Tesla will put more limits on Autopilot to discourage stunts
Tesla introduced Autopilot features to the Model S for the sake of convenience, but some drivers have been using it as a chance to goof off. They’ve invoked the semi-autonomous mode while speeding, or even while they’re sitting in the back seat. Understandably, Tesla isn’t happy with these stunts — and it’s getting ready to clamp down. The company’s Elon Musk has revealed that Autopilot will get “additional constraints” so that owners can’t abuse it. There’s no mention of what those features will entail or when you’ll see them, but it’d be reasonable to expect speed limits and occupancy checks.
Source: Seeking Alpha
The Nexus 6P, after another bend test, truly has some structural flaws
YouTuber JerryRigEverything earlier posted a video of him doing a scratch, burn, and bend test on the Huawei-made Nexus 6P. It wasn’t received very well, particularly because of users questioning the legitimacy of the video. Some claimed it was “fake” because they couldn’t see any logos on the back as well as other reasons. As a result, JerryRigEverything is back with yet another bend test video to clear the air.
In this new video, he thoroughly explains why the Nexus 6P’s structural integrity is so poor, which is because of the use of dovetails and a couple free-floating pieces of aluminum. When it comes to actually bending the handset a second time around, guess what? He breaks it yet again with little effort. Who knew?
Click here to view the embedded video.
There are two takeaways from this video. The first being that when you set out to break something, you’re going to break something. After all, what do you expect to happen when taking a hammer to a car window or a wrecking ball to a tower?
Secondly, some of this is Google and Huawei’s error. Sure, you cannot expect to design your phone in a way to stop people from bending it or taking a hammer to it, but it should be designed in a way that there aren’t any major structural flaws, simply to prevent bending in the pocket or from any other real-world encounters.
All in all, the Nexus 6P bends, but that doesn’t make it a bad smartphone. It’s uniquely designed, but sports some of the best specifications on the market. Not to even mention how clean and slick the stock interface is. If you’re looking for the Google experience, the Nexus 6P might be something you want to consider. If you’re looking for something that has plenty of durability, then looking for a more rugged device will suit your needs.
source: JerryRigEverything (YouTube)
Come comment on this article: The Nexus 6P, after another bend test, truly has some structural flaws
Sky’s Now TV app brings more UK content to Apple TV
While the new Apple TV has been available to order for over a week, UK-centric apps have been a bit thin on the ground. Less than a week after the BBC confirmed that iPlayer is coming to the streamer, Sky has gone one better and released an app for Now TV. Its release doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given the fact that it is already available on third-generation Apple TVs and the iPhone maker is actively plugging the service on its website, but it’s good to see more broadcasters committing to Apple’s new hardware.
Source: Sky
‘SOMA’ nearly wasn’t a horror game and other secrets from Ian Thomas
The developers at Frictional Games have a lot to live up to. This is the independent studio responsible for Amnesia: The Dark Descent, a terrifying first-person game fraught with monsters, mysterious shadows, haunting candlelight and devious puzzles. Amnesia won a handful of awards after its launch in 2010, including two at the Independent Games Festival, and it’s widely considered a modern horror classic. SOMA is Frictional’s first game since that success (the studio didn’t even develop Amnesia‘s 2013 sequel), and it’s an underwater, sci-fi adventure. And, of course, it’s a horror game. This means the pressure is on for programmer Ian Thomas. He joined Frictional a few years into SOMA‘s development and he’s been “bowled over” by the response to his studio’s latest project. For Thomas, it’s good to know that Frictional’s instincts were spot-on, especially considering SOMA was almost a very different game.
Motorola opening up its own storefront in Chicago for the holiday season
Motorola today revealed that it will be opening up its own experiential “Moto Shop” this holiday season. Consumers will be able to walk into the Moto Shop and experience all of Motorola’s new products in-person, such as the Moto X Pure Edition and updated Moto 360 smartwatch.
Much like Apple’s storefronts, Motorola says there aren’t any phones “on display outlining technical specs.” The Moto Shop is an entirely hands-on experience, where consumers will be able to fall in love with a device from Motorola. The company is taking the experience beyond just hands-on, though.
With the Moto Shop, Moto Maker is no longer just an online workshop where consumers can design their own smartphones. Buyers will now be able to create their own Moto X Pure Edition at the design studio in the Moto Shop, where people will be able to get a hands-on experience with all the different types of leathers, woods, and plastics Motorola offers. The company is also making sure to keep its broad range of colors in-store so that buyers can get a physical look at how the colors might mesh with their new device.
Additionally, all of the Moto 360 smartwatch variations are available in-store, so you’ll be able to build your own watch right then and there as well.
Motorola says that Moto Shop will be located in Chicago on 108 N. State St. (Suite 140 at Block 37) and will open on November 7. The company says there will also be a grand opening celebration on November 14, which is something you don’t want to miss out on!
Be sure to hit the source link below for more pictures of what will truly be an “experience” store.
source: Motorola
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UK Investigatory Powers Bill: what you need to know
The UK government has put forward a bill today that would force internet service providers (ISPs) to keep a record of the websites their customers access for up to 12 months. These “internet connection records” (ICRs) could then be requested by law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to identify, the home secretary claims, which services a person and device has been accessing. It would not reveal every webpage they’ve visited — the current understanding, as set out in David Anderson’s review of surveillance laws, is that it would cover google.com or bbc.co.uk, but nothing beyond the first forward slash.
Source: GOV.UK
Samsung Galaxy S7 may cost 10% less than its predecessor
During a press conference at Samsung’s recent anniversary ceremony, the company’s Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-Hyun said that change is a must in order to stay in this business. One of the first changes we could see is a restructuring of prices, which could begin with the upcoming Galaxy S7.
Now nothing has been confirmed, but rumors are pointing to a 10% price cut for the Galaxy S7, compared to the launch price of the Galaxy S6. The momentum behind great smartphones at lower price tags is the greatest it has ever been. Competitors such as Motorola, OnePlus, Huawei and many more have begun filling up the space. By including a lower price-tag on the Galaxy S7, it will allow it to directly compete against lower-priced rivals such as the Moto X Style, OnePlus 2, OnePlus X, and Google’s newest Nexus devices. This may indeed be what Samsung is aiming for.
Signs are pointing to a January release for the Galaxy S7, which is earlier than the company normally holds its launch event. Recent rumors include a 12MP or 20MP camera, a new processor, new edge variants and USB Type-C. We’ll find out more regarding the handset over the next few months, so stay tuned!
Source: Weibo
Via: G For Games
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S7 may cost 10% less than its predecessor
Apple thought about making a car back in 2008
The possibility of an Apple-made car isn’t anything new — as it turns out, it’s practically old news. iPod co-creator (and Nest CEO) Tony Fadell tells Bloomberg that he and Steve Jobs had “multiple” discussions about a car in 2008. They asked each other high-level questions, such as what the dashboard would look like and what the power plant would be. The idea didn’t progress beyond that point due to a combination of tight resources and a lousy economic climate. Apple was swamped with iPhone work, and the American car industry was “almost dead.” Why get into cars at a time when the field’s heavyweights were asking for bailouts?
Via: The Verge
Source: Bloomberg
Verizon scores slam dunk by taking NBA partnership over from Sprint
Verizon and the NBA announced they have entered into a new, multiyear content and marketing partnership that will make Verizon the Official Wireless Service Provider for the NBA and several of their related properties. With this move, Verizon moves into the spot previously held by Sprint. Verizon plans to use the partnership to help promote various “features” offered by the carrier, including the newly launched go90 platform.
Through go90, Verizon and the NBA will offer NBA content like daily highlights, original content and access to live out-of-market games through the NBA League Pass. Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon says,
“The NBA has rapidly evolved into a year-round digital experience that engages millions of young, cross cultural fans, in many interesting ways. We are always looking for new ways to add value for our customers, and this partnership creates great opportunities to do just that. We’re thrilled to bring exclusive and awesome content to go90 and to offer unprecedented access to unique experiences.”
Besides the headlining NBA, Verizon will also be picking up sponsorship of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NBA Development League (NBA D-League) and USA Basketball (USAB). The NBA will also give Verizon title partner status for the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest and presenting partner status for the NBA All-Star Balloting Program, the NBA Draft, NBA Summer League and the Jr. NBA.
Fans of the NBA who are not part of Verizon better get used to seeing the name as Verizon marketing will also be integrated throughout NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and during national broadcasts on ABC, ESPN and TNT. Verizon will also be collaborating with various NBA teams, so additional tie-ins are likely to be spotted.
One interesting aspect to the new deal will be possible interaction between Verizon and ZTE, which currently sponsors three NBA teams.
source: Verizon
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Dear Veronica: Ice-cold science!
This week on Dear Veronica, I welcome onto the show Dr. Kiki Sanford of This Week in Science. She brilliantly explains the science behind why your whiskey and vodka stays perfectly chilled in your freezer, while your beer completely explodes! Briefly, I wonder why you would bother freezing your whiskey (but I’m not here to judge).
Have you tried out online dating? It’s a tough scene out there, but I try to help viewer Nick figure out some other ways to meet the match of his dreams. And don’t forget, you can “swipe right” on this show by leaving us a review on iTunes! Because you’re the best. Keep sending those questions in to me over Twitter with #DearVeronica, and I’ll see you next week!
AIVAnet 