Values rise for Japanese performance cars linked with ‘Fast and Furious’
'The Fast and The Furious' film franchise draws attention to Japanese performance cars to the extent that values for models featured in the films have seen increasing value. Association with 'Fast and Furious' may be an indicator of future value for collectors and investors looking for affordably priced vehicles today.
Float off the grid with this solar-powered tiny home houseboat
Full-time residence could be challenging, but Daigno's Le Koroc houseboat is ready for off-grid fishing trips and short-term escapes. The 3-float pontoon boat is light enough to tow to lost lakes and rambling rivers where it can operate as self-contained living and relaxing quarters with minimal environmental impact.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto react quicker than native infotainment systems
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone apps less demanding on drivers than automaker infotainment systems. In a bid to further reduce driver distraction, AAA calls on the automotive and smartphone industries to work together to design low-demand infotainment systems.
Kids help Volvo and Lego design the construction vehicles of the future
Volvo CE and Lego Technic collaborate with children in designing futuristic construction equipment models. Now in the third year, the focus groups with children have resulted in patents for revolutionary concepts that may influence autonomous electric-powered vehicles on both construction sites and city streets.
Amazon ramps up gig economy with Delivery Service Partners fleet program
Massive sales volume increases and a need for delivery alternatives has spurred Amazon to create its delivery Services Partners program. Amazon will help fleet owners start, set up, and manage independent businesses of up to 40 delivery vehicles. Veterans can qualify for an initial investment reimbursement.
NHTSA nixes Autopilot Buddy, a Tesla attention-detection cheating device
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a cease and desist letter and ruled the Autopilot Buddy cheat device unsafe. The Autopilot Buddy's purpose is to defeat Tesla's safety feature that detects when a driver's hands are on the wheel. The NHTSA said the product puts the public at risk.
GE adds a cubic foot with high-capacity French door refrigerator
Stressing large capacity and flexibility at low cost, GE Appliances' new French door refrigerator boasts 25.6 cubic feet of usable interior space. With the open shelving and an additional cubic foot, GE says the fridge can hold up to 50 more cans of soda than comparably priced models from leading brands.
AT&T WatchTV is free streaming TV for wireless customers, fueled by Time Warner purchase
On the heels of purchasing Time Warner for $85.4 billion, AT&T announced the launch of WatchTV. Described as a "very, very skinny bundle" of TV programming with no sports, the service will be free for AT&T unlimited data customers or $15 for everyone else, regardless of wireless carrier.
Slovenian startup’s electric motor design signals advance for self-driving cars
Building on its 15 years of experience with high-torque in-wheel electric motors, Slovenia-based Elaphe has developed modular platforms for autonomous vehicles. The Elaphe platform uses electric motors in all four wheels, producing massive power for acceleration and torque-vectoring control.
Winnebago and Motiv Power Systems partner on all-electric outreach vehicles
Winnebago and Motiv Power Systems are partnering on a variety of all-electric mobile medical clinics and community outreach vehicles. Because traditional outreach vehicles such as bloodmobiles idle all day on diesel fuel, battery-powered alternatives are quieter, save gallons of diesel fuel, and cut harmful emissions.
The best in-flight internet access prices
Plan ahead for in-flight Wi-Fi internet access to save money on 1-hour or day passes and monthly subscriptions. If you wait till you board your flight to buy a Wi-Fi pass you'll pay much more than the same purchase while you were waiting at the gate. Pre-purchased access is good for one device and one airline.
U.S. senators question Amazon about transmission of recorded private conversation
Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Coons sent CEO Jeff Bezos questions about Amazon's collection, storage, protection, and use of consumer data. After an Amazon Echo mistakenly recorded and emailed a private conversation between a Portland couple, the senators question the error and overall data protection.
The Amazon Father’s Day Sale discounts Echo, Fire, Kindle, and Cloud products
Amazon is offering discounts on its house brand products for Father's Day, including Amazon Echo Alexa-connected products like Dots, Spots, and more. Fire TV and Fire tablets, Kindles, and Cloud Cams are all on sale.And you can save more buying multiples, such as two Echo Spots or three Cloud Cams.
Tesla fully self-driving Autopilot package coming in August, Musk says
Tesla will start adding fully self-driving capabilities to its vehicles when the company releases Autopilot Version 9 in August, according to CEO Elon Musk. While it readies the next vehicle autonomy upgrade, Tesla continues minor updates to the system to address driving safety issues due to driver inattention.
Ring Alarm home security system is now available for pre-order
Homeowners can now pre-order the $200 Ring Alarm DIY smart home security system. Professional monitoring and unlimited video storage cost just $10 a month. The Ring Alarm will start shipping on the July 4, the date chosen to represent customer independence from conventional systems.
Flo smart home water alert users can get their water damage expenses paid for
Flo Technologies announced an optional water damage reimbursement program for Flo smart home water monitoring system customers. The company will reimburse Flo HomeProtect subscribers for their homeowner's insurance deductible in the case of water damage to their home. HomeProtect also includes extended support.
New Tesla Roadster ‘SpaceX package’ will have 10 rocket thrusters, Musk says
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter a SpaceX option package for the upcoming second-generation Tesla Roadster. The SpaceX package will include 10 rocket thrusters arranged around the car to help with acceleration, braking, and handling. Musk's followers took the announcement in stride, many assuming it's a joke.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company puts first 1,000 flamethrowers in buyers’ hands
If the reports on Tesla CEO Elon Musk's Twitter account are accurate, The Boring Company delivered 1,000 TBC Flamethrowers this weekend. Musk, who also heads The Boring Company, said each flamethrower comes with a TBC Fire Extinguisher. Musk also promised a TBC Ice Blaster before the 'winter dry season.'
Honda reboots the much-loved Monkey and Super Cub for 2019
American Honda announced last week that it's bringing the Monkey Bike to the U.S. this fall as a 2019 model. Honda is also debuting the newest version of the best-selling motorcycle of all time, the Honda Super Cub. The 1958 Super Cub's "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" ads introduced the brand to many Americans.
Amazon’s having a hush-hush sale on select Bose audio products
Amazon has discounted select Bose audio products. The discounts vary, but short-term deals are available for Bose wireless headphones and in-ear headphones, Bluetooth speakers, home theater systems, and TV sound systems. Quantities may be limited. Be sure to check connector compatibility with your devices.
Target targets Millennials and Gen-Z shoppers with Heyday electronics brand
Heyday, Target's first exclusive electronics brand launches June 9. Featuring electronics accessories for Millennials and Gen Z customers, Target's Design and Development team surveyed those groups about their wants and preferences and chose colors and styles that reflect current trends for the Heyday brand.
Google done weaponizing A.I., will still work with military and governments
Google CEO Sundar Pichai clarified the company's principles for developing AI, reacting to public and employee pushback. Google will not develop weaponized AI but will work with governments and military in other areas. CEO pledges no AI with a material risk of harm unless benefits substantially outweigh risks.
Tesla says driver ignored warnings from Autopilot in fatal California crash
Tesla reported that repeated Autopilot warnings were ignored prior to a fatal crash in a Tesla Model X in Mountain View, California. The National Transportation Safety Board has released its own preliminary report about the crash, noting that the driver did not have his hands on the wheel before impact.
Daimler’s new E-Mobility Group rolls out two new fully electric trucks in U.S.
Claiming global trucking leadership, Daimler introduced the E-Mobility Group (EMG), focused on fully electric commercial vehicles. With two new electric-powered Freightliners, the EMG has six electric models, including four trucks and two buses. The new Freightliner eCascadia may take on the Tesla Semi.
GM adding Super Cruise to all brands eventually, all Caddys by 2020
All Cadillac models will offer the Super Cruise autonomous driving system as an option by 2020. Super Cruise will be an option on other General Motors brands later. Super Cruise hands-free driving combines precision-mapped roads and driver attention monitoring with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Asus shows off VivoWatch BP with blood pressure monitoring, GPS, and more
Asus previewed the VivoWatch BP smartwatch with 15-second blood pressure monitoring, A.I.-based blood pressure management tips, and 28-day battery life. The new Asus smartwatch, which also adds a GPS, uses PPG and ECG sensors on both front and back to monitor heart rate, sleep quality, and blood pressure.
Report: Facebook gave other companies access to user data; FB disagrees
The New York Times claimed Facebook had data-sharing agreements with major device-makers including Apple and Samsung. The report raises issues of data privacy rights and protection because user data was shared without users' permission. Facebook disagrees, saying permission was required for data access.
Land Rover makes Scottish island less remote with potentially lifesaving project
Land Rover drivers and volunteers delivered unique three-word address plaques to 2,000 remote locations on Scotland's Isle of Mull. Residents can provide their three-word locations when they need an emergency medical response. The delivery event marks Land Rover's 70th year of humanitarian volunteerism.
Massive Gmail redesign rollout will begin in earnest in July
Google has announced the much-anticipated arrival of its new Gmail and Gsuite enhancements. Google said the changes focus on improving people's productivity on the web and at work. The first place you'll see changes is in your Inbox. Come July, the redesign will be rolled out broadly to G Suite customers.
Waze enlists A.I.-powered analytics company Anodot to improve driver experience
Social navigation and traffic app Waze is amping up the driving experience for its millions of global users by integrating Anodot's real-time anomaly detection and analytics throughout the Waze platform. By analyzing millions of localized data points, Anodot will result in timely routing improvements as needed.
Uber will run criminal and driving history checks for every driver every year
Uber emailed riders about three new safety programs. Riders now can share ride details with contacts and can call 911 from the Uber app. Trip and location sharing with 911 operators will be automatic in some cities. Uber also says it will run criminal background and driver history checks every year, for every driver.
Alexa can now analyze random requests to use skills you didn’t know existed
Amazon just gave Alexa the ability to discover skills based on user queries. The feature lets Alexa skill developers configure their apps for skill discovery and notify Alexa's machine learning engine of the compatibility. The goal is to provide correct answers without making users search for new skills.
Uber in partnership talks with Waymo for self-driving technology
Uber would like to work with Waymo, Google's self-driving car division. Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the two companies are having discussions about partnering, but Waymo declined to comment. Calling Waymo an "incredible technology provider," Uber's CEO believes autonomous driving technology will be shared.