Automatic’s new car adaptor uses 3G without a subscription

Automatic just announced a new adapter that plugs into your car’s ODB port with an unlimited 3G connection instead of using your phone’s Bluetooth to talk to the company servers. The new Automatic Pro continues the startup’s desire to not charge a subscription fee and will only cost $129.95. That’s it.

The new always-connected adapter also comes with a new companion app. In addition to fancy new animations while a car is driving, it also has customizable notifications, deeper integration with online scripting service IFTTT (If This Then That). The new application only works with the Automatic Pro. Owners of the first and second generation adapters will continue to use the legacy app.

Getting the company’s adapters on a cellular network without charging customers a subscription has been part of Automatic’s plan since day one. “People don’t want another subscription,” he said. “We knew we always wanted to go cellular because of all the benefits of cellular. Now it’s an exciting time because we’re finally able to do that.”

So whether you want to track your trips, quantify your driving style, or just be able to figure out why your check engine light is on, the new Automatic Pro now does it even when you’re not in the car.

Source: Automatic

ICYMI: Amazingly old sharks and drones for the sea

Today on In Case You Missed It: A new study just published in Science details the carbon dating process used to find the average age of Greenland sharks is 272, along with pegging one at a likely age of 512. Those engineered shark cell injections for longevity can’t come soon enough. By comparison, the Reef Scouts from Ocean Lab are relatively new additions to the sea, with multiple water drones that flock together when only one is controlled.

If you’re interested in the animatronic shark suit in today’s opening, that video is here. The video of a 43-week clean-up on a Mumbai beach is here; use it to get your somehow, still-not-recycling family members onboard. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.

New Report Confirms ‘iPhone 7’ and ‘iPhone 7 Plus’ Names, Effectively Ending ‘iPhone 7 Pro’ Rumors

The assumed names of this year’s iPhone lineup — “iPhone 7” and “iPhone 7 Plus” — have been confirmed by “reliable sources” speaking with Japanese site Mac Otakara. The sources said that Apple is following this name scheme to avoid confusion of having back-to-back iPhones with “S” in the name, even though the iPhone 7 will largely be a minor update over the iPhone 6s.

The new report nixes the chance for an additional third tier “iPhone 7 Pro,” which was a rumored dual-lens alternative to the single-lens “iPhone 7 Plus” early in the rumor cycle. The less-powerful camera option was said to be created by Apple as a fallback in case the dual-lens technology didn’t pan out. Now that everything seems to be going well for the company in this area, and mockups have repeatedly shown a dual-lens camera enclosure, it makes sense for Apple to revert to the well-known “Plus” moniker for its next-generation 5.5-inch dual-lens iPhone, and drop any reference to “Pro” altogether.

Otherwise, Mac Otakara reiterates on the expected rumors of the iPhone 7: there won’t be a 3.5 mm headphone jack, it will house an A10 chip, and it will introduce a new flush, capacitive Home Button in lieu of the traditional physical switch. That last aspect of the new iPhone has been a bit more up in the air in the weeks ahead of the September launch, since it’s hard to fully decipher whether recent image mockups confirm one way or the other if the Home Button is pressure-sensitive or not.

It’s believed that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be revealed at an Apple event on September 7, with pre-orders beginning two days later on September 9. A recent leak from AT&T has pushed back the reported launch of the new iPhone, however, suggesting that Apple could be preparing a wide release on September 23, although the original rumor of September 16 is also still a viable option.

Related Roundup: iPhone 7
Tag: macotakara.jp
Discuss this article in our forums

Automatic Launches New ‘Automatic Pro’ Car Adapter With Always-On Subscription-Free 3G Connectivity

Automatic today announced the launch of its next-generation connected car adapter, the Automatic Pro. The Automatic Pro, built on the second-generation Automatic Adapter, is the company’s new flagship adapter, equipped with 3G cellular connectivity.

With an always-on 3G connection that carries no subscription fees, the Automatic Adapter is no longer reliant on an iPhone for functionality. Data is collected continuously, even when someone else is driving or when a smartphone isn’t in the car.

Like the existing Automatic Adapter, the new version plugs into a car’s OBD-II port to provide information like distance traveled, gas used, time spent in the car, and more. In addition to offering notifications to advise drivers on how to optimize speeds, save gas, and monitor engine alerts, the Automatic Pro can also do things like let users know when the time limit on a parking spot is up or connect with emergency services in the event of an accident with real-time vehicle location tracking.

“We’re excited to be using the power of cellular connectivity to build upon the offerings of the second generation adapter and combine a beautiful, scalable UI with an extensive range of features that will help consumers the most,” said Ljuba Miljkovic, Co-Founder of Automatic.

Along with the Automatic Pro, Automatic is launching a new Automatic app featuring customizable notifications, built-in IFTTT integration, the aforementioned emergency crash alert feature, and more advanced engine light diagnostics.

The Automatic Pro adapter is available beginning today for $129.95. It can be purchased from Automatic.com, Best Buy, or Amazon and it includes no ongoing service fees.

Tag: Automatic
Discuss this article in our forums

Best wallet cases for Moto G4

What’s the best wallet case for Moto G4?

The Moto G4’s shape lends itself nicely to a wallet case, since it has a broad, flat front. Let’s face it: Thanks to its price, you’ll probably have a few bucks left over after you buy the phone. You just need somewhere to keep ’em!

Here are some of the best wallet cases you can get for your Moto G4, so that your pockets aren’t overloaded, but your bank account can be!

• Abacus 24-7
• Innovaa
• NageBee
• J&D
• Orzly

Abacus 24-7 wallet w/ flip cover

The Abacus 24-7 wallet case is the best-reviewed Moto G4 wallet case on Amazon, and for good reasons.

The synthetic leather is durable and doesn’t feel cheap like some “pleather” can, even though you can find this case for around $10. It provides a double layer of protection in that you have the leather wallet, but you also have a TPU bumper into which your Moto G4 fits nicely and snugly, protecting it from bumps and dings.

The case folds into a stand so that you can watch movies, TV shows, and YouTube hands-free, and there’s enough room for a few credit cards and even some cash.

You have your choice of black or gold and either pairs well with the black finish on your Moto G4.

If you’re looking for a leather case but don’t want real leather, either for ethical reasons or because you don’t want it to get marked up, then the Abacus 24-7 wallet case is ideal for you and your phone.

See at Amazon

Innovaa premium leather wallet case

Innovaa’s PU leather wallet cases are for folks who like their phone case to make a statement without having to break the bank to do so. They come in seven bold colors and patterns, including a rather eye-catching light pink and a neat geometric “Dreamstime” pattern.

The magnetic closure is tight and secures three credit cards and your cash snugly, while the free screen protector and TPU bumper inside help keep your Moto G4 protected from scratches, bumps, and dings.

The flip cover folds back into a stand for hands-free viewing, and the cutouts for the camera and ports are precise, so you won’t struggle to plug your phone in when it’s charging time.

If you’re after the leather look but don’t want to spend too much and would prefer a synthetic leather case that adds a bit of “pop” to your Moto G4, Innovaa’s cases are perfect for you.

See at Amazon

NageBee premium PU leather wallet case

NageBee’s PU leather wallet cases are probably the prettiest cases in this roundup and a deserve their place because the designs are magnificent.

You could pick the black or brown cases, sure, but the real beauty in these cases comes in the form of three beautiful graphics: “Butterfly Tree”, “Plum Blossom”, and “Royal Totem”. Butterfly Tree is my favorite!

All in all, the NageBee PU leather wallet case is pretty similar to any of the other cases in this roundup, so you’re getting the same quality, a great magnetic closure, a flip cover that folds back into a stand, etc.

NageBee’s cases are all about the gorgeous designs, so if you’re reluctant to cover up your Moto G4 but know you need a wallet case, cover it up in one (or all) of these lovely wallet cases (they’re only around $10!).

See at Amazon

J&D Slimfit wallet stand case

If you’re looking for a wallet case for your Moto G4 but don’t want anything bulky, then J&D’s Slimfit wallet case should be your choice.

These cases protect your Moto G4 from dust and dirt, as well as drops, thanks to the inner TPU case, while also comfortably carrying three cards and a bit of cash, so that you don’t have to have both your wallet and your phone in your pocket.

J&D synthetic leather cases come in four great-looking colors: aqua (my favorite), black, brown, and red. So if you want the classic leather look, you can go with black or brown, but go with aqua or red for some pizzazz (yeah, I said pizzazz).

If a slim wallet case is what you’re after, then J&D’s wallet case is perfect for your pocket or clutch, and starting around $11, you might as well grab one of each.

See at Amazon

Orzly multi-function wallet case

Orzly is a mainstay of great phone cases and its multi-function wallet case for Moto G4 is another great addition to its repertoire.

This is probably the sturdiest wallet case in this roundup and it offers excellent protection, especially for a wallet case. Its textured exterior is enough to stand up to scratches and scrapes, while the inner TPU bumper absorbs bumps and dings. It has all the features you’d want in a wallet case: it can comfortably hold three cards and a bit of cash; its cover folds back into a stand; and the cutouts are exactly where they should be, so you can take photos and charge ‘er up without having to take your Moto G4 out.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated-looking wallet case for your Moto G4, then Orzly’s case is for you.

See at Amazon

What’s in your wallet?

I’ll assume it’s the Moto G4, but what wallet case are you using? Is it in our roundup/? Let us know in the comments below!

Moto G4 and G4 Plus

• Moto G4 Plus review
• Moto G4 and G4 Plus specs
• The latest Moto G4 news
• Join our Moto G4 and G4 Plus forums!

Moto G4:

Amazon
Motorola

Moto G4 Plus:

Amazon
Motorola

Leak shows Fitbit Charge 2 and Flex 2 in stunning detail

A new high-quality leak has shown off the unreleased Fitbit Charge 2 and Flex 2. The images were published by TechnoBuffalo, and show the upcoming wearables in superb detail. 

The most interesting of the two new fitness-focused wearables is the Charge 2, which looks to bridge the gap between the original Charge and the more high-end Surge. Both of which will presumably be discontinued now that we have the Alta and the Blaze as well. 

While the last version of the Charge has a simple, small display to show the time and some other basic information, the Charge 2 has a much larger display. The leaked information suggests that this display will be used to show smartphone notifications, as well as the time and heart rate information. 

• Which Fitbit is right for me?
• Fitbit Blaze review: Trailblazer or fitness failure?
• Fitbit Alta review: High praise for low-level fitness tracking

It also seems as though Fitbit will only release one version of the Charge 2. Rather than have a regular version and an “HR” version, the Charge 2 will come equipped with a heart-rate monitor as standard. 

The Charge 2 is also set to feature interchangeable bands, meaning you’ll be able to swap out the strap for a different look whenever it suits you. 

Apart from that, it’s the regular Fitbit design language, with a flexible strap made from a textured rubber-like material. In a lot of ways, it just looks like a bigger version of the Alta.

As is standard for fitness trackers, it’ll monitor your sleep and can track multiple different sports. 

TechnoBuffalo

As for the Flex 2, that’s a much simpler device which will undoubtedly cost less. Like the Charge 2, it’ll track activity and sleep but is also swim proof, so you should be able to take it for a few laps around your local pool. 

Rather than have a display like the Charge 2, the Flex 2 will use a series of five LEDs to show your progress. 

Interestingly, there’s also mention of interchangeable accessories. This suggests that various third party manufacturers and designers will be able to create bespoke wrist bands and necklaces for the Flex 2, just like the current Flex. 

There’s no word on when the new Fitbits will be introduced yet, but the “NOV 27” onscreen could be hinting at a release just in time for last minute holiday gift buying. 

Intel says new USB Type-C spec will ease headphone jack loss

Judging by comments on articles about Apple’s next iPhone and the Moto Z smartphone, the public is not crazy about ditching the headphone jack. However, Intel and its partners have embraced the idea, and at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), company architects Rahman Ismail and Brad Saunders explained why. It’s all about changes to the USB Type-C standard that will “really make the USB Type-C the right connector for audio,” said Sanders.

USB Type-C is used on Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7, the OnePlus 3 and the Huawei-built Google Nexus 6P, along with the Chromebook Pixel and MacBook laptops. The Moto Z also uses it, and so far it’s the only device to nix the 3.5mm audio port in favor of the newfangled connector.

The idea is to get consumers to use dedicated USB Type-C or wireless headphones, or plug in an (easily lost) adapter for their traditional 3.5mm wired models. Consumers are naturally worried that such an adapter won’t come in the box, meaning they won’t be able to use their favorite wired phones without spending even more on a dongle.

However, Saunders thinks users will come around thanks to the advantages of the updated standard for USB C. It eliminates the analog to digital circuitry needed in phones, letting manufacturers make them slimmer, he said. It would also allow for more pristine sound, noise cancelling, and effects like extra base or “concert hall” reverb.

The revised spec also supports “granular” power management, letting the system shut off a microphone if you’re just using your headphones for music, for instance. That should ensure that USB audio doesn’t suck much more power than a headphone jack.

Intel also revealed a new type of video standard that will be incorporated into USB Type-C. While not a replacement for HDMI, Ismail said “it’s good enough to do productivity work or watch movies, but not for a gaming system.” It’ll even work if you’re using a hub to plug multiple devices into a single USB Type-C port.

The updated USB Type-C standard also includes device authentication, making for better security. It will be unveiled later this year, according to Intel. Like all such standards, however, there will be multiple specifications, so your phone’s USB Type-C port might not have the same capability at all as the one on your laptop.

Via: CNET

Source: Intel Developer Forum

The ISS crew will install a parking spot for space taxis

Space taxis made by Boeing and SpaceX could carry astronauts to the ISS as soon as 2017, and NASA has begun preparing for their arrival. On Friday, astronauts Jeff Williams and Kate Rubins will do a six-and-half-hour spacewalk to install a parking spot where the taxis can dock. Previous crew members already laid out hundreds of feet of power and data cables, so the duo will be in charge of finishing the job. They’ll get some help from their helper robot, the Canadarm2, which will extract the dock from the SpaceX Dragon capsule that carried it on board later today. Canadarm2 will also position the dock just a few inches away from where it’s supposed to be attached.

NASA named SpaceX and Boeing as its two top picks for the Commercial Crew Program back in 2012. That gave the two access to most of the agency’s money earmarked for the project, though Boeing received almost twice the funding its rival got. Despite getting a smaller cut of the funding, SpaceX and its Crew Dragon vehicle could start ferrying astronauts to the ISS first, because Boeing is reportedly grappling with delays.

If you want to watch Rubins’ first spacewalk and the dock’s installation, make sure to fire up NASA TV on Friday, August 19th. The livestream will go online as early as 6:30AM Eastern, but the spacewalk itself isn’t scheduled to start until 8:05AM.

Source: NASA, (Tumblr)

Pizza Hut delivers the world’s first playable DJ pizza box

The major brands won’t admit it, but it’s pretty hard to innovate in the pizza-making industry. Stuffed crust and sausage-ringed pizza are now well established, so companies like Domino’s and Pizza Hut are turning to clever marketing gimmicks to ensure sales keep ticking over. One such stunt is today’s launch of the “world’s first playable DJ pizza box” from Pizza Hut, which is a standard cardboard container rigged up with touch-sensitive decks, a mixer and other controllable buttons.

Created by printed electronics expert Novalia, the battery-powered box connects to your computer or smartphone via Bluetooth and is compatible with DJ software like Serato DJ. As Rinse FM’s DJ Vectra demonstrates in the video embedded below, you can scratch, rewind, control pitch and crossfade.

If the promise of a grease-covered slipmat has you all excited, Pizza Hut says it will give a small number of them away. However, they will be limited to just five of Pizza Hut’s 350 UK restaurants. To find out where they are available, make sure to keep an eye on the company’s official UK Twitter feed.

Ford Announces Plans For Fully Autonomous Self-Driving Car By 2021

Ford Motor Company has announced its plans to build a fleet of fully automated driverless vehicles for commercial ride-sharing by 2021, according to Reuters.

The company said it was increasing its investments in technology firms and tripling its investment in semi-autonomous systems, which would entail doubling the size of its Palo Alto research team while expanding its campus in Silicon Valley.

Ford has more than 100 researchers working at its Silicon Valley campus (Image: AFP)
Ford made no mention of Apple or Google in its announcement, suggesting it sees itself competing against other tech companies who have their own car plans, rather than teaming up with them.

Ken Washington, Ford’s vice president of research, told Reuters it was important to signal that Ford intends to win in this space. “We’re saying to partners, we are the winning partner. It’s not a hollow promise, it’s a real intent,” Washington said.

“Launching a self-driving car first for ride-sharing is a better way to reach the mass market and make the cars more affordable,” said Ford Chief Technical Officer Raj Nair. The company is unlikely to offer a similar driverless car without steering wheel or pedals to consumers until 2025 or later, explained Nair.

Ford said it would invest in “Level 4” autonomy, referring to standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The levels represent the degree of autonomous sophistication, with Level 4 being “high automation”, meaning the car is able to drive unmonitored in a specific use case – a city area, in Ford’s vision, for instance.

Nair said the company wasn’t willing to let drivers take control from a level two or three vehicle at a moment’s notice, citing safety concerns. “We don’t yet know how to manage hand over back to the driver and have him engage and have him situationally aware, and be able to do that in a safe aware manner,” he said, without mentioning Tesla’s recent troubles.

The death of a Tesla driver in May who was using the company’s “Autopilot” system but had his hands off the wheel has highlighted the confusion over drivers’ responsibilities in a semi-autonomous car. Just yesterday, Tesla went so far as to remove the word “autopilot” from its China website after a driver in Beijing who crashed while the mode was active complained that the company had misled them about its capability.

“We abandoned the stepping-stone approach,” added Ford chief executive Mark Fields, who believed there are too many risks involved in the safe “hand-over” of driving responsibility between car and driver.

Several sources indicate Apple is exploring various levels of autonomy in its much rumored car project, and has already met with California DMV officials regarding self-driving laws within the state.

The company’s so-called Apple Car, codenamed “Project Titan” internally, is reportedly being headed up by former longtime executive Bob Mansfield, who last served as Senior Vice President of Technologies at the company. Last month it was reported that Apple’s rumored 2020 target for launching the electric vehicle may have slipped to 2021.

Related Roundup: Apple Car
Discuss this article in our forums