Volvo will test self-driving cars on the public next year

Volvo has been working on its autonomous vehicle program for several years now, but there’s only so much you can learn from testing tech in controlled conditions. While the company has run trials on public roads before, it’s now planning to take engineers and technicians out of the equation to see how regular road users take to self-driving cars. As part of its ongoing “Drive Me” project, Volvo is going to put real people behind the wheels of “semi-autonomous” vehicles from early next year, in order to understand how they are suited to everyday scenarios like doing the school run and picking up the weekly grocery shop.

Similar large-scale trials will be taking place in Volvo’s home town of Gothenburg, Sweden, and on the streets of London. In the UK capital specifically, the plan is to start out with a small number of XC90 SUVs fitted with “IntelliSafe Autopilot,” Volvo’s half-assistive, half-autonomous vehicle tech. If all goes well, the trial will be expanded in 2018 to include up to 100 cars capable of full autonomy. Hopefully, Volvo will also be done developing its next-generation infotainment system by then, allowing these early test subjects to Netflix and chill while their car takes full charge of the daily commute.

Via: The Guardian

Source: Volvo

Google Hangouts for iOS Gains Share Extension and Low Power Mode Support

Google has updated its Hangouts app for iPhone and iPad with a native iOS Share Sheet extension and support for Low Power mode.

Google Hangouts for iOS enables users to send and receive instant messages and group messages, share photos, and make video and voice calls using the company’s cross-platform communication service. Users can also connect up to Google Voice via the service to link their personal phone numbers, enable SMS and activate voice recognition.

The Share extension in version 9.0 of Hangouts means users can now share text, links, images, and video from other apps on their device, while the Low Power support essentially means that the app will now automatically turn off video when the device’s battery is depleted to 20% or lower.

The Share extension can be activated by tapping the Share button within the app, selecting “More” at the end of the Share Sheet, and toggling the switch next to Hangouts to the ON position.

Google Hangouts is a free download on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]

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Deadpool Runs Riot in iTunes Store

Gleefully profane antihero Deadpool has invaded movie pages and posters in the iTunes Store to celebrate the release of his frequently fourth-wall-breaking comedy action film.

The rogue Marvel Comics character’s latest act of defiance appears to involve defacing or photobombing posters and preview pages in the Movie section of the Store, with everything from 127 Hours to Taken getting the snarky Deadpool treatment.

Deadpool stars Ryan Reynolds as the former Special Forces operative turned freakishly self-aware superhero. The movie has set a record for highest-earning R-rated movie ever, earning a total of $746 million globally. A sequel is currently in production.

Deadpool can be purchased on the iTunes Store in HD for $14.99 which includes access to iTunes Extras. The movie will be available to rent from May 10.

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Dyson Supersonic Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Luke Westaway/CNET

Dyson is best known for its high-end vacuum cleaners, fans and Airblade blow dryers — so it’s perhaps no surprise that the British company is turning its turbine-centric attention to the humble hairdryer.

The Dyson Supersonic is slimmer, lighter and quieter than just about any hairdryer out there, but expect to splash out — this quirky bedroom accessory will set you back £300 when it goes on sale in June. No US or Australian launch plans have been confirmed, but that sum equates to around $440 or $AU570.

Totally tubular

This demonstration model shows what the inside of the Supersonic looks like.

Luke Westaway/CNET

Most hairdryers see the air-generating tech loaded into the head of the device, but Dyson’s opted to squeeze its own-brand motor into the stalk instead, leaving the Supersonic’s head free to exist as a great big cylinder. Dyson enthusiasts will recognise this look from the company’s range of blade-free desk fans and heaters.

This is another outing for Dyson’s Air Multiplier tech, which sees a torrent of air forced out of the narrow band that surrounds the edge of that circle. As an enthusiastic user of hairdryers, I can testify that the air the Supersonic pushes is really quite impressive, bearing in mind its small size. It’s remarkably quiet too, emitting more of an insistent hiss than the angry roar you get from many hairdryers.

The design is rather striking.

Luke Westaway/CNET

Magnetic attachments

Look on its range of nozzles, ye mighty, and despair.

Luke Westaway/CNET

The Supersonic comes with three nozzles, which stick onto the end of the dryer with the inestimable power of magnets. Those extras include a smoothing nozzle for gentle drying, and a diffuser, which disperses air broadly through your luscious locks.

Buttons provide plenty of control when you’re deep in the style zone.

Luke Westaway/CNET

The Supersonic comes with a healthy number of controls, triggered via a series of buttons on the rear side of its tube-shaped head. With mechanical keys you can choose between four heat settings and three airflow settings, to tailor your blow-dry. There’s a button for a shot of cold air too, if you want a blast of air to lock your styled ‘do in place.

Pricey

This included rubber mat doesn’t make the high price any less terrifying.

Luke Westaway/CNET

If you’re the kind of person who gets excited by hairdryers, then Dyson’s Supersonic should have you on the edge of your seat. In my brief hands-on time it felt like a very capable dryer, but this unusual bit of gadgety comes with a wince-inducing price tag. At £300 (which equates to about $440 or $AU570, though only UK prices have been confirmed so far) it’s drastically more expensive than even high-end rival dryers — a hairdryer from respected brand Parlux can be yours for less than a third of that online.

Whether Dyson’s tech can still be good value at such a high cost remains to be seen, but for those who spend a lot of time fussing over their hair, it’s interesting just to see a new take on an established bit of household tech.

The Dyson Supersonic will be on sale in Japan imminently, with a UK release in June. There’s no word yet on a US or Australian release, but we’ll update this First Take as we learn more.

Moto 360 Sport is now available in India for ₹19,999

Motorola has launched the Moto 360 Sport in India. The fitness-focused smartwatch is now up for sale on Flipkart for ₹19,999.

The watch offers a 1.37-inch screen with a resolution of 360 x 325, with the AnyLight display allowing for outdoors visibility. There’s a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 powering the watch, along with 512MB of RAM, 4GB eMMC storage. The Moto 360 Sport also offers a heart rate sensor, along with built-in GPS.

The version that’s up for sale in India comes with a black silicone band. Interested in what’s on offer? Head down to Flipkart to check out the Moto 360 Sport:

See at Flipkart

MORE: Moto 360 Sport review

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and Mi 5 open sale kicks off in India

Update: That didn’t last long. All products are now showing out of stock, with the sale lasting a few seconds. We’ll let you know of the next flash sale once we get more details.

Xiaomi’s conducting an open sale of the Redmi Note 3 and the Mi 5, making the phones available for purchase without a registration for the first time. The sale commences later today, April 27, and if you’re in the market for either handset, be sure to head to Mi.com at 2PM IST to get your hands on Xiaomi’s latest.

The 20000mAh Mi Power Bank is also up for grabs for those without a registration. The Redmi Note 3 is available for ₹9,999 for the 2GB RAM/16GB storage version, and ₹11,999 for the variant with 3GB RAM.32GB storage. The Mi 5 will set you back ₹24,999, offering 32GB of UFS 2.0 internal memory and a 1.8GHz Snapdragon 820 SoC. The 20000mAh Mi Power Bank is up for grabs at ₹1,699.

Considering the sheer number of users that are attracted to these sales, we suggest you log in to your Mi account a few minutes ahead of the 2PM blitzkrieg. Be sure to check out our Mi 5 review from the link below to see what you’re getting with Xiaomi’s 2016 flagship.

What are you guys interested in picking up?

See at Mi

MORE: Xiaomi Mi 5 review

Nintendo NX release date revealed but won’t be at E3 2016

Nintendo has officially revealed the date it plans to release its next home console. The Nintendo NX will hit stores in March 2017 around the world.

In addition, the company has confirmed that the “NX” name is still just a codename, it might be different when formerly released, and that it is different to other consoles on the market, including its own. 

“For our dedicated video game platform business, Nintendo is currently developing a gaming platform codenamed ‘NX’ with a brand-new concept. NX will be launched in March 2017 globally,” said the Japanese gaming giant in its annual financial report.

Nintendo also hints that its forray into mobile games will continue after the five titles it will launch over the next year. It will continue growing its “smart device business so that it is profitable”. It will also continue to enhance “features of our new membership service called My Nintendo”.

It has revealed that the next two mobile games, after the successful launch of Miitomo last month, will be based on its Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises.

READ: Nintendo NX: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

The Nintendo NX console has been rumoured for a while, with some speculation suggesting an E3 launch or even before. However, Nintendo itself has stated that the console will not be at E3 2016 and will instead “be unveiled later this year”.

Nintendo launched Wii U at E3 more than a year before it became available and look what happened to that.

Still no Mario for iOS or Android, Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing instead

Nintendo has revealed what its next two mobile apps will be but there’s still no sign of Mario.

The company has revealed the two games that will follow its first app, Miitomo, and neither of them star the moustachioed plumber.

That’s not to say they won’t be popular in their own right though. The next two apps will be based on the Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises. The latter could certainly prove to be a massive hit on iOS and Android for sure.

Fans of Fire Emblem shouldn’t expect a similar game to Fire Emblem Awakening or the forthcoming Fates on 3DS. Instead, the mobile game will be “more accessible”.

READ: Nintendo NX release date revealed but won’t be at E3 2016

The iOS and Android version of Animal Crossing on the other hand will be intriguing for many as it will be “connected with the world of Animal Crossing for dedicated gaming systems”. That means your actions on one game should directly affect the world in another.

Both games are coming this autumn and represent the second and third releases in Nintendo’s previously announced five mobile apps strategy. There’s still hope for Mario yet.

Nintendo has even hinted it will continue releasing mobile games in future by stating in its annual financial report that it hopes the mobile business will grow and be self-sustaining.

READ: Nintendo NX: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

LG G5 SE is the new alternative to the flagship modular smartphone

The LG G5 is still newly unleashed and already a slightly varied version has appeared, dubbed the LG G5 SE.

The LG G5 SE was reviewed on Russian site Hi-Tech but has otherwise had no official details pushed out.

While the SE is a slightly less high powered version of the G5 it still packs in impressive specs that make it better than a lot of other phones right now. It also looks near identical to the LG G5, USB-C and all. And, of course, it features the G5’s modular ability to swap out accessories.

The LG G5 SE has the same 5.3-inch QHD IPS display as the G5 meaning a 2560 x 1440 resolution. It also has the same 16-megapixel dual camera setup and 2800mAh battery plus it runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

What’s different in the G5 SE is the processor which is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652, rather than the 820 found in the G5. The SE also has a lower 3GB of RAM rather than the 4GB found in the flagship. Despite these being small changes the reviewer does mention that while trying to record 4K video the handset did struggle.

The price is listed as 50,000 rubles which is about £518. So it’s up there with the other flagship phones for pricing and is actually more than the £500 G5, leading us to suspect this is a Russia only release, for now.

READ: LG G5 review: Modular misfire?

The Legend of Zelda Wii U delayed until 2017, Nintendo NX version confirmed

After Star Fox Zero, the next (and possibly last) big name Nintendo title for the Wii U is The Legend of Zelda. However, it’s in serious danger of missing the bus, as it has been put back again until 2017.

Originally planned for a 2015 release, the upcoming RPG has already had its release date shifted a few times. First to 2016 and now to 2017.

The latter decision has seemingly been made to make it a launch title for Nintendo NX, with the company confirming that it will be a simultaneous release for Wii U and NX next year.

Both versions are being developed “in tandem” and developers “need more time to polish the game”.

The Nintendo NX has officially been given a March 2017 release date, so we might see The Legend of Zelda on both consoles around that time.

READ: Nintendo NX: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

Better news is that visitors to E3 2016 in Los Angeles in June will get the chance to play the Wii U version of the game for the first time. It will be on Nintendo’s booth at the show.

Strangely, it will be the only game playable on the show floor, with Nintendo revealing that it has changed its E3 strategy.

“It will be the only playable game Nintendo presents at the show, in order to provide attendees a complete immersion,” it said in a statement.

READ: E3 2016: All the launches, games and consoles to expect