Tesla CEO Expects No Apple Car Before 2020, Calls it ‘Missed Opportunity’

Apple’s rumored electric car is unlikely to hit full-scale production or be ready for shipping before 2020, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Musk offered his prediction to Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at the Code Conference, where he claimed that Apple’s ambitions, while admirable, were falling behind in a fast-paced industry.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk interviewed yesterday at the Code Conference (Image: Asa Mathat)
“I think it’s great they’re doing this, and I hope it works out,” said Musk. “It’s just a missed opportunity. It’s a couple years… they’ll make a good car and be successful.”

In September 2015, it was reported that Apple had spent more than a year investigating the feasibility of an Apple-branded car and given permission to leaders of the project, code-named Titan, to triple its 600-person team to facilitate development in anticipation of a possible shipping date in 2019.

Musk’s comments suggest that the 2019 date might realistically indicate the point at which engineers confirm the main features of the product, and would seem to corroborate earlier rumors that fixed on a 2020 timeframe for the car’s launch.

Q&A with Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the Code Conference.
During the wide-ranging Code Conference interview, Musk also claimed Tesla’s Model 3 would hit its prospective 2017 launch year, by which time his company aims to fulfill more than 325,000 pre-orders for its lower-priced model.

Musk said the car’s design would be finished in about six weeks’ time. “Almost all of the Model 3 design is done, and we’re aiming for pencils down basically in six weeks, complete pencils down. And we’re tabling — you know, if there are ideas for future cool things, we’ll have it in version 2, version 3,” he said.

Musk also expressed his doubts that Google will release a car, despite its years of testing self-driving electric vehicles, and instead he expects the company to license its technology out to existing automotive manufacturers.

The bulk of Apple’s car research and development is thought to be taking place in secretive buildings in Sunnyvale, California, where late night “motor noises” have been heard.

You can watch the full interview with Tesla CEO Elon Musk here.

Related Roundup: Apple Car
Tags: Tesla, Code Conference, Elon Musk
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Facebook Messenger for iOS Gains 1,500 New Emoji Characters

Facebook has announced that it is adding 1,500 new emojis to its Messenger app in order to cater for the diversity of its users.

The new emojis follow Apple’s bulk addition of new emoji characters to iOS last year, but Facebook claims that Messenger is the first platform to feature a female police officer, runner, pedestrian, surfer, and swimmer, and notes that more are to come in the near future.

Facebook also notes that it is making changes to how emojis are displayed in the app.

Previously, some users would see replacement emoji characters that were native to their device, but now all users will see the same ones, irrespective of how they access the service. The company says that this will ensure that no one will see “broken-looking black boxes or emojis that just don’t make sense.”

Additionally, Facebook announced the addition of a new emoji picker for all platforms, located in the iOS app at the left of the composer.

Facebook Messenger is a free download for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. [Direct link]

Tag: Facebook Messenger
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Dashlane Introduces Revamped iOS App With Improved Navigation

Dashlane today announced a revamped version of its iOS app that will allow for streamlined navigation to make finding passwords and other secure information “easier than ever.” Notably, the overhaul encompasses all of Dashlane’s current Apple apps, including the ones for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Users can expect the usual services from Dashlane’s new app — like Password Changer and Password Sharing — in addition to a list of new features, including a new accessibility option that brings font adjustment to the app. The iPad version of Dashlane is also finally getting the Password Changer feature, letting users easily change weak passwords on Apple’s tablet.

“Today Dashlane offers the most innovative and user-friendly password management solution across Mac, iOS, Android and PC devices,” says Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of Dashlane. “Apple users gravitate toward the platform’s easy-to-use interface and clean design – and we’re excited to announce our new Dashlane app continues to deliver the best-in-class password manager experience for Apple users.”

The improvements to navigation include a Quick Search function, a tabbed-bar menu, easier sharing with a new “Contacts” view, and a “Recents” tab so users can quickly jump into the passwords and information they check frequently. The company has also improved Safari integration to offer a better experience when auto-fill and auto-login options are available.

Apart from these upgrades, Dashlane hasn’t altered its payment structure: the experience is free when limited to one device, while a Dashlane Premium subscription ($39.99 per year) is required once users want to sync data across “an unlimited number of devices.”

Anyone interested can download the Dashlane app for free from the iOS App Store [Direct Link] and Mac App Store. [Direct Link]

Tag: Dashlane
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Apple Launches 2016 Back to School Promotion, Offers Free Beats With Mac, iPhone, or iPad Pro Purchase

Apple today launched its annual Back to School promotion in the U.S. and Canada, offering a free pair of Beats Solo2 Wireless Headphones to qualifying students, parents of students, educators, and select others that purchase an eligible Mac with education pricing, including the iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Pro. As usual, the Mac mini and refurbished Macs are excluded from the deal.

Apple is also offering a free pair of Powerbeats2 Wireless Headphones with the purchase of an eligible iPhone or iPad Pro with education pricing, including the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and both the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Those who purchase a qualifying iPhone or iPad Pro can also upgrade to the Beats Solo2 Wireless Headphones for $100, or $110 in Canadian dollars.

Apple will apply an instant credit in the amount of $299.95 in the U.S., or $329.95 in Canadian dollars, to cover the full cost of the Beats Solo2 Wireless Headphones in Black, Blue, Red, White, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Blue Active, Red Active, or Yellow Active. Apple will similarly apply an instant credit of $199.95, or $219.95 in Canadian dollars, for the Powerbeats2 Wireless Headphones in Red, Black, Black Sport, White Sport, Red Active, Yellow Active, or Blue Active.

Apple has outlined the full eligibility requirements for the program in its terms and conditions for the U.S. [PDF] and Canada [PDF] on its website.

Apple’s Back to School promotion runs from today through September 5, 2016 at Apple retail and campus stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. The deal is also available on Apple’s online store or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Apple has not yet officially announced the promotion in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, or other European countries where it is typically offered.

Tags: Beats Electronics, Back to School promotion, Apple retail
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Google ‘off the record’ mode will keep your search history private

Google has confirmed that it will be offering more advanced privacy settings that keep search history private.

Speaking at the Code Conference, Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke about the new settings, among other Nexus upgrades, which would allow users to select an “off the record” mode.

This mode applies to Google voice search, it seems, specifically useful for Google Home gadgets. But Pichai also spoke of tighter privacy controls in general. He mentioned a situation where users would be able to tell Google to forget the last four hours of search activity, for example.

Pichai also spoke about Google’s greater control over Nexus development in the future. Devices being made will have more features added to them by the Google team. While the hardware will still be manufacturer by third parties it sounds like the guidelines from Google will be more informative. In Pichai’s word’s the company will be more “opinionated” about design.

Hopefully we’ll start to see some of these new features appear in the not too distant future. For now check out the full conversation that Pichai had at the Code conference event in the below video.

READ: 20 most ridiculous inventions ever created, you won’t believe what you’re about to see

Are backpack VR PCs really a thing now? MSI, Zotac and HP think so

Virtual reality is steadily coming into its own with a slew of new products on show this year at Computex. And some are not what you’d expect.

Prior to this year’s show, three companies, HP, gaming giant MSI and mini PC maker Zotac, announced a new form factor: Backpack VR PCs. Yep, a whole PC in a backpack that you can wear while playing VR games.

MSI and Zotac promised to have their products at the event so naturally we were keen to seek them out.

HP Omen X

HP’s Omen X was demoed onstage at Intel’s keynote speech, where two players in different real life locations entered the same VR shoot out game – an exciting development indeed. Sadly, this is the most we managed to get to see of the Omen X so far at the show. Details are scarce but we gather that it is kitted out with Intel’s Core i7 CPU and is expected to weigh around 4.5kg.

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HP Omen X

Thankfully though, MSI and Zotac were on the show floor offering demonstrations, both running with the HTC Vive headset and controllers.

The two backpack PCs are vastly different in terms of aesthetics. MSI’s looks futuristic and is all shiny red metal. Zotac has gone for a far simpler approach. It almost looks like a Janus backpack.

This may turn out to be a smart move however, as the netting definitely allows the unit to stay cool. We tried one on at the end of the day which had been running steadily (presumably they were just switching out the battery) and it was only slightly warm.

The MSI Backpack PC runs on a Core i7 processor and the Zotac on Core i5, but we didn’t notice much difference in terms of performance. They were both running on Nvidia’s Geforce GTX 980 graphics card.

Zotac Mobile VR

Zotac spent three months developing its Mobile VR PC which is based on its current, build-your-own Magnus EN980. That comes with an optional 1TB hard drive and the manufacturer has taken out the liquid cooling system and replaced it with two fans.

Unlike the Omen X, which reportedly has the battery in the belt, Zotac has placed it at the bottom of the backpack. The company reckons the battery will last around one-and-a-half hours, which is in line with the estimation for the MSI model.

Pocket-lint

Zotac Mobile VR

The Zotac model also weighs in at around 4.5kg and when we put it on it was surprisingly comfortable.

The shoulder straps are well padded and padding on the back panel of the rucksack allows for an air gap between the wearer and the PC. There is also a supporting strap to go around the waist but this is hardly needed. Kids lug around heavier schoolbags than this slung over one shoulder. The rucksack is rugged, well stitched and looks durable.

Another plus for the Zotac is it was the only company we talked to that seemed to have a reasonably solid launch plan. It mentioned a November release in the UK with an estimated (but certainly not confirmed) price of around $2,000 (£1,400).

MSI Backpack PC

The MSI model has no firmed up launch date beyond a vague “probably Q3”. There was also no comment on the probable price as the specs are still not finalised.

Pocket-lint

MSI Backpack PC

The metal-bodied pack weighs in at under 5kg. You pick it up using a metal handle which is part of the body of the pack. This looks great, but is really a style point rather than necessity – the Zotac pack manages the same load with a regular handle.

The frame and a thick padded strap keep the pack lifted away from the user’s back. The MSI waist support also features holsters for handheld controllers. There’s also a cross chest support strap too.

The pack felt fairly comfortable and, like the Zotac, the cables are well out the user’s way as they come out of the top of the pack.

We look forward to these products hitting the market. The VR experience is really enhanced by the feeling of freedom that these backpack PCs offer with their user-friendly solutions, sure it’s going to be pricey but we think it’s could well be worth it.

Apple Car to hit roads from 2020 says Tesla’s Elon Musk, but no Google car

The Apple Car is still not an official project for the mighty company but thanks to plenty of rumours and leaks it’s almost certainly something Apple is working on. Now Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has chimed in saying he expects Apple Cars on the road from 2020.

If anyone is going to be aware of the electric car competition out there it’s going to be Elon Musk. While Apple has caught been renting cars and driving them about with high-tech equipment affixed to them, it could still just be testing for Apple Car software. Also plenty of hires suggest Apple is working heavily on car projects.

Musk believes that Apple will begin full-scale production from 2020. But, in his opinion, that’s a little too late. Speaking at the Code Conference Musk said: “I think it’s great they’re doing this, and I hope it works out. It’s just a missed opportunity. It’s a couple years… they’ll make a good car and be successful.” He went on to say full-scale production is unlikely for the Apple Car before 2020.

Musk also mentioned that he doesn’t think Google will release a car, despite all its testing time with self-driving electric vehicles. He agrees with industry watchers who claim the company plans to license its technology out to a major automotive manufacturer.

Apple Car, or project Titan, apparently already involves hundreds of dedicated engineers, software developers and industry experts all working towards a self-driving electric car. We can only imagine what that could finally result in.

READ: Apple Car: What’s the story so far on Project Titan?

Virtual reality skydiving on Oculus Rift is amazing, here’s why

The arrival of VR hand controllers has led to a rash of virtual reality shooter games so we were pleasantly surprised to find something different on the Computex show floor this year.

Revresh offered us a try of its ParaParachute VR skydiving experience, hosted by Cooler Master on its stand. And it was amazing.

Users are strapped into a harness and leg loops, then given the hand loops for their parachute. Next comes the the Oculus Rift and you’re ready.

The VR experience starts in a plane and as the hatch opens up before you, you’re pulled up into the air in the real world, so you are horizontal in the harness after you “jump”. Talk about an immersive experience!

As you open up your parachute you become more or less vertical again but you’re still floating in real world.

Freefalling in a VR world

Back in your VR freefall there are some circles to try to navigate yourself through using the hand straps, a bit like Nintendo classic Pilot Wings only much more realistic.

If you’re successful you’ll manage to land comfortably in the city stadium. However, if you’re more like us, you’ll be so busy enjoying the view and generally inept at steering a parachute that you’ll miss all the circles and instead find yourself flying over the city.

READ: Best VR headsets to buy in 2016, whatever your budget

We tried to aim for a nice patch of grass in a park near the dockyard. As it became apparent that wasn’t going to pan out, we decided to try landing in the water instead. One of the guys running the experience asked where we were aiming for: “The sea,” we barked.

“Your feet will get wet,” he replied.

And you know what? They did. The cheeky monkeys sloshed some water over our feet as we landed.

University project

You’d imagine that something like this had a whole wad of cash and a big name behind it. Amazingly though, ParaParachute was born of a university course project. Eward Hage and Kevin Derksen, second year university students, came up with the idea and enlisted the help of five other friends to make it reality, even though they were initially told it was too complex to work.

The personable duo are still making their way through their third year at uni in Holland while juggling the demands of their startup Revresh, but unsurprisingly they wowed their tutors and got top marks for the project.

If you fancy something a bit different for your corporate event or festival, ParaParachute is available for rent. It will set you back a pretty penny though – around 10,000 euros. You can contact Revresh through its website to find out more.

If you do see it at a show in the near future, we thoroughly recommend you have a go.

Ex-Opera chief’s new browser gets custom mouse gestures

Jon von Tetzchner, former Opera CEO, launched Vivaldi with the intention of making a “true successor” to the Opera browser. Today, his company is releasing the latest version of Vivaldi, and it comes with the fancy features Opera was famous for, starting with custom mouse gestures. They’re pretty easy to set up: simply go to Settings, choose a command, such as “reload page” or “close tab,” and trace the gesture you want associated with it.

Vivaldi 1.2 also comes with new tab commands. You can appoint any webpage as your tabs’ starting point, view two tabs as tiles side by side and close multiple tabs with one keyboard shortcut. Plus, the updated browser allows you to set a custom zoom level for each tab and has more customizable keyboard shortcuts. As you can tell, Vivaldi is geared more towards power users and multi-taskers like the old Opera was. If you’d like to give a more feature-rich browser a try, Vivaldi is available for Windows, Mac and Linux through its website.

Source: Vivaldi