Yearly Archives: 2015

Intel and Google made a Tango phone with 3D RealSense

Intel and Google made a Tango phone with 3D RealSense

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Google and Intel have paired up to develop a Project Tango smartphone that uses RealSense cameras, shown off for the first time at IDF 2015. The Android smartphone follows in the footsteps of Google’s first Project Tango tablet, which went on sale for developers some months back, but shrinks the technology down to a pocket-sized form factor.

Project Tango, if you’ve not been keeping up, was one of the fruits of Google’s ATAP division. Using a number of different camera sensors, the system can build 3D maps of the world around it in real-time.
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https://www.slashgear.com/intel-and-google-made-a-tango-phone-with-3d-realsense-18398051/

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser revealed with plenty of off-road tech

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser revealed with plenty of off-road tech

Cars, , , , , , ,

This week Toyota has revealed the 2016 Land Cruiser – the model headed for the United States, in this case – complete with the first eight-speed automatic in this line. The 2016 Land Cruiser will be rolling with a 5.7-liter V8 with 401 kb-ft of torque and 381 horsepower to boot. Technology inside this vehicle includes a new TORSEN limited-slip locking center differential, bringing a torque distribution to 40:60 front to rear with further wheel slippage grip, with Active Traction control (A-TRAC) for both brake and throttle intervention to cut down on wheel spin.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-toyota-land-cruiser-revealed-with-plenty-of-off-road-tech-18398143/

Opera Max data saver adds support for YouTube, Netflix

Opera Max data saver adds support for YouTube, Netflix

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Opera has pushed out an update for its Opera Max Android app, and with it comes much-awaited support for both Netflix and YouTube. Opera Max is an app that compresses content and manages data usage to maximize how much browsing you can do with your carrier’s monthly data allotment. According to Opera, the app will save data across 3G/4G /LTE and Wi-Fi networks by up to 50 percent. One of its big bragging points is that its compression comes with minor quality loss, so much so that users aren’t likely to notice any changes in the content’s quality.
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https://www.slashgear.com/opera-max-data-saver-adds-support-for-youtube-netflix-18398150/

Infinix HOT 2 phone kicks off Android One in Africa

Infinix HOT 2 phone kicks off Android One in Africa

Phones, , , , ,

The Android One program, which was introduced about a year ago in India, has expanded into Africa, Google has announced. Half a dozen African countries have been added to the Android One roster. Google cites an Internet Society study that indicates 23 percent of Africa’s mobile phone will be online by the end of 2015. The Android One program will help this along, says Google, with the introduction of the HOT 2 phone in six regions.
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https://www.slashgear.com/infinix-hot-2-phone-kicks-off-android-one-in-africa-18398153/

Google OnHub will be the first Brillo device for Google On

Google OnHub will be the first Brillo device for Google On

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Google OnHub was revealed today by Google as the first doorway to a full smart home ecosystem. This service will be tied together with software protocols revealed in part earlier this year as Google Brillo and Google Weave. When Brillo was first revealed earlier this year, then-SVP of Product (now CEO) for Google Sundar Pichai showed how your smartphone would connect to all the Brillo-enabled smart devices in your home using a common-language protocol called Weave. This is the beginning of the smart home system called Google On.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-onhub-will-be-the-first-brillo-device-for-google-on-18398100/

Intel Tango phone hands-on: Android RealSense

Intel Tango phone hands-on: Android RealSense

Phones, , , , , , , , ,

Intel’s RealSense 3D camera technology always seemed like a natural bedfellow with Google’s Project Tango, and sure enough they’ve met up at IDF 2015.

The Android phablet isn’t expected to ship for developers until the end of the year, but Intel brought along a handful of prototypes – along with some apps to make use of them – to its annual event, which is where I caught up with the smartphones to see what’s new.
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https://www.slashgear.com/intel-tango-phone-hands-on-android-realsense-18398109/

Tesla’s Autopilot feature descends on some Model S testers

Tesla’s Autopilot feature descends on some Model S testers

Cars, , , , , , , , ,

Hinting that the feature might soon be released to the public, provided it doesn’t hit a major snag, some Tesla Mode S beta testers are receiving a promised update that adds a bit of smarts to the already high-profile electric vehicle. While not exactly a fully autonomous feature unlike Google’s self-driving car,Tesla’s autopilot features do bring a touch of autonomy, if not assisted driving, to the mix, with a promise of an even more intelligent, self-learning software in the still undetermined future.
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https://www.slashgear.com/teslas-autopilot-feature-descends-on-some-model-s-testers-18398172/

ZTE Warp Elite budget Android phone hits Boost Mobile

ZTE Warp Elite budget Android phone hits Boost Mobile

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ZTE has a new budget smartphone, the ZTE Warp Elite. The Warp Elite has launched through Boost Mobile, where it is priced at $180 USD. Unlike many budget phones, the ZTE Warp Elite features a large 5.5 inch display and other specs that are — at least in relation to the phone’s price tag — fairly notable. This includes a 13 megapixel rear camera and the use of Android Lollipop 5.1, an atypically large battery, and a sleek, non-cheesy design.
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https://www.slashgear.com/zte-warp-elite-budget-android-phone-hits-boost-mobile-18398164/

BlackBerry Leap review: an old phone with a fresh face

BlackBerry Leap review: an old phone with a fresh face

Phones, ,

Two years ago, BlackBerry finally broke free of the monotonous cycle it had entrenched itself in by launching its first all-touchscreen device, the Z10. Despite it being a costly flop, the company formerly known as RIM has continued to explore touchscreen territory with the help of its poke-friendly BB10 OS. BlackBerry is no longer a stranger to the form factor: It quickly followed up the Z10 with the Z30, and now the new BlackBerry Leap. There’s little that separates BlackBerry’s three main touchscreen devices as far as internals are concerned, and therein lies the main problem with the Leap. Instead of trying something different, BlackBerry has kept well within its comfort zone and pushed out another mid-range, touchscreen handset that’s marginally divergent from its predecessors. Don’t get me wrong: If a Leap lands on your desk to replace an old work phone, you’ll no doubt get on with it just fine. But, if your own money is on the table, you’re probably going to want to take it elsewhere.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/05/11/blackberry-leap-review/

EE Harrier and Harrier Mini review

EE Harrier and Harrier Mini review

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EE’s Kestrel was its first own-brand 4G smartphone, meant for those wanting breakneck mobile data speeds without breaking the bank. One year on, the Kestrel is coming to the end of its life, and when remaining stock is depleted, it’ll disappear from the network’s handset roster. The market for affordable 4G smartphones isn’t vanishing anytime soon, however, which is why EE’s readied a replacement for the Kestrel prior to its retirement. Actually, make that two: the new EE Harrier and Harrier Mini.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/05/22/ee-harrier-and-harrier-mini-review/

ZTE Axon review: a powerhouse that punches above its weight

ZTE Axon review: a powerhouse that punches above its weight

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A few weeks ago, I got a look at a curious kind of mobile marketing head-fake: A new company called “Axon” no one had ever heard of promised the moon and stars in the form of a shiny, seemingly impressive $450 smartphone. As it turned out, Axon wasn’t an upstart smartphone maker taking on stodgy giants — it was a sub-brand of Chinese OEM ZTE trying to make something cooler than it’s normally known for. The ruse worked in that it got a bunch of jaded nerd journalists to an event in the middle of Manhattan in the rain, but is the phone itself actually worth that trouble? Did ZTE finally figure out how to make a phone that wary US consumers might flock to? The answer might surprise you.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/27/zte-axon-review/

Next month Comcast will turn off the Xbox 360 app Netflix hated

Next month Comcast will turn off the Xbox 360 app Netflix hated

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When it launched in 2012, Comcast’s Xfinity Xbox 360 app became a lightning rod for controversy. That’s because to some (like Netflix CEO Reed Hastings) it was a symbol of the cable giant’s abuse of network neutrality by streaming video that didn’t count against its own bandwidth caps. Since then, the app hasn’t quite turned the video market on its head, Comcast failed to acquire Time Warner Cable, Netflix grew by a few (tens of millions of) customers and now users report the ISP has sent emails out indicating the Xfinity app will disappear September 1st. Windows Central contacted Comcast via Twitter and heard back that “We are removing this to make way for new updates and improvements to our online experience for customers.”
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/17/comcast-will-turn-off-its-xbox-360-app-september-1st/

Next month Comcast will turn off the Xbox 360 app Netflix hated

You can now send money to friends with your Apple Watch

Wearables, , , , ,

If you’ve ever wanted to quickly send money to a pal to cover your share of the restaurant bill, you can now do so with your Apple Watch.

Square has just updated its iOS Cash app — which lets you send money to anyone via email or text — so that it also loads on the wearable from Cupertino.

Simply enter in the amount you wish to pay in increments of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 or $100, tap in the appropriate contact info, and your friend will get her money back in a matter of seconds.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/18/square-cash-apple-watch/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANuF3gF6oQjEUXfM7rPCG798fQkFVEBWZAhWkEI6_j3OyDlx9od2sGiJoOX9kpCaKbGZJkGBBxtFw_gDwEIEvHcm-EQLbM9IKkZbgHvKoL04ruDp95xa5a_h3p5uyyCqIxST80XMJPcvjDvVfupZwuQUeRLpv38habi721wV5xrx

LG TONE ULTRA HBS-810 BT headset offers premium on a budget

LG TONE ULTRA HBS-810 BT headset offers premium on a budget

Wearables, , , ,

Not even a month after it announced the availability of the Tone Active, LG is revealing yet another member of its TONE Bluetooth Headset family. This time the focus is on budget-conscious consumers. The newest LG TONE ULTRA, model HBS-810 to be exact, combines two things that no buyer can resist or will tire of hearing: premium quality and the promise of an affordable price tag. Packaged in an a now familiar “neck brace” design, the LG TONE ULTRA HBS-810 will be available later this month.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lg-tone-ultra-hbs-810-bt-headset-offers-premium-on-a-budget-18397911/

Misfit Speedo Shine tracks swimmers in their natural habitat

Misfit Speedo Shine tracks swimmers in their natural habitat

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Fitness tracking device maker Misfit has teamed up with sports equipment specialist Speedo to cross-brand their way into a unique kind of smart device. The Speedo Shine takes the abilities of previous Misfit Shine devices and dives in to the water. The Speedo Shine will be able to track fitness, swimming, and sleep in a waterproof package, waterproof up to 50 meters under the surface of the drink. This is the first Misfit device to be tested with the high-accuracy underwater requirements set by Speedo’s own Aqualab.
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https://www.slashgear.com/misfit-speedo-shine-tracks-swimmers-in-their-natural-habitat-18397852/

Apple Watch drops appointment requirement for store try-ons

Apple Watch drops appointment requirement for store try-ons

Wearables, , , , ,

Now that all the hoopla surrounding the Apple Watch’s debut has settled down, with Apple now directly selling the smartwatch in its retail stores, the company has made a similar change to its policies of try-ons. Customers no longer need to schedule an appointment in advance to try on the Apple Watch, which meant picking a specific store, time, and providing an Apple ID. When the Watch first went on sale in April, appointment were required for try-ons, and sales were limited to Apple’s online store.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-drops-appointment-requirement-for-store-try-ons-18398032/

Replaceable Battery and microSD slot on Phones: how critical are they?

Replaceable Battery and microSD slot on Phones: how critical are they?

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Samsung has just unveiled its two latest phablet masterpieces and, naturally, they are the talk of the town. But some of those voices raised aren’t as welcoming as Samsung might have hoped. Because just as we expected and equally dreaded, the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ did lack two features: a removable battery and a microSD card slot. And just as expected, it did not sit well with the very same group of people, the “productivity users”, that Samsung is trying to win over. But how important are these two features today anyway?
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https://www.slashgear.com/replaceable-battery-and-microsd-slot-on-phones-how-critical-are-they-14397148/

Galaxy Note 5 drop test shows how tough the phablet is

Galaxy Note 5 drop test shows how tough the phablet is

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Drop tests are one of the things that many smartphone buyers want to see before they drop big money on a new smartphone. Odds are your device is going to get dropped at some point and the last thing you want is for the first drop to be the end of your device. A new drop test of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has turned up on YouTube to give us an idea how strong the smartphone it.

When dropped from 1 meter onto tile, the Note 5 survives with minor spiderweb cracks on the back. The next test was a drop of the phone onto its edge on tile. The phone survived that test very well with little damage.
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-note-5-drop-test-shows-how-tough-the-phablet-is-18398018/

Mercedes teases super-luxe S-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes teases super-luxe S-Class Cabriolet

Cars, , , ,

Pebble Beach might have been jam-packed with luxury convertibles, butMercedes-Benz thinks there’s space for its own take on high end drop-top glamour. The S-Class Cabriolet has been cropping up in spy shots for some time now, and Mercedes has finally relented and shared a render of what the open-top should look like. Think along the lines of four seats and ridiculous levels of luxury.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mercedes-teases-super-luxe-s-class-cabriolet-17397796/

Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge+ T-Mobile release bumped up to tomorrow

Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge+ T-Mobile release bumped up to tomorrow

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Apparently T-Mobile USA customers weren’t super thrilled when they heard the news about preorders earlier today. Verizon customers are getting their Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ devices before T-Mobile customers, and they were jumping mad about it. As such, CEO John Legere decided to push up the launch of their own models of the device, making them available for general sale starting tomorrow. This means the device will be online only starting at 6AM PT through T-Mobile USA.
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-note-5-and-s6-edge-t-mobile-release-bumped-up-to-tomorrow-17397869/

Blackphone 2 packing larger screen to land in September

Blackphone 2 packing larger screen to land in September

Phones, , , , , ,

Smartphone users who are concerned about privacy and security may want to wait until September to buy a new smartphone. September is the month confirmed for the launch of the Blackphone 2 smartphone. Among the improvements that smartphone will bring to the mix is a larger screen. The original Blackphone launched in 2014.

 

That original device ran a modified version of Android called PrivatOS at launch and then renamed to Silent OS. Silent OS is a version of Android focused on privacy and it has no bloatware inside, carrier software, or apps that might leak data.
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https://www.slashgear.com/blackphone-2-packing-larger-screen-to-land-in-september-18398027/

Ford Focus ST performance upgrade kit makes 275hp

Ford Focus ST performance upgrade kit makes 275hp

Cars, , , ,

Traditionally anything you do to a car to upgrade the power from factory levels will void your warranty. That won’t stop most automotive enthusiasts, but it does stop a few folks from modifying their cars. If you own a Ford Focus ST,Ford has a new performance upgrade kit that will give you some more power to play with and allows you to keep your factory warranty intact.

The performance upgrade kit for the 2015 Focus ST ups power output to 275hp and 296 lb-ft of torque.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ford-focus-st-performance-upgrade-kit-makes-275hp-18398013/

ASUS’ higher end ZenPad S 8.0 model is finally here

ASUS’ higher end ZenPad S 8.0 model is finally here

Tablets, , , , ,

If you’ve been waiting for ASUS to finally show its hand in the premium Android tablet market, then wait no more. After what might have felt like an eternity for ASUS fans and interested buyers, the manufacturer has finally launched the highest end ZenPad S 8.0 model, specifically the Z580CA. This handy 7.9-inch slate bears what is probably the best of the best components in a tablet this size, perhaps with the exception of the cameras, and has some pretty interesting accessories to match as well.
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https://www.slashgear.com/asus-higher-end-zenpad-s-8-0-model-is-finally-here-18397893/

2016 Nissan Leaf tipped for 110-mile battery option

2016 Nissan Leaf tipped for 110-mile battery option

Cars, , ,

It’s not uncommon at all for Nissan to bring executives from its various dealers into a special event where they are told about upcoming Nissan products. Nissan holds events where they work to get the brass from their dealership network behind new products. Often these events involve an early look at new vehicles to get dealer feedback and not everyone who is invited can keep their mouth shut.

That is certainly the case with a Nissan dealer from Indiana who allegedly went to one of these events and spilled the beans on an option for the 2016 Nissan Leaf. According to this dealer, the 2016 Leaf will have an option for a larger battery pack. The tip came from the dealership website listing two battery pack options for the car.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-nissan-leaf-tipped-for-110-mile-battery-option-18398016/

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ Australian pricing and availability

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ Australian pricing and availability

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After revealing its next generation of big screen phones in the US last week, Korean electronics giant Samsung has brought the two new models to Australia, with pre-orders available now ahead of a September 4 sale date.

The two phones are the Galaxy Note 5 and the larger version of the Galaxy S6 Edge launched earlier in the year. Both phones feature a 5.7-inch, 2,560×1,440-pixel resolution screen, with an impressive 518ppi. In fact, the two phones are identical, except for the stylus in the Note 5 and the screen curves that give the Edge+ its name.
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https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-galaxy-note-5-and-s6-edge-australian-pricing-and-availability/

Why Apple Pay faces an uphill battle in Australia

Why Apple Pay faces an uphill battle in Australia

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Since Apple CEO Tim Cook first announced the launch of Apple Pay in September last year, iFans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the contactless payments system in Australia.

But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the iPhone maker, as new reports suggest Apple may been stuck in negotiations with local banks and experts say the strength of Australia’s current contactless payment landscape could curtail Apple’s local success.
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https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-pay-and-the-battle-for-contactless-payments-in-australia/

Sans top and two seats, Audi TT Roadster equals coupe handling

Sans top and two seats, Audi TT Roadster equals coupe handling

Cars, , , ,

Compared to its coupe sibling, the 2016 Audi TT roadster loses two seats and reduces luggage room, but in this case, less feels like more as the roadster complements similarly excellent handling with the glory of an open sky overhead.

During an Audi-sponsored press launch near Portland, Oregon, I was afforded a short drive in the TT Roadster, but over a twisty mountain course equal to the best roads over which I had previously piloted the 2016 Audi TT coupe. And I found the handling and ride character equally exhilarating. Actually, it felt more exciting in the beautiful summer day in Oregon wine country, and coupled with the truly panoramic views all around, virtually unobstructed by metal and glass.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2016-audi-tt-roadster-preview/

Meet Mycroft, an open-source smart-home AI platform

Meet Mycroft, an open-source smart-home AI platform

Wearables, , , , , , ,

The idea of a single product quarterbacking all of the connected gadgets in your home is an appealing one, but smart home hubs from names like Revolv, Staples Connect and Wink have struggled to break through in recent years. One notable exception is Amazon Echo, a smart-home speaker that brings voice control into the picture. Not surprisingly, a new generation of wannabe hubs is putting a similar emphasis on voice control. The newest we’ve seen is Mycroft, presumably named after the fictional elder brother of Sherlock Holmes.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/mycroft-smart-home-ai-platform-preview/

Denon HEOS 1 review: Wireless multiroom speaker with outdoor options

Denon HEOS 1 review: Wireless multiroom speaker with outdoor options

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THE GOOD

The Denon HEOS 1 offers a rugged build and decent audio quality in an affordable package. The HEOS app is easy to use and attractive-looking. The addition of the HEOS Go package for $99 offers a lot of flexibility including battery power, splashproofing and Bluetooth.

THE BAD

The HEOS without the Go pack isn’t as compelling. Setup of wireless requires a proprietary cable. The app can behave oddly and the number of services pales in comparison to Sonos. For audiophiles there’s no high-res support.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/denon-heos-1-review/

Kia promises new design direction with Sportage in Frankfurt

Kia promises new design direction with Sportage in Frankfurt

Cars,

Kia teased the unveiling of an updated Sportage model today, a redesign for the fourth generation of the small SUV, with renderings that will likely bear little resemblance to the actual car. In an associated press release, Kia touts the “bold, progressive design” of the new Sportage, and promises it shows off “the future face of Kia.”

The Sportage is an important car for Kia, as its practical form factor makes it suitable for worldwide markets. This new version, the Sportage’s fourth generation, was designed in Frankfurt, at Kia’s European design studio. Appropriate to its provenance, Kia will unveil the production Sportage at the Frankfurt auto show next month.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/kia-promises-new-design-direction-with-sportage-in-frankfurt/