Apple Expands Transit Directions in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Michigan

Apple recently updated its Maps app to expand the availability of transit directions to several new states.

Transit data is now available in areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Michigan. Apple previously offered transit directions in Detroit, Michigan, but availability has expanded across the state.

Transit directions are new in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Full transit lines are not yet being displayed in the Maps app, but the transit directions are active.

Apple has been rolling out transit directions to major cities across the United States and around the world, but in recent weeks has concentrated on expanding it further in various states.

Transit directions were first added to Apple Maps in 2015 with the launch of iOS 9 and were initially limited to a few cities, but Apple has been introducing the feature in new markets at a steady pace.

Transit information is now live in dozens of cities and countries around the world, with a full list available on Apple’s iOS Feature Availability website.

(Thanks, Ram!)

Tag: Apple Maps
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This robot arm could soon recharge your electric car, no driver effort required

Part of convincing traditional car owners to join the electric vehicle revolution is persuading them that EVs, to paraphrase late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, “just work.” One way to do this is to offer a vastly simplified, more seamless refueling experience.

We’ve previously covered innovative ideas, such as roads capable of wirelessly charging cars as they are driven on. Now, engineers from Austria’s Graz University of Technology — working in conjunction with BMW, the Austrian Society of Automotive Engineers, and select other groups — have come up with an efficient alternative that’s sure to impress even the most seasoned of gas guzzlers. It involves a smart robotic charger that can automatically plug into any electric vehicle, no driver effort required.

“The charging system is based on a collaborative robot, [which] can operate next to any living person without danger, and is controlled by an arrangement of cameras and specific software,” Bernhard Walzel, the researcher overseeing the project, told Digital Trends. “It automatically detects an electric plug at the car and connects it to the charging station. As long as the plug is within the range of the robot, it is not necessary to place the vehicle in an exactly defined parking position.”

In order to carry out a safe plug-in process, the robot uses a variety of sensors, along with A.I. technologies such as object detection and recognition. When you park your car, the robot is able to identify its make and model, locate the charging port, and establish what kind of charging port it is. It then connects the liquid-cooled charging plug to give your battery some much-needed juice. Oh, and it can do this regardless of lighting.

“The prototype provides a future link between autonomous parking of electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure,” Walzel said. “Inductive charging is an alternative solution, but the contactless technologies are not expected to provide the required high charging power for quick charging. Conductive systems using charging cables are able to be operated with high charging power. In addition, when using standardized cables and plugs, no attachments such as charging plates or special plugs are needed at the vehicle. One of our focuses was to avoid any [need to adapt the] vehicle itself, due to issues and challenges like weight, costs or installation space.”

Other researchers on the project included Professor Mario Hirz, and Ph.D. student Helmut Brunner. Having demonstrated their proof of concept with a prototype, the researchers are now working to find ways to make the system more cost effective. Hopefully, it won’t be long before such technology finds its way onto our streets, freeways and, well, wherever gas stations are currently found.

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T-Mobile partners with Live Nation, Pandora to offer customers more perks

In addition to revealing that it’s reinventing its customer care service, T-Mobile made a few other announcements. Not only has the carrier partnered up with Live Nation to provide offers, but customers will also be getting a free year of Pandora Plus.

T-Mobile’s partnership with Live Nation brings along a few cool perks — especially for those frequent concertgoers. For starters, customers will get tickets to sold-out reserved seating at first-day prices.

Soon, you will also be able to unlock reserved seats in sold-out sections as long as you purchase them through Live Nation’s site 30 days before a select show. Starting August 21, customers can also get two $25 tickets to certain amphitheater shows as well, which you can claim through the carrier’s T-Mobile Tuesdays app.

The discounted tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis but T-Mobile will be offering new discounts in the future. As part of T-Mobile Tuesdays, customers will receive at least $10 tickets for shows across the country.

Since the summer season is coming to an end, customers will also have a few more exclusive offers at next year’s amphitheater shows such as fast lane entry. Customers will be able to skip the line at certain locations and will have an exclusive concession line during shows. For those who enjoy lawn seats, T-Mobile customers will also get free lawn chairs — which might actually come in handy.

With Pandora, customers will receive a free subscription to Pandora Plus for 12 months. That means you will get ad-free music, unlimited skips, replays, personalized stations, and offline listening.

The Pandora offer will be available starting August 28. Customers can unlock the free subscription via the T-Mobile Tuesdays app. You will have to claim the code before 5 a.m. ET on August 28, and redeem it before 5 a.m. on September 4, otherwise it will be invalid.

While news of T-Mobile partnering with Live Nation and Pandora came toward the end of the company’s event in South Carolina on Wednesday, August 15, the main topic focused on its revamped customer service model.

Rather than connecting its customers to an Interactive Voice Response System, T-Mobile connects you directly to a team of people instead. Whenever a customer calls or messages customer service, they will be in contact with the same team each time.

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Police body cams are scarily easy to hack into and manipulate, researcher finds

Although the jury’s still out on their effectiveness, body-worn cameras for police are generally viewed as a positive development. As part of an effort to make law enforcement more transparent, the hope is that they may be used to both protect civilians against excessive use of force, as well as safeguard police against unfounded complaints. But body cams are not infallible — as a security researcher recently revealed.

Speaking recently in Las Vegas at the annual hacker conference DefCon, Nuix cybersecurity expert Josh Mitchell demonstrated how it is possible to manipulate footage from police body cams. Mitchell’s demo used five different cameras — including Vievu, Patrol Eyes, Fire Cam, Digital Ally and CeeSc — and showcased how these could be hacked into and potentially altered. This could include deleting or altering footage or amending crucial metadata, including where and when footage was shot. It could also open the door to bad actors being able to track the location of police officers.

“I have uncovered that hacking [and] editing body camera footage is not just possible, but entirely too easy,” Mitchell told Digital Trends. “These systems have multiple unsecured attack points, and fail to have even the most basic security practices. One device allowed root telnet access without a password. I could replace videos on another device by simply using FTP to overwrite existing evidence files. The third device encrypted and password protected evidence files by using the file name as the encryption key. None of the devices I have tested digitally sign the evidence files. Furthermore, every device I have tested allows for unsecured firmware updates.”

For obvious reasons, this is bad news. Making it worse is the fact that the security vulnerabilities are not difficult to exploit. Mitchell was able to carry out his hacks without needing to develop any custom software. “The risks would be entirely dependent on the motivation of the individual to carry out the attack,” he said. “I would say that the impact and ease of exploitation are very high.”

Mitchell suggests several possible solutions to the problem, although implementing all of these would likely mean purchasing new devices. They include digitally signing all evidentiary information, digitally signing all device firmware, randomizing all SSID and MAC information, utilizing modern exploitation prevention mechanisms, and keeping bundled software up-to-date.

“Proactively, departments need to disable wireless connectivity,” he said, noting that this is not possible in all cases.

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Google aims for better-quality Wear OS apps with mandatory review process

Rumors have been swirling for some time now about a Google-made smartwatch to be released in the near future, but before that happens it looks like Google wants to improve the overall quality of Wear OS apps available from the Google Play Store. How is it going to do this? By introducing a new mandatory Google Play Store review process for Wear OS apps.

To be clear, the Play Store review process for Wear OS apps has been available since Wear OS 2.0 was introduced, but at the time it was optional. Now, developers have to pass the review if they want their apps to show up in the Google Play Store. The idea is that reviewing every Wear OS app will ensure that apps maintain an appropriate standard of quality.

“Designing apps for wearables is substantially different to designing for phones or tablets. There are different strengths and weaknesses, different use cases, and different ergonomics to take into consideration,” says Google.

In announcing the new initiative, Google has also revealed the criteria with which it will judge new Wear OS apps. There are eight criteria in total, grouped under “functionality” and “visual design and user interaction.” Criteria include that Wear OS apps function as expected based on an app’s description, that notifications through the app work properly, and that an app is formatted properly for square displays, round displays, or both. Developers must also include one screenshot of the Wear OS app in the listing on Google Play.

Both new and existing apps will have to meet Google’s new guidelines, though existing apps will have a little time to update to meet them. New apps will be subjected to these guidelines on and after October 1, 2018, while existing apps will have until March 4, 2019. Thankfully, Google won’t block mobile apps if their associated Wear OS apps fail — mobile apps can still be updated if Wear OS apps fail the process, but the associated Wear OS apps won’t be searchable on Google Play.

While Wear OS may have had a rough few years, it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel. A slew of new Fossil Wear OS devices have recently been released, and as mentioned, there are more devices set to show up in coming months. Hopefully, these new guidelines will improve the quality of apps on the Google Play Store.

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Google reportedly set to launch an A.I. fitness coach for smartwatches

If you’ve already been planning to get your hands on Google’s rumored Pixel Watch, it might come with a new fitness feature. According to Android Police, the tech giant is reportedly working on a health and well-being coach for Wear OS devices.

Internally, the project is being referred to as Project Wooden. But to the public, the assistant is being called ‘Google Coach’ — although, it could change before it launches.

Aside from tracking exercise, the report mentions Google Coach is apparently meant to keep you motivated to stay active as well. Using health and fitness data connected to your Google account, it might suggest workout routines or alternatives if you don’t have time to break a sweat that day. If you do end up squeezing in a workout, Coach will track your activity — which will shape and alter its suggestions.

For all-around health monitoring, Coach will even keep track of nutrition and recommend specific foods. Whether it’s a weekly meal plan or shopping list, the assistant will send recommendations right straight to your email in order to easily access it.

Android Police also notes that Coach might be able to recommend a healthy meal based on your location. That way, you won’t have to embark on the daunting task of searching through the menus of restaurants nearby for a healthy dish.

But for those who are afraid of notification fatigue from Coach, the company is aware this could be an issue. The report mentions that Google supposedly plans on grouping alerts together in one notification, with language that’s more conversational rather than authoritative.

As for availability, the report states that Google Coach will be available on Wear OS for the initial rollout, but users will have access to some features as well. Currently, the Wear OS app includes Google Fit — allowing users with smartwatches to track calories burned and distance traveled.

With Google Coach, you will most likely be able to use your phone to check data and suggestions. But to track your activity in real time, it’s assumed you need a Wear OS device. In the future, Android Police says it could also be available on Google Home and Android TV.

Pulling all that user data in order to allow Google Coach to make better, more educated suggestions might not be a big deal for users. But Google has been under some scrutiny this week after the Associated Press published an in-depth investigation on its location tracking.

In the report, the AP proved that certain Google services on Android and iPhone were storing location data even if users didn’t give permission to.

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The Beats Solo3 wireless headphones are on sale from Walmart for $150 off

Beats Solo3 Wireless

Opinions on the Beats by Dre headphones tend to be mixed among the audiophile crowd, but few can deny that they’re solid cans – something that hasn’t changed since Apple took over the brand in 2014. Although Beats remain hugely popular, they’re pretty expensive (which is the main gripe you’ll hear from critics), and so your best bet when shopping for a pair is to wait for a sale to score one at a big discount.

If you’ve been eyeballing a pair of Beats and trying to sniff out a deal, you’re in luck. Walmart just slashed the price of the Beats Solo3 wireless headphones to just $150, bringing it down to about half of its retail price tag.

Earbuds are portable and convenient, but their small drivers can never compete with larger headphones when it comes to delivering great sound quality and the deep, punchy bass that Beats have built their name on. The Beats Solo3 features a compact on-ear design with folding earcups, making them a great alternative to those earbuds for listening to your music on the go.

The Beats Solo3 headphones are wireless, utilizing Bluetooth connectivity for fast and easy syncing to your phone or other compatible media device. The internal battery offers up to 40 hours of continuous use. In the off chance that you’re running on empty, Beats Fast Fuel technology lets you get three hours of playback with a quick 5-minute charge. The on-ear controls and built-in mic also make it simple to take calls, control your media playback, and use voice commands with Siri.

The Beats Solo3 wireless headphones retail for $300, with the actual price typically hovering around the $200 to 250 range. Now, however, you can score a pair of these for just $150 from Walmart while inventory remains. This offer is limited, so if it goes out of stock, these headphones are also currently on sale on Amazon for $197 – not quite as good of a deal, but still a decent discount off the retail price.

$150 | Walmart $197 | Amazon

Looking for more great stuff? Find headphone deals and more on our curated deals page, and be sure to follow us on Twitter for regular updates.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and choose what we cover carefully and independently. If you find a better price for a product listed here, or want to suggest one of your own, email us at dealsteam@digitaltrends.com.Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

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Apple Facing Investigation in Japan Over Accusations of Anti-Competitive Behavior

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is investigating allegations that Apple pressured Yahoo Japan into pulling back from its Game Plus platform in the country, reports Nikkei.

Yahoo last fall submitted complaints about its Game Plus platform, a web-based service first launched in July 2017. Game Plus is designed to let users play games without needing to download a full app.

52 companies were participating in Games Plus at launch, according to Nikkei, including major game makers like Square Enix, and Yahoo initially planned to expand the platform into other areas, like business software.

Yahoo cut its Game Plus budget last year and pulled back on promotions for the service. According to Yahoo, it did so because of “pressure behind the scenes from Apple.” Such a platform competes with the App Store, where Yahoo also offers apps for sale.

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is said to be gathering information on the situation, which it says “may constitute interference in Yahoo’s business prohibited by the Anti-Monopoly Act.”

Nikkei says it’s unclear how the investigation will proceed, as Japanese investment company SoftBank, a major Yahoo shareholder has stepped in to mediate. Companies also often hesitate to work with authorities, according to an attorney that spoke to Nikkei, which can make it difficult to prove wrongdoing.

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Beginner Guide on How to Fly a Quadcopter

The sight of a flying camera taking recordings have been around for some time, but only a meager sum have been able to afford it because like they said, it is basically for those with large pockets.  But still, in the same vein, there are different models and types available basically on what you can afford. Regardless of whichever you purchase,  what is necessary is that you know how to operate it and that involves that you go through the necessary procedure of learning either individually or dependently.

Whichever way it turns, you need to be able to decipher what you are getting yourself into.  In this article, you will be learning how to fly a quadcopter at the first time.

What to do?

Go through the instructions properly

The principal thing you need to do after you must have purchased your drone is the manufacturer guide. This instruction manual contains all you need to know as regarding learning and maintaining the drone. In fact, it is one of the important parts you need to consider as it will come in handy should there be any problem.

Charge your quadcopter battery

Before you decide to start moving your quadcopter, you will be required to first charge the battery. It is essential that you utilize the battery and the charger the device comes with. If you have issues with battery charging, you may want to consider reaching out to the manufacturers as utilizing other units for your drones asides from the provided ones is not advisable.

Quadcopter Positioning

You have to make certain that the space you are utilizing is not close to any danger. Also be certain that you have positioned the Quadcopter as stated in the manual. You need to be aware of where the back and front of yourmodel are located. Place yourself in the back of the drone before takeoff.

Push down the quadcopter throttle

Before switching on your transmitter, hold down your throttle. Then you can turn on your transmitter. Connect the battery of the quadcopters after that. This is a very crucial sequence. When you are done with your flying session, remove the drone battery before switching the transmitter off.

Take off &landing

The initial flight maneuvering you are going to engage in is take-off and landing. You can push the throttle slowly upwards and the quadcopter will begin taking off from the ground. If the quadcopter begins to lean backward or forward, correct it by utilizing the pitch command. The same is available for the roll control. If you observe the drone leaning to any of its sides, correct it by holding it in balance.

Once you have taken off, keep the drone balanced and make efforts to land as smoothly as possible. You can do this by pushing down the throttle command. Make efforts to land it on the exact location you took off from.

Hold the position of the quadcopter after take-off

Next, you will take off and hold it in position a little above its landing area. It is crucial to remember that this phase needs concentration if you plan to hold the position. Keep the drone in place and ensure you hold it over the area you took off from as still as you can. This may initially seem difficult, but understanding this technique will help you in understanding how to begin and end you flying sessions. Additionally, it will ensure you are a safe pilot and that your device lasts for a long time.

If you don’t learn how to carry out the fundamentals of landing, take off and balancing, it will be difficult when you start the complicated aspects, so its ideal you practice this aspect for some time.

Rotating the quadcopter

One of the crucial aspects with flying quadcopters is understanding how to properly implement rotating commands. It’s best to note that rotation is controlled by the Yaw control.

If you remember the instructions, you should be behind the quadcopter. The next step will be taking off and rotating the drone. This may sound easy, but you will notice the issue the instant you try it. The quadcopter tends to change positions based on where you are standing. If you only rotate it, the drone will not correct the way it is positioned, but you will be left confused as to where its front and back are if you don’t take note.

The last step will be to create a great mental image as you fly. This will allow you to keep the drone in its appropriate course without issues. Lastly, learning to fly does not occur in a day, you will need to practice and practice until you get it.

How to Become A Better Entrepreneur

Being your own boss is a fun experience, but it also requires you to take on a lot of additional responsibility. You’re not only in charge of making sure you’re staying on task but that the business is running smoothly too.

Become a better entrepreneur by being open to listening to different ways for how you can improve your skills and develop as a boss and business owner. Never stop improving, and you’ll eventually experience a lot of success in your days. Remember the reasons why you got into the business in the first place to help keep you motivated and on the right track.

Create A Business Plan

Before you begin your venture, you need to take the time to sit down and write a well detailed and thought out business plan if you want to take your operation to new heights. It’s not a wise idea to tackle your goals blindly without a roadmap for how you’re going to achieve each objective. While it’s okay to revisit your business plan and make adjustments as time passes, you shouldn’t attempt to develop and grow your company without this important document in place.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

You’ll become a better entrepreneur when you aren’t afraid to experiment with technology. For instance, if you’re a day trader, then you’d want to spend time reviewing what platforms are out there and discovering the best return on your investment such as the tastyworks margin. Use technology to your advantage and see how quickly you’re able to achieve success and grow your business. You won’t have much to complain about when you’re seamlessly making money online with these types of advancements.

Always be Learning & Growing

Get further along with your business endeavor when you strive always to be learning and growing. Develop your skills in your downtime, listen to others and continuously be thinking of ways for how you can keep on innovating your products or services. Put yourself to the test each and every day and don’t stop challenging yourself if you want to truly thrive in the long-term. Become a better entrepreneur when you aren’t afraid to make mistakes or step outside of your comfort zone.

Find A Mentor

Although you’re a business owner, that doesn’t mean you have to go on the journey all alone. Find a mentor who you trust and has been in your shoes in the past and ask them for advice. Spend time chatting with them about your obstacles and be open to hearing what suggestions they have for you going forward. You can’t let your ego get in the way; otherwise, you may never completely develop and reach your full potential as an entrepreneur.

Conclusion

You’re never going to make it to the top if you’re afraid to expand your horizons. You’ll become a better entrepreneur when you put these tips into practice and start to challenge yourself daily. Remain positive and don’t let a few hurdles get you down or keep you from reaching your goals.