Toyota’s 2019 Corolla Hatchback supports both Alexa and CarPlay

Toyota no longer requires that you pay the premium for an Avalon to get modern smartphone integration in its cars. It just unveiled the 2019 Corolla Hatchback, whose standard trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen infortainment system with both Amazon Alexa voice control and Apple CarPlay. There’s no Android Auto, alas, but this still promises an affordable Toyota with cutting-edge voice and touch interfaces.

Naturally, there’s more. The new hatch is the first Toyota in North America to use the company’s latest Safety Sense hardware, including pre-collision alerts for cars and pedestrians, radar cruise control, lane keeping and automatic high beams. Spring for the upgraded XSE model instead of the base SE and you’ll get a 7-inch in-dash display that helps with navigation and car settings.

Toyota hasn’t divulged pricing for the Corolla Hatchback, but the car should go on sale in North America during the summer. The 2018 Corolla iM starts at $18,850 — we wouldn’t be shocked to see a higher sticker price for the Corolla Hatchback (automakers are fond of gradual increases), but that still means you’re likely to pay under $20,000. The only ones who get the short end of the stick may be Yaris buyers. Toyota just introduced the 2019 version of its entry-level sedan without any of the tech perks we just mentioned, so you’ll have to keep waiting if you want Alexa or CarPlay but can’t justify getting a Corolla.

Source: Toyota

The Boring Co. will sell giant ‘Lego-like’ building bricks

Apparently flamethrowers weren’t enough. The next merchandise Elon Musk’s Boring Company will sell are life-sized Lego bricks that you can use to build your own structures. The bricks are made of rock extracted during The Boring Company’s drilling, and according to tweets from Musk, they interlock and have a “precise surface finish” so they could double as affordable housing materials. Initially, they’ll be sold in kits to recreate versions of ancient Egyptian structures like pyramids and the Sphinx. It stands to reason that Musk could use these to build the Hyperloop infrastructure and stations, too.

Musk says the bricks are rated for California seismic loads, so they should be plenty strong, and that they’ll be bored in the middle so they aren’t nearly as heavy as they look. More than that, two people could use the bricks to build a small house’s outer structure in “a day or two.” It isn’t clear if that’s an entire house, or just the basement/foundation.

There isn’t a timeline for when you’ll be able to purchase these, either, but Musk says they’ll go on sale soon. They aren’t nearly as wild as a flamethrower, but while flamethrowers are flashy, they don’t exactly address the dearth of affordable housing in bigger cities.

Yeah, the boring bricks are interlocking with a precise surface finish, so two people could build the outer walls of a small house in a day or so

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2018

Via: Electrek

Source: Elon Musk (1) (Twitter), (2), (3)

Tesla’s overhauled navigation system will roll out this weekend

Today, Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla’s new navigation system should be rolling out this weekend. He cautioned that it won’t be fully finished, calling it a “mature beta” but promised that it would “improve rapidly.” Rather than making small improvements to the existing system, the company has chosen to fully overhaul the maps system, called “Tesla Maps”.

New nav starts rolling out this weekend. Should be considered a mature beta at first, so won’t be perfect, but will improve rapidly. With the old system, we were stuck with legacy 3rd party black box code and stale data. No way to improve.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2018

According to Electrek, the new system will have a smoother engine and much more zoom power. The website also reports that Tesla Maps will have a brand new routing engine. However, it’s not apparent what the differences between it and current systems will be, though Tesla drivers have complained of poor and inefficient routing in the past.

In December, Elon Musk touted that Tesla Maps would be “a major navigation overhaul” that’s “light years ahead” of the system on Tesla vehicles now. Considering that wording, it will certainly be interesting to see what this new nav system has in store for Tesla drivers.

Major navigation overhaul coming in early 2018. Will be light-years ahead of current system, but we are testing it rigorously before rolling out.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 21, 2017

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Twitter

Bentley is the latest luxury car maker committing to EVs

Just a few weeks after Bentley unveiled its first all-electric concept convertible, a lead designer confirmed that the car company known for its gas-guzzling vehicles could start making electric cars fairly soon. Bentley is just the latest in a long line of car makers planning to go electric, of course, with Toyota, Volvo, Porsche, Audi and of course Tesla all in the race to supply our electric car future.

According to AutoBlog, Bentley is planning on using the same electric architecture as the Porche’s Mission E, making for a faster, stronger and farther-ranging automobile. “A full electric Bentley is something I am extremely convinced we have to do,” design director Stefan Seilaff told Auto Express. “It should be a four or five-seater and it should also have the possibility to carry a little bit of luggage, maybe not for five people.”

Via: AutoBlog

Source: AutoExpress

Senate committee asks Facebook, Google and Twitter to testify on privacy

The list of people that want to hear from social media giants in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal keeps getting longer. Senator Ron Wyden wants to know how the data collection happened in the first place, and Facebook talked to Congressional staffers last week. The FTC is investigating the whole debacle, as well. Mark Zuckerberg is predictably sorry. Now the Senate Judiciary Committee has invited the CEOs of Facebook, Google and Twitter to testify on April 10th over data privacy procedures.

The Judiciary Committee has already had representatives of the three social media giants in to talk about the platforms’ specific role in handling Russian misinformation during the 2016 US elections. The chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley, has now invited Zuckerberg, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Twitter’s Jack Dorsey to appear before the panel. According to Bloomberg, the House Energy and Commerce Committees, as well as the Senate Commerce Committee, have already called on Zuckerberg to testify about Cambridge Analytica. The Facebook creator said last week he’ll visit DC if he’s the right person to appear.

Source: Bloomberg

Android malware found inside seemingly innocent QR code apps

Google is getting better at keeping Android malware out of the Play Store, and that’s leading attackers to use more sophisticated disguises for their rogue apps. SophosLabs has proof: it just detailed a recent ad-spawning malware strain, Andr/HiddnAd-AJ, that slipped into Google Play through innocent-looking QR code and compass apps. While that’s nothing new by itself, the malware used a pair of tricks to feign innocence. The hostile code was buried in what looked like a regular Android programming library, and it didn’t kick in until 6 hours after you’ve installed it.

The Google team has since pulled the malware-laden apps, and it typically learns from incidents like this as it refines its anti-malware scanning tools. And Sophos still recommends using Google Play if you can — while it’s not perfect, its scrutiny still make it safer than many third-party stores. Incidents like this mainly serve as reminders to stay skeptical and double-check the nature of apps on Google Play, even if they seem legitimate on the surface.

Via: ZDNet

Source: SophosLabs

Microsoft Edge Browser Expands to the iPad

Microsoft today announced that its Microsoft Edge browser is available for download on the iPad and Android tablets, four months after it was first released for the iPhone and Android smartphones.

Designed to create a seamless browsing experience for Windows 10 users who also have Apple or Android devices, the Microsoft Edge browser features content and data syncing between the iOS version of the app and the PC version.

A “Continue on PC” feature lets users push websites from a PC to a mobile device and vice versa (Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update required) and the “Hub View” features easy access to favorites, reading list, history, and books.

Passwords, favorites, and reading lists are all synced across devices where a user is signed in to create a personalized browsing experience no matter which device a PC user is browsing on.

Microsoft Edge also features a built-in QR code reader, voice-based search, and an InPrivate browsing mode.

Microsoft Edge for iPad and iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link] There’s also a new version of the browser for Android tablets, available from Google Play.

Tag: Microsoft
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Review: iDevices’ Instant Switch Expands Manual Control of Your Other iDevices HomeKit Accessories

Last month, popular smart home accessory manufacturer iDevices launched Instant Switch, a Bluetooth switch that pairs with other iDevices products like outlets and switches to provide an additional point of manual control.

For example, it can be paired with a hard-wired Wall Switch to provide control at another convenient place in the room without the need for wiring a second switch. Alternatively, it can be paired with a Switch or Outdoor Switch to provide convenient control of a switched outlet located in a hard to reach place behind furniture or outside.

While the Instant Switch itself doesn’t directly support HomeKit, it is indirectly compatible as it pairs with other iDevices products that are part of the HomeKit ecosystem.

The Instant Switch runs on a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts up to two years, and it can be mounted in a variety of configurations, including stuck anywhere you wish with an included 3M Command Strip, screwed into empty space in an existing electrical gang box, or even stuck stuck next to an existing gang box to make it look like an integral part of a multi-gang setup.

Instant Switch without faceplate (left) and disassembled to access battery (right)
The Instant Switch comes with a narrow white magnetic faceplate for a clean look, or you can use your own single or multiple rocker faceplate for a customized look. A built-in level in the Instant Switch makes it easy to ensure you’re mounting it correctly.

Installation is simple, and iDevices includes several parts to help with the process. An included manual walks you through the steps, which include removing the battery pull tab to power up the switch, using the iDevices Connected app to pair the Instant Switch to an existing iDevices product (which may require a firmware update if you haven’t kept up to date), and mounting the Instant Switch in your preferred location.

App setup is dead simple, as the Instant Switch automatically enters a pairing mode for 30 minutes after you activate the battery and the app will automatically spot the Instant Switch as an available device to add. The app asks you to place the Instant Switch in the location where you want to mount it in order to ensure a good wireless connection to the paired switch, and then it takes about a minute to complete the pairing process.

At that point, you can mount the Instant Switch and you should be ready to go. My Instant Switch did go through a software update as soon as I was done setting it up, but a status light on the Instant Switch that can flash or shine solid in a variety of colors lets you know what it’s doing and whether there are any problems.

The most complicated installation scenario involves installing into an existing gang box within the wall. The Instant Switch is a standard size, so it will fit easily mount into the box, but you will have to attach an included ground wire assembly and connect it to the existing ground within the box.

If you’re not installing in a gang box, things are even easier, and iDevices includes two 3M Command Strips to allow you to stick the Instant Switch securely to any surface. If you want to install it next to an existing gang box, just get a faceplate cover that’s one switch larger than the box, and you can easily attach the Instant Switch in the extra faceplate slot for a cohesive look. iDevices recommends against using metal faceplates, as they can interfere with the wireless signals, but I’ve never experienced any problems with the metal ones I use throughout my house.

iDevices Instant Switch (left) mounted to a double-gang faceplate and paired with an iDevices Wall Switch (right) installed in a single-gang box
The clever design of the Instant Switch makes it easy to mount and use, with an outline on the back of the switch making it easy to see where to stick the Command Strip, a ball level to ensure the switch is in proper position before sticking it to the wall, and a breakaway tab at the bottom of the switch that lets you get to the Command Strip for removal. The rocker switch itself can also be removed by squeezing a pair of tabs on the switch, letting you access the battery for replacement.

Rear of switch with 3M Command Strip attached (left) and switch mounted on wall (right)
I’ve spent a couple of weeks using the Instant Switch paired alternately with a Wall Switch and a Switch, and while this is a fairly straightforward product that performs one simple switching task, it can be a handy addition to your smart home — if you’re already part of the iDevices ecosystem. Unlike other some switches and buttons like the Logitech POP that are directly compatible with HomeKit and can be used to control any other HomeKit devices including entire scenes, the iDevices Instant Switch is limited to extending a single iDevices switch or outlet at a time.

Finished installation with magnetic faceplate
In one of my testing scenarios, I mounted the Instant Switch at an entry to my living room to create a 3-way setup. The room has a ceiling light controlled by an iDevices Wall Switch at one entry, so it’s nice to have a second point of control at the other entry without needing any dedicated wiring. The Instant Switch operates similarly to the company’s Wall Switch in that you have to press the top portion of the switch to turn on the light and the bottom portion to turn it off, with the switch returning to its neutral position once you release the switch. There is a very brief delay upon activating the switch as it communicates with the paired device, but it’s barely noticeable.

The Instant Switch also offers dimming capabilities when paired with a supported product like the iDevices Dimmer Switch. A single press on the Instant Switch turns the paired switch on or off, while pressing and holding will increase or decrease brightness. A double press quickly adjusts brightness to maximum or minimum.

I also tested the Instant Switch paired with a Switch tucked behind a couch that controls a table lamp in my living room. Without the Instant Switch, I’d have to use Siri, the Home app, or the iDevices app on one of my iOS devices to control the lamp, as the button on the Switch is inaccessible due to its location. With the Instant Switch, I can give that switch manual control from any location I choose within the room.

I’m looking forward to using an Instant Switch during the Christmas season to pair with the iDevices Outdoor Switch I use to control my exterior Christmas lights. I typically keep the lights on a schedule in the iDevices app, but if I need to manually turn them on or off, I currently have to pull out one of my iOS devices or venture out onto the cold front porch to hit the button on the switch. With the Instant Switch, I’ll be able to mount it right by my front door to easily turn the Christmas lights on and off while staying warm.

The Instant Switch proved easy to set up and it was fast and reliable in controlling paired accessories. At $34.95 through Amazon and other retailers, pricing is fairly competitive with similar products, and this is a well thought-out accessory, although it would be nice if it could work outside of the iDevices ecosystem. If you’re already invested in iDevices products, this is a great way to expand manual control of these smart home devices.

Note: iDevices provided the Instant Switch and a Switch to MacRumors free of charge for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.

Tag: iDevices
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Craig Federighi on Renewed Government Push for Backdoor Device Access: ‘Weakening Security Makes No Sense’

Law enforcement officials are revisiting proposals that would require tech companies to build backdoor access into electronic devices to allow for better access to data in criminal investigations, reports The New York Times.

This is an issue that was heavily debated following the 2016 legal dispute between Apple and the FBI over the iPhone 5c that belonged to San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook. The government wanted Apple to create software that would allow them to access data on the device, which Apple refused to do.

In response to rumors over renewed efforts to build such a tool, Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi told The New York Times that weakening security protections in iOS devices would be a grave mistake, maintaining Apple’s stance on the issue.

“Proposals that involve giving the keys to customers’ device data to anyone but the customer inject new and dangerous weaknesses into product security,” he said in a statement. “Weakening security makes no sense when you consider that customers rely on our products to keep their personal information safe, run their businesses or even manage vital infrastructure like power grids and transportation systems.”

Apple has continually argued for the need for improvements to device security to stay ahead of hackers and other bad actors who exploit security vulnerabilities in iOS devices. During the dispute over the San Bernardino device, Apple refused to build a backdoor tool into its devices and argued that if such a tool existed, it could easily end up in non-government hands.

Federighi has previously spoken passionately on the issue, and in early 2016, he published an op-ed in The Washington Post using the same argument he reiterated in his statement to The New York Times. iOS devices, he said, are “part of the security perimeter that protects your family and co-workers.” From Federighi in 2016:

To get around Apple’s safeguards, the FBI wants us to create a backdoor in the form of special software that bypasses passcode protections, intentionally creating a vulnerability that would let the government force its way into an iPhone. Once created, this software — which law enforcement has conceded it wants to apply to many iPhones — would become a weakness that hackers and criminals could use to wreak havoc on the privacy and personal safety of us all.

According to The New York Times, FBI and DOJ officials have been “quietly” meeting with security researchers to work on approaches that would provide “extraordinary access” to encrypted devices like the iPhone. Based on this research, DOJ officials “are convinced” there’s a way to create a backdoor to access data without weakening a device’s defense against hacking.

One method under discussion involves a special access key that would be generated when a device encrypts itself, allowing data to be unlocked without a user’s passcode. The key would be stored on the device itself, in a part of the hard drive that would be encrypted separately. Only the device manufacturer, with a court order, would be able to access it.

Susan Landau, a computer security professor at Tufts University, told The New York Times that this would create “significant additional security risks” given that “so many more tech companies” would need to access these keys to comply with the inevitable flood of law enforcement access requests.

Talks inside the executive branch have reportedly been renewed over whether to ask Congress to enact legislation that would require tech companies to create a new access mechanisms for law enforcement officials. The talks are said to be in a preliminary stage with no imminent request for legislation ready at this time.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tag: Apple-FBI
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As Apple Plans to Launch New Low-Cost iPad, Google Debuts First Chrome OS Tablet

On the eve of Apple’s education-focused event where the company is expected to debut new low-cost iPads, Google and Acer have debuted the first Chrome OS tablet.

The new Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is the first tablet to run Chrome OS, which has previously been available on laptops, desktops, and tablet/PC hybrids.

According to Google, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is designed to give schools the “easy management and shareability of Chromebook laptops” in a lightweight device that offers touch and stylus functionality along with Google Expeditions AR integration.

It features a 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 display in a 9 inch by 6.6 inch body that weighs just over 1.2 pounds. Like other Chrome OS devices, it supports Google Play, giving students and teachers access to millions of Android apps, and it can be managed by IT professionals right alongside other Chromebook devices a school might already have in use.

There’s a built-in 2-megapixel HD webcam at the front of the tablet, along with two speakers and a microphone. A 5-megapixel rear camera is designed to allow children to capture photos and videos, and it features a 9-hour battery for all-day usage.

Inside, the Chromebook Tab 10 is powered by a 6-core 3399 RockChip processor and it includes 4GB of RAM and 32GB integrated memory. It charges via an included USB-C port that can also power other devices.

Each Chromebook tablet comes equipped with a low-cost Chromebook Wacom EMR stylus that doesn’t require charging or pairing. It uses advanced machine learning to “predict student writing for a natural writing experience” with zero-latency digital input for drawing, taking notes, and more.

Chromebooks are popular, easy-to-use low-cost options that many schools have already adopted, which is what Apple has to compete with through its rumored low-cost iPad. Acer plans to sell the Chromebook Tab 10 for $329 starting in April, and that’s a price point Apple may be planning to beat.

Rumors have suggested Apple’s new low-cost iPad will have a price tag as low as $259, and to match some of the features available with Chrome OS devices, Apple may be planning to include support for the Apple Pencil.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last week that Apple Pencil support is “likely” for the new low-cost iPad. It’s not clear if Apple will introduce a lower-cost Apple Pencil to go along with the tablet, though, as the Apple Pencil is currently priced at $99.

Aside from Apple Pencil support and a possible price tag, we don’t know much about the tablet that Apple plans to introduce tomorrow, but we don’t have long to wait to find out details. Apple won’t be live streaming its event, but we’ll have coverage here at MacRumors.com and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.

For more on what we might see at tomorrow’s event, make sure to check out our what to expect post.

Related Roundup: iPadTags: Google, AcerBuyer’s Guide: iPad (Don’t Buy)
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