Baŝto

It can reduce evaporation and reduce algae growth afaik. It doesn’t have to be bad.

Though … swimming vertical solar panels are also a thing.

That can happen, but I don’t think that’s the point. a) big companies could invest in expensive research like nobody else (aside from state research) b) these hubs are often about having the right companies and universities in one place, which results in employees and graduates spinning out their own innovative start ups, because the region has all the knowhow and manufacturing they need c) most big companies don’t do very risky innovation, instead they buy successful startups to build upon them, but that can still be innovative if they buy them early on and finance further research

Didn’t notice anything here in Germany, but honestly don’t pay much attention to drinks aside from syrups. But I think there was a peak in new cola spinoffs from 2005-2015. Generally there’s always be a counter movement with varying success. We have brands which should be 90 years old by now. The organic and fair trade movements lead to new drinks, including cola. There was also a cooperative of mineral water companies that tried to counter Coca-Cola with Kolanade, but that brand vanished and they are now best known for a standardized deposit bottle.

Don’t forget that phones don’t have bezels anymore

Fairphone still has them