
If you are a casual user who purchased a Hero8 Black within the past year, you should hold off unless there's a new feature you must have. While there's a lot to like in the Hero9 Black, the Hero8 is still a terrific camera with many of the same features and shoots great-looking videos. Vloggers or anyone who likes to shoot videos of themselves may want to trade in the Hero8 for the Hero9's front-facing LCD.
If you're upgrading from an older Hero, it's your first action cam, or you need a camera with more versatility and flexibility than a smartphone or DSLR, the Hero9 should be on your shortlist. It's not only full-featured and easy to use, but the seamless integration with the GoPro App and future-proofing specs, like 5K video, make this a good investment.
What are your alternatives?
If you have a tight budget but would like to stick with GoPro, the obvious alternatives would be either the Hero8 or Hero7, which remain in the lineup as lower-cost options. Both shoot terrific video up to 4K and feature the GP1 image processor that also powers the Hero9, while the Hero7 can also handle lower resolution down to 720p. In terms of use, the Hero8 is closer to the Hero9, although you won't get the bigger sensor. The Hero7 uses an older mounting system, while the Hero8 lets you use dedicated Mods to enhance the shooting experience. I've used both cameras and found them to be terrific.
GoPro Hero8 Black.
Les Shu/Business Insider
For those who want a GoPro alternative, there's the DJI Osmo Action and Insta360 One R. The Osmo Action is most like a GoPro Hero: It has two LCDs (front and back), reliable image stabilization, screw-on lens filters, and HDR video modes. The downside is a so-so app experience and it's not as feature-rich as the Hero8 or Hero9.
The Insta360 One R is the most radical of the current crop of action cams. It uses a modular design that lets you turn an action camera into a 360-degree camera or a high-end camera with a large 1-inch sensor (both separate purchases). The LCD is tiny and it's not as responsive as either GoPro or DJI, but it's compact and incredibly flexible. If your main purpose for getting an action cam is to shoot high-quality video, however, you may want to stick with a GoPro.
Pros: 5K video, 20-megapixel photos, longer battery life, improved battery door, easy and fun to use, great-quality videos and photos, excellent smartphone app, compact and durable, versatile for everyday shooting, can be used as webcam
Cons: Heavier and bigger than previous models, battery can get really hot, touchscreen not as sensitive or responsive (GoPro plans to address this with firmware update), not compatible with previous Mod accessories, mic input and HDMI output require optional accessories
Top: Jane Kim, San Francisco Board of Supervisor and Min Jin Lee, Author of Pachinko; Bottom: Andrew Yang, former Democratic Presidential candidate and Daniel Dae Kim, actor and producer
"If we get out in force and help Joe and Kamala win, this could be the major political awakening that Asian Americans have been waiting for a generation or more,” Yang said.
Former Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang rallied Asian Americans to vote against Donald Trump in what he said could be a political gamechanger for the often overlooked community.
"If we get out in force and help Joe and Kamala win, this could be the major political awakening that Asian Americans have been waiting for a generation or more," Yang said Monday night in a virtual fundraiser for Asian Americans Against Trump.
Yang was joined by prominent Asian American leaders and public figures, including Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna and Grace Meng, Lost actor Daniel Dae Kim, Pachinko author Min Jin Lee.
Yang said engaging with politics is a "non-choice" and an obligation for AAPI voters.
"We have to roll our sleeves up and do things we have not done as a community as high of a level as, frankly, people in other communities," Yang said.
"Our community can be the margin of victory and help elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, our first Asian-American and Black woman vice president," NY Rep. Meng said. Asian American voters are the fastest-growing voting bloc with over 11 million eligible voters.
California Rep. Khanna warned that "anyone who thinks this election is not going to be very close, [is] underestimating Donald Trump's power to do everything possible to win. He's frankly mobilizing the power of the US government on behalf of his campaign" and told Asian American voters that "the only way we overcome that is by a massive turnout."
Top: Jane Kim, Former San Francisco Board of Supervisor and Congresswoman Grace Meng; Bottom: Congressman Ro Khanna
Screenshot of virtual event
But to mobilize Asian American voters, the AAPI community must actively dispel the model minority myth, which is "used by leaders to either be a wedge against other people of color or they are being used as some sort of pestilence," Lee said.
"We still are in that place where we are expected to be the model minority, we are expected to be the ones who work hard, do really great work but never be the leaders," Kim said. "If we can get the message out to other Asian Americans to have a say and a stake in the country where we live — we will be much more respected, much more powerful, and much more considered when it comes to the politics of our country."
Facebook signs are seen during the China International Import Expo (CIIE), at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
Reuters
Facebook said in a blog post Tuesday that it had removed two coordinated disinformation campaigns, one from China and another from the Philippines.
The network focused mostly on regional political issues and "gained almost no following" in the US, according to Facebook.
"The operation’s success in audience building was mixed," Graphika, a social media analysis firm that Facebook asked to examine the network, said in its report.
The intelligence community has repeatedly said that Russia poses a larger threat to the integrity of the 2020 US elections, though Trump and top administration officials have attempted to play up China's role.
Facebook announced Tuesday that it had removed two disinformation networks, one originating in China and the other in the Philippines, for violating its "coordinated inauthentic behavior" policy.
"In each case, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts as a central part of their operations to mislead people about who they are and what they are doing," Facebook head of security Nathaniel Gleicher wrote in a blog post.
The Chinese network "focused primarily on the Philippines and Southeast Asia more broadly, and also on the United States," using fake accounts to pose as locals, posting mostly about "naval activity in the South China Sea, including US Navy ships," according to the company.
Within the Philippines, the network posted content supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippines have long been a US ally but Duterte has realigned the country with China since assuming the presidency in 2016.
"In the US, where this network focused the least and gained almost no following, they posted content both in support of and against presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden and Donald Trump," Facebook said.
Facebook said its action against the Chinese network consisted of removing "155 accounts, 11 Pages, 9 Groups and 6 Instagram accounts" that had gained around 133,000 followers and 61,000 group members in total.
Separately, the company removed a network of "57 Facebook accounts, 31 Pages and 20 Instagram accounts" that originated in the Philippines and had gained around 280,000 total followers, which it said it had been alerted to by Rappler, an independent Filipino news outlet.
That network posted about "domestic politics, military activities against terrorism, [a] pending anti-terrorism bill, criticism of communism, youth activists and opposition," and various local political groups.
Facebook also enlisted help from the social media analysis firm Graphika, which published its report this week on the Chinese network, which it dubbed "Naval Gazing," that concluded "the operation's success in audience building was mixed."
According to Graphika, the content "reflected Chinese messaging, both overt and covert, on issues such as the Hong Kong protests, Taiwan's independence, and COVID-19" and "promoted China's position in its geopolitical rivalry with the United States, especially in the South China Sea," also making novel use of "covert assets to promote favored politicians — notably members of the Duterte family."
"Its use of fake American accounts was also novel, but these assets were generally too rudimentary to establish a persona," Graphika concluded.
This marks the second time Facebook has taken action against a Chinese disinformation network, and in both cases the networks' reach had been fairly limited.
While most intelligence officials and experts believe Russia has been much more active spreading US election-related disinformation, President Donald Trump, along with political appointees and Republicans loyal to him, have frequently sought to shift the focus to China, often without providing detailed evidence to back up that assessment.
Democrats have claimed that appointees of President Donald Trump are intentionally downplaying Russia's role in order to appease the president, who has repeatedly brushed off the intelligence community's findings that Russia interfered on his behalf in the 2016 elections and is doing so again this year.
That claim was bolstered earlier this month when a Department of Homeland Security official accused the agency's leaders of suppressing intelligence related to Russian interference; altering intelligence assessments to match Trump's false claims about Russia, antifa, and illegal immigration; and making false statements to Congress.
Elon Musk speaks at Tesla's 2020 annual meeting on Tuesday.
Tesla
Tesla's delayed shareholder meeting and 'Battery Day' kicked off on Tuesday afternoon outside the company's Fremont, California factory.
Following a short formal portion of the meeting, CEO Elon Musk gave a review of the company's progress over the last year with heavy emphasis on software and manufacturing.
Musk touted new battery improvements that can make manufacturing cheaper and provide more power.
He also announced a yet-to-be-named future Tesla car that will priced at $25,000 and a $140,000 'Plaid' version of its Model S.
Elon Musk and other Tesla executives held an unusual, outdoor version of the company's annual shareholder meeting and a "Battery Day" presentation on Tuesday afternoon in Fremont, California.
Among the touted advancements in power technology and manufacturing, Musk announced a yet-to-be-named $25,000 Tesla car was in the works thanks to the cost savings in battery production that will touch all of the company's products.
A $140,000 'Plaid" edition of the Tesla Model S was also announced, with pre-orders open now.
An unusual setting amid pandemic restrictions
The delayed event had severe attendance restrictions in place due to COVID-19. A few randomly selected shareholder attendees are watching the proceedings from long rows of parked Tesla cars. Those attending the event responded with honks instead of applause.
Tesla's vice president of legal, Al Prescott, presided over the business portion of the annual meeting. Investors voted on seven proposals, including the election of three directors, executive compensation, and ratification of its outside accounting auditor. Four other proposals, including one about Tesla's forced arbitration policies, are not expected to pass and were opposed by the company's board of directors.
Tesla
The formal stockholders meeting was quickly followed by a year in review by CEO Elon Musk. He touted Tesla's sales growth this year as it scaled up a new factory in China, as well as new improvements to "Autopilot," its driver-assistance software.
A beta version of the software's "full self-driving" capabilities will be released soon, Musk said. "It took us quite a while," to rewrite the entire code-base, he said: "It's awesome."
Musk also touted improvements to Tesla's manufacturing ability, a theme he's said previously is underappreciated by many people: "the difficultly of designing the machine that makes the machine is vastly harder than the machine itself," he said.
Shares of Tesla sank about 4% in after-hours trading during the event after previously declining 5% in trading Tuesday.
The main event: Updates on Tesla's battery technology
Tesla's highly anticipated "Battery Day" presentation kicked off about 2:40 p.m. local time, with Drew Baglino, senior VP of powertrain and energy engineering joining Musk on stage.
"The three parts of a sustainable energy future are sustainable energy generation, storage, and electric vehicles," Musk said. "So we intend to play a significant role in all three."
But in order to get there, the world needs to produce 10-terawatt-hours worth of energy per year, Musk said. That's 100-times more than Tesla's current production level.
"Today's batteries can't scale fast enough, they're just too small" Musk said. In order for electric cars to continue their growth against gas-powered counterparts, they'll need to continue to get cheaper, he added. That's where Tesla's plan to halve the cost of producing every kilowatt-hour with continuous cylindrical cells as opposed to those with tabs comes in.
Tesla/Youtube
The new battery architecture can result in 5X more energy, a 16% range increase, with 6X the power output, Musk said, noting that production is already beginning at a pilot plant. At the same time, costs can be reduced.
"It will take about a year to reach the 10 gigawatt hour capacity," he said, with help coming from a recent acquisition. The next goal is to improve manufacturing processes to the point where assembly lines are continuously moving.
By 2030, when all the innovations are complete, Tesla says it will be able to produce three terra-watt hours of energy every year.
On the chemistry front, Tesla said it's acquired a 10,000-acre mining site to produce even more of battery components in-house. "There really is enough lithium in Nevada alone too electrify the entire US fleet," Baglino said.
And when it comes time to put the batteries in cars, Tesla has built a massive new casting machine in order to integrate the battery's components with the car itself, much like a plane's fuel tanks are integrated into the wing instead of separate parts. This lowers overall mass and number of parts while improving the car's structural integrity, Musk said.
A $25,000 car is in the works
When all is said and done, Tesla says the improvements in battery chemistry and manufacturing will help it sell a car for $25,000.
"About three years from now, we're confident we can make a very compelling $25,000 electric vehicle that's also fully autonomous," Musk said. For years, he's discussed bringing down the cost of electric vehicles as a way to decrease the world's carbon output, and the milestone would reflect a massive achievement on Tesla's part.
Musk said the $25,000 car has yet to be given an official name.
Model S 'Plaid'
Elon Musk touted a 'Plaid' version of its Model S car during the event. The $140,000, 1100-horsepower behemoth will have the "quickest 0-60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration of any production car ever," and recently clocked 1:30.3 at Laguna Seca raceway. Pre-orders are already open on Tesla's website.
Additional reporting by Isabella Jibilian, Barbara Smith, and Evan Sully.
Cindy McCain speaks onstage during the U.S.VETS Salute Gala on November 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
FilmMagic/FilmMagic for U.S.VETS
Cindy McCain, the wife of the late GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona, is set to formally endorse Joe Biden for president, he announced during a fundraiser Tuesday.
McCain's support could make waves in the battleground state of Arizona ahead of the heated 2020 election.
"Maybe I shouldn't say it, but I'm about to go on one of these Zooms with John McCain's wife, who is first time ever is endorsing me because of what he [Trump] talks about with my son and John's who are heroes — who served their country, you know — he said they're losers, they're suckers," Biden said during the fundraiser.
Biden's announcement referred to The Atlantic report earlier this month that claimed Trump had privately disparaged Americans who had died in combat.
Cindy McCain narrated a video at the Democratic National Convention detailing the friendship between her late husband and Biden, who worked together at the Senate for two decades.
Cindy McCain, the wife of the late GOP Sen. John McCain, is set to endorse Democratic nominee Joe Biden for president, Biden announced during a fundraiser.
McCain's support could make waves in the battleground state of Arizona, for which her husband served as a US senator, ahead of the 2020 election.
Biden announced McCain's upcoming endorsement during a fundraising event Tuesday, saying she is endorsing him because of Trump's alleged remarks about fallen members of the military.
"Maybe I shouldn't say it, but I'm about to go on one of these Zooms with John McCain's wife, who is first time ever is endorsing me because of what he [Trump] talks about with my son and John's who are heroes — who served their country, you know — he said they're losers, they're suckers," Biden said during the fundraiser.
Biden's announcement referred to The Atlantic report earlier this month that claimed Trump had privately disparaged Americans who had died in combat, calling them "losers" and "suckers."
When Sen. John McCain died in 2018, Trump reportedly said "we're not going to support that loser's funeral," three sources familiar with his remarks told The Atlantic. The president also became furious when he saw flags at half-staff in response to McCain's death, saying "What the f--- are we doing that for? Guy was a f---ing loser," according to The Atlantic report.
In response to the report, White House spokesperson Alyssa Farah told The Atlantic that Trump's remarks were "false" and that he "holds the military in the highest regard."
"He's demonstrated his commitment to them at every turn: delivering on his promise to give our troops a much-needed pay raise, increasing military spending, signing critical veterans reforms, and supporting military spouses," Farah continued in the statement. "This has no basis in fact."
Cindy McCain narrated a video at the Democratic National Convention detailing the friendship between her late husband and Biden, who worked together at the Senate for two decades. Former McCain staffers, alongside ex-staffers for Bush and Romney, also formally endorsed Biden last month.
"Given the incumbent president's lack of competent leadership, his efforts to aggravate rather than bridge divisions among Americans, and his failure to uphold American values, we believe the election of former Vice President Biden is clearly in the national interest," they wrote in the endorsement.
Volkswagen wants the all-new 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 to be the electric car for the buyer who just needs a regular car, not a party trick. And it made four key decisions for that to happen.
By now, the idea of a totally functional electric car should be a familiar one in the public collective mind. Teslas have been running around for long enough to normalize the idea. And the idea of an affordable, mass-produced electric car has been talked about before, only it hasn't really happened yet.
With the ID.4, it just might.
Officially unveiled on Wednesday, the ID.4 is the first in a fresh wave of all-electric cars VW that it will sell stateside. And unlike Tesla and Lucid, which grab headlines with neck-snapping zero to 60 times and quarter-mile sprints, Volkswagen is pitching the ID.4 as a regular car for the masses.
First: Because American buyers have displayed an overwhelming aversion to small cars, Volkswagen didn't bother bringing the ID.3 hatchback, the first vehicle based on its brand-new and highly versatile modular electric drive architecture (MEB platform) to the US.
The easiest way to mass-appeal an EV is to offer it in a style that's already massively appealing. So Volkswagen is starting the electric push here with a vehicle whose dimensions roughly match those of the Tiguan — the compact SUV that sells way better than the Golf. A car aimed at vehicles like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, the latter of which was 2019's fourth best-selling passenger car that wasn't a pickup truck.
"If you want to get mass adoption of electric vehicles, this is the segment where you want to start," Volkswagen North America CEO Scott Keogh told Business Insider. "We're not naive — I think we're going to see a lot of cars hitting here, but we're here now."
Non-polarizing looks
Volkswagen ID.4 EV interior.
Volkswagen
The ID.4 does not look like some strange, people-moving pod from the future. It looks good, in fact! The ID.4 looks good. Its exterior is understated, unmistakably a Volkswagen. The most radical bit is the lack of a few traditional ICE visual cues, such as a front grille.
The interior lacks the alien, screen-dominant minimalism of Teslas and the Lucid Air. It looks like an interior that a normal person would use and enjoy, an approach shared by designers behind the Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Kia Niro EV.
This is particularly important, as the ID.4 is aimed at the masses. Anything that's too polarizing risks alienating buyers.
The numbers? Decent. The fast-charging? Free.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4.
Volkswagen
At launch, the ID.4 will have a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive. Volkswagen promises 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet, with 250 miles of range. Nothing stupendous, but perfectly adequate. A 302-horsepower, all-wheel drive ID.4 will be available later on in 2021, though the automaker did not specify when.
Electrify America isn't as widespread as the Tesla Supercharger network yet — Green Car Reports wrote in February that it only has 398 stations to Tesla's 756 — but in the mere 20 or so months that it's been expanding, that's impressive progress. The company wants to build 800 fast-charging stations by December 2021, the outlet reported.
At-home charging accounts for more than 80% of charge time for EV owners, the Department of Energy found. But when they go out, people want the peace of mind that there will be a charging station nearby so they won't be stranded if their cars run out of charge. A wide and far-reaching network is both appealing and provides that sense of security.
A $40,000 starting price
2021 Volkswagen ID.4.
Volkswagen
Finally, the ID.4 is priced aggressively.
The rear-drive, rear-engined ID.4 Pro will start at $39,995. After factoring in the potential $7,500 tax credit (and not counting various state credits) that asking price drops to $32,495 — less than the average new car price of $36,718, according to Edmunds.
And once Volkswagen localizes ID.4 production at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant in 2022, it expects the starting price to further drop to $35,000 — or $27,500 after the tax credit.
It's still not as cheap as the more economical cars on sale today, but it is priced competitively with ICE-powered small SUVs such as the CR-V and RAV4. And it's certainly priced competitively against other mainstream EVs such as the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf.
Volkswagen says it plans to make the ID.4 available in all 50 states with the use of its 600-strong dealer network. For buyers, that ideally means being able to buy and service an ID.4 at nearby dealerships. It also means ducking direct sales drama and not having to wait for a new brand to open up new locations.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4.
Volkswagen
The idea of a $35,000 EV for the masses isn't new. But this time around, it's being touted by a legacy automaker that not only knows very well how to build cars, but has also been doing it for decades.
Whether or not buyers will actually go for the ID.4 remains to be seen, and we don't know how it drives just yet. But Volkswagen has given it a solid first crack at taking off.
