Tesla Model X earns a perfect NHTSA safety rating

Tesla has yet another achievement to crow about. On Tuesday, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its assessment of the company’s Model X SUV and awarded it the agencies highest possible rating: 5 stars across every test category. That makes the Model X the safest SUV on the road today.

US govt testing by @NHTSAgov finds Model X to be the safest SUV in history by significant margin https://t.co/zAdb5FQPEI

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 13, 2017

Every Model X variant — the 60D, 75D, 90D, P90D and 100D — all scored perfectly in front impact, side impact, rollover and overall safety. In fact, the NHTSA was unable to even tip one over during its dynamic test and gave the Model X only a 9.30 percent chance of rolling over during an accident.

The company credits its electric drivetrain and power system, as well as the vehicle’s low center of gravity thanks to its battery packs being located under the cabin floor, for its impressive rollover resistance. “Of all the cars NHTSA has ever tested, Model X’s overall probability of injury was second only to Model S,” the company wrote in its press release.

Via: Electrek

Source: Tesla

Sprint tempts Verizon’s customers with a year of ‘free’ data

After ending its “half your bill” promotion earlier this year, Sprint is back with a new strategy to steal customers from its rivals. It’s offering a year of free “unlimited” data, talk and text for those who bring their device over from other carriers, although it is targeting Verizon users in particular with its advertising and phone selection. The offer is available today through the end of June, and, as expected, there is plenty of fine print.

First, you’ll actually have to pay a monthly $1.99 admin fee and $2.99 for a SIM card, as well as taxes on all that, so it’s not completely free. For the most part, you’ll get 4G LTE data, but speeds are capped at 8Mbps for gaming streams, 1.5Mbps for music and videos can transmit at up to 1080p. Your traffic will be deprioritized during congestion, and you’ll get 10GB towards a mobile hotspot. When that allowance is spent, you’ll be dropped to 2G rates on your hotspot, or you can buy additional high-speed data for $15 per 1GB. You’ll also have to sign up for automatic bill payments and use one of the few eligible phones from Apple, Google, Samsung and Motorola.

You can only get a new handset after the first four months, although you can leave at any time during the year. When the 12 months is up, you can continue with Sprint for $40 a month, or go with any other carrier you wish. It sure seems like a pretty good deal for those who are sick of paying sky-high bills and can live with throttled speeds.

But for Sprint, this promotion also serves as an experiment. Senior vice president of communications David Covar told Engadget that the company is “looking at how can we target customers in an all-digital type of way.” So you won’t be able to get this deal if you walk into a physical Sprint outlet, and you won’t see ads for the promotion on TV or billboards. Instead, you’ll learn about and sign up for the deal online, and convert your number to Sprint through its website.

This keeps marketing costs minimal, so offering such a deal isn’t too expensive for the carrier. But the company also isn’t anticipating immediate returns. Covar said Sprint is expecting “low surface revenue” — meaning it’s not hoping to make a lot of money from this offer. However, the goal is that after the 12 months, customers will like the experience and see “no reason to switch back to another carrier,” said Covar.

This isn’t the only trick up Sprint’s sleeve, either. Covar said the company plans to iterate on this deal in the future. For now, it remains to be seen if subscribers who are used to fast connections will be tempted to switch to a plan with so many limits to save money.

Via: PhoneScoop

Source: Sprint

Google highlights what it thinks an app should be

Many mobile app stores have an editor’s choice section that spotlights the latest and greatest titles. However, Google wants to go one step further. It’s launching an Android Excellence section in the Play Store that highlights the apps that offer “incredible user experiences,” adopt Google’s “best practices” and are fine-tuned to run well on phones around the world. To put it another way, these are the apps that Google wants to see — you should have a good experience, of course, but they’ll also show the way for budding developers.

The initial app mix includes more than a few familiar names. Evernote, Pocket and Runtastic are among Google’s favorite general apps, while it’s fond of games like Hitman Go, Pac-Man 256 and Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. And you can expect to see those apps hanging around for a while. Where editor’s choice sections can change frequently, Google plans to update Android Excellence once a quarter. If an app makes it to Android Excellence, you’ll know it was a carefully considered choice.

Source: Android Developers Blog

Apple issues billion-dollar ‘green’ bond to support clean projects

Just because Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris climate agreement doesn’t mean the American people are going to go along with him. Cities, states and private companies from around the nation have already pledged to abide by the rules set forth in that accord, even if the federal government won’t. And, on Tuesday, Apple put its money where its resistance is by issuing a billion dollar bond for financing clean energy and other green projects.

This move comes a year after the company issued a similar $1.5 billion bond after the Paris climate agreement was ratified in 2015. “Leadership from the business community is essential to address the threat of climate change and protect our shared planet, Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, told Reuters.

That money will go towards efforts to improve the energy efficiency of Apple’s own facilities, as well as throughout its supply chain, by financing renewable energy, procuring more recycled and renewable source materials so as to reduce its need to mine for them. For example, one of the 16 projects that Apple financed with its original bond last year was Liam, the robotic iPhone disassembler.

Netflix, HBO and 28 other companies form anti-piracy alliance

Today, 30 content creators and entertainment companies announced that they have teamed up to fight piracy. The coalition, called ACE — Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment — includes the likes of Amazon, HBO, Netflix and Twentieth Century Fox.

The goal, according to ACE’s press release, is to build on ongoing efforts to curtail piracy and in that regard, the group will utilize its members’ expertise as well as the that of the Motion Picture Association of America. ACE will conduct research and work with law enforcement as part of its anti-piracy efforts.

The group said that as digital entertainment continues to grow, so does the threat of piracy, adding that last year, streaming piracy sites raked in a whopping 21.4 billion visits. And there has been some high profile pirating of late. In April, a hacker stole the latest season of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, held it for ransom and released most of the episodes when they didn’t get what they wanted. Last month, Disney was the target of a similar attack. Though, if you want to make money from a stolen feature film, you should probably pick something better than the fifth installment of the increasingly lame Pirates of the Caribbean series.

What kind of impact ACE will actually have on piracy will remain to be seen and the group has been pretty vague about its strategies. But with so many big names jumping into the alliance, it’s at least pretty clear that they’re taking it seriously.

Via: The Verge

Source: ACE

Action-RPG ‘Code Vein’ hits Xbox One, PS4 and PCs next year

Bandai Namco released the first trailer for its upcoming action-RPG game Code Vein just last month, but it couldn’t exactly let E3 come and go without spilling a few more beans now, could it? We’re no closer to a concrete release date, with 2018 still as definitive as it gets, but we do now know what platforms the third-person, anime-esque title will be available on. Bandai Namco previously said Code Vein would be hitting “major home consoles” next year, but it’s now clarified the title is headed to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PCs too, via Steam.

The Code Vein trailer for E3 is more or less a shorter version of the one we’ve already seen. Most of the in-game footage has simply been reordered and recycled, but there are a few new frames highlighting an armor-clad character you’d imagine will be key to the story. If you’re catching up, Code Vein is set in a cityscape ravaged by “a mysterious disaster.” It appears anything and everything now has a “thirst for blood,” even those seeking “an exit out of this new demented reality.” But don’t call them vampires, because Bandai Namco doesn’t ever call them vampires.

In terms of gameplay, the action-RPG basically looks like a more cartoony version of Dark Souls, with methodical, almost puzzle-like combat that should both delight and infuriate. There’s a player-selected “companion” element to the game too, so at least you’ll have a partner in tow to mourn your many, many deaths.

Follow all the latest news from E3 2017 here!

Via: Rock Paper Shotgun

Source: Bandai Namco

Google gives its Local Guides more perks and higher levels

Google’s Local Guides program has grown to more than 30 million members in the three years since its inception. Participants earn points towards rewards from the company for leaving Yelp-like reviews at their favorite local spots. But like any online multiplayer game, given enough time, players will reach their level cap. That’s why Google announced on Tuesday that it is offering a new points system with new ways to earn them and a higher level cap with different perks.

Players level 2 and up will continue to earn occasional perks from Google, like early access to new features. But those level 4 and above will receive a free three-month Google Play Music subscription and 75 percent off Play Movies rentals. The company is also boosting the level cap from 5 to 10 and giving higher-level Guides unique badges that better reflect their contributions. These gameplay improvements are slated to roll out to users over the next few days.

Source: Google

Apple Releases Updates for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote on iOS and Mac

Apple today released updates for its suite of iWork apps on iOS and Mac, introducing new features for Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. All of the apps have access to a new library that includes more than 500 professionally drawn shapes, and there’s a new feature that allows users to reply to comments and join threaded conversations.

Apple is also introducing new auto-correction and text replacement options that are designed to save users time when typing, and these new features are available in Keynote, Pages, and Numbers across both iOS and Mac.

Pages for iOS and Mac now support linked text boxes, and there’s a feature allowing users to export documents as fixed layout ePub books. When collaborating with other users on a document, there are new options for changing margins, headers, footers, and paper size in both apps, and in Pages for iOS specifically, there’s a new page thumbnail view for better navigation.

In Pages for Mac, Stock and Currency functions will now return data from the previous market day’s close.

The same Stock and Currency update is coming to Keynote for Mac, and there’s also a new option to edit notes while displaying slides in Light Table view. Also new to the Mac version of Keynote are new pan and zoom options. Light Table view is expanding to Keynote for iOS, and there’s an option to edit presenter notes when viewing slides.

Both versions of Numbers are being updated with support for print preview when working on collaborative spreadsheets, and the Insert Stock Quote feature and the Stock and Currency functions now use data from the previous market day’s close.

All of Apple’s iWork apps are available from the iOS App Store and Mac App Store for free. The apps have been fully free for download since April of 2017.

– Pages for Mac – [Mac App Store]
– Keynote for Mac – [Mac App Store]
– Numbers for Mac – [Mac App Store]

– Pages for iOS – [App Store]
– Keynote for iOS – [App Store]
– Numbers for iOS – [App Store]

Tags: iWork, Pages, Keynote, Numbers
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Sprint Offering Free Year of Unlimited Service to Switchers

Sprint today announced that customers of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or any other postpaid carrier who bring their eligible iPhone or Android-based smartphone to Sprint will receive one free year of unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data. The offer is available for up to five lines per new account opened.

The term “unlimited” has some limitations, including a max of 1080p for streaming video, 1.5 Mbps for streaming music, and 8 Mbps for games. Data de-prioritization applies during times of congestion, and customers that exceed 23GB of data in any billing cycle may be throttled until the next billing cycle.

Unlimited talk includes long distance calls within the United States and Sprint Global Roaming, which includes 2G data and text messaging in over 165 countries for no charge, plus calling for $0.20 per minute. 10GB of high-speed data per line is included to use toward Personal Hotspot, VPN, and Peer-2-Peer usage.

Eligible smartphones must be unlocked and compatible with Sprint’s network and SIM card, including the following iPhone models. An asterisk indicates only the Verizon model of that particular iPhone works on Sprint due to CDMA compatibility. Tablets and Personal Hotspot devices are ineligible.

• iPhone 5c*
• iPhone 5s*
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone 7*
• iPhone 7 Plus*
• iPhone SE

As to be expected, the offer has some fine print, but there really are no significant catches or anything that should be considered a deal breaker.

• New customers only: The offer is not available to customers that already have an active Sprint account.
• No annual contract: After July 31, 2018, the free plan will convert to Sprint’s standard Unlimited Freedom plan starting at $60 per month with AutoPay. Customers don’t appear to be under any obligation to continue paying for that plan and may cancel after the first year of free service if desired.
• Keep the same phone number: Port-in from postpaid carrier required.
• SIM card purchase required: $2.99 + $10 shipping + taxes online. Also available at Sprint stores. SIM card must be activated prior to port-in.
• Activation fee rebated: A $30 activation fee will appear on the first bill and an equal credit will appear within 2 bills.
• AutoPay and eBilling required: If AutoPay and/or eBill are removed, up to a $7.99 per month charge will apply.
• Taxes and fees: A standard $1.99 admin fee, $0.40 regulatory fee, state and local taxes, and other surcharges may apply each month.
• No device upgrade allowed during first 120 days: Any upgrades prior to October 1, 2017 will require a plan change to Unlimited Freedom, and the customer will lose the remaining free months in his or her year of free service.

Sprint said this limited time offer is available until June 30. To switch, customers must purchase a SIM card from Sprint’s website or stores, activate it, and port their phone number over.

Tag: Sprint
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Eero’s new hub has twice the range and speed of its predecessor

Why it matters to you

Eero’s new hub and Beacon are designed to take on competition from Google, Samsung TP-Link, and others.

Dead zones are constant thorn in the side of anyone tasked with setting up a Wi-Fi system. Not every home is alike, and some — especially those with winding hallways and thick walls — present a real challenge for conventional routers.

One solution — mesh networking — has exploded in popularity. Over the past few months, Samsung, Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, and Google have released systems that strengthen home Wi-Fi coverage by linking multiple wireless nodes together. And now Eero, a pioneer in the field, is launching a new one of its own.

The upgraded Eero hub is twice as powerful as its predecessor, thanks to an upgraded processor, beefier antenna, and upgraded TrueMesh, the mesh algorithm that allows Eero hubs to automatically connect to each other. It delivers double the speed and range of the original Eero, the company says, but without compromising compactness — it’s the same size and form factor as before.

The new Eero hub is stuffed to the brim with technologies like tri-band radio (as opposed to the first model’s dual-band radio), which can broadcast on three wireless bands at the same time. Eero says that all three are reserved for sending and receiving data — unlike the Linksys Velop and Netgear Orbi, the new Eero doesn’t reserve one of the three bands for inter-unit communication.

The updated Eero hub is also the first to support Thread, the smart home protocol for connected devices. It competes with well-established competitors like ZigBee and Z-Wave, but Eero’s betting its ease of use will win over customers — Thread-enabled devices like connected lights, locks, and doorbells automatically connect to the Eero, and let you control devices with the Eero’s companion app and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.

Eero’s also introducing new hardware alongside the upgraded hubs: The Eero Beacon. It’s not as powerful as a full-blown hub, but it’s small enough to plug into a wall outlet, and designed to extend the range and coverage of your Wi-Fi network in hard-to-reach places like kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms. But despite its diminutive size, it’s no slouch — the Beacon provides 20 to 30 percent better performance than the first-generation Eero and packs an LED nightlight that flips on at night automatically.

Finally, Eero’s rolling out Eero Plus, a new premium security service that defends against malware and malicious third-party devices. For $100 a year (or $10 a month), Eero will prevent smartphones and laptops from “accidentally accessing sites associated with harmful content, like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.” It comes with enhanced parental controls, too, and VIP technical support with a direct line to Eero’s customer service representatives.

Despite all the new gear, Eero isn’t leaving existing owners out in the cold. Both the new Eero hub and the Beacon are backward compatible with existing systems, so hubs and Beacons added to legacy networks will work just as well as they would in new environments. And the Eero ships with a companion app that helps you decide where to position the hubs and Beacons, and sends automatic alerts when something’s wrong with the network.

The new Eero kit with one Eero hub and one Beacon is $300. A $400 package includes the hub and two Beacons, and a $500 Pro system comes with three Eero hubs. They’re available to order starting Tuesday, June 13, and begin shipping in a few weeks.