Yearly Archives: 2015

Chevrolet’s Bolt EV is already crushing its 200 mile target

Chevrolet’s Bolt EV is already crushing its 200 mile target

Cars, , , , ,

Chevrolet may only have shown off its Bolt EV concept in January, but pre-production models are already in testing as the car gets fast-tracked to market. “They’re running fast,” Pam Fletcher, executive chief engineer of electrified vehicles at Chevrolet, said today in Detroit, “the fact that we can show you fifty-something cars running is busy.” The early cars actually began trials back in April, each a hand-built prototype put through its paces for things like maximum range, cabin comfort, and the performance of the DC fast-charging system.

Although GM expected the Bolt EV concept to be popular, there’s a sense that the company was still surprised by the warmth of the reception at the Detroit Auto Show in January, 2015.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/chevrolets-bolt-ev-is-already-crushing-its-200-mile-target-24390383/

Ford Smart Mobility’s MoDe:Flex bike and and Peer-2-Peer Car Sharing enter pilot programs

Ford Smart Mobility’s MoDe:Flex bike and and Peer-2-Peer Car Sharing enter pilot programs

Cars, , , , , , , ,

Ford announced this week that they’d be shifting their Ford Smart Mobility program from its research phase to implementation. With this, their focus switches to new projects as programs like Peer-2-Peer Car Sharing are given the go-ahead with pilot programs. Ford showed of their third most versatile e-bike with the MoDe:Flex as well, able to be folded down and stored into any Ford vehicle where it’s able to be charged. This bike also connects to the rider’s smartphone using the MoDe:Link app.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/ford-smart-mobilitys-modeflex-bike-and-and-peer-2-peer-car-sharing-enter-pilot-programs-24390380/

This is Alfa Romeo’s stunning Giulia

This is Alfa Romeo’s stunning Giulia

Cars, , , , ,

What happens when you give a skunkworks team of engineers, designers, and stylists the chance to create an Italian sports sedan? The new Alfa Romeo Giulia is the answer. Unveiled today, the compact four-door packs up to 510 HP from a turbo V6 borrowing tech from stablemate Ferrari, a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and an aggressive – and distinctive – body with plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum to keep curb weight down.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/this-is-alfa-romeos-stunning-guilia-24390347/

Lenovo ThinkPad Retro isn’t real – but it could be

Lenovo ThinkPad Retro isn’t real – but it could be

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , ,

Lenovo’s Vice President of Corporate Identity and Design David Hill teases a retro-inspired ThinkPad notebook. And the crowd goes wild. The design language originated back in 1992 by designer Richard Sapper here is mixed with a machine with new interior, high-end hardware, and what we can assume will be the newest in new Windows 10 software. While Hill hasn’t confirmed the existence of this ThinkPad Retro notebook, he’s certainly made a good case for it to exist. If ThinkPad fans have anything to say about it, the ThinkPad Retro will soon be on its way.

This mock-up may become the real thing sooner than you think. Hill himself worked on it, and today he’s presenting it as a real possibility for an actual piece of hardware released to the masses. Look at the details here and see if you’d be all about it.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-thinkpad-retro-isnt-real-but-it-could-be-25390562/

Microsoft reveals Windows 10’s new wallpaper, a logo made of light

Microsoft reveals Windows 10’s new wallpaper, a logo made of light

Wearables, , , , , , ,

With the consumer release of Windows 10 quickly approaching,Microsoft has decided it’s time to unveil the new default desktop image that will be shipping with the new operating system, and thus what many users afraid of customization will be looking at for some time. This time, they’re going with a classic Windows logo, which hasn’t been done since Windows 7’s default wallpaper.

That’s about it, a Windows logo in a pretty blue color. Just kidding. Actually there’s a story behind it that Microsoft felt like sharing in a video.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-reveals-windows-10s-new-wallpaper-a-logo-made-of-light-25390560/

T-Mobile JUMP On Demand plan lets you change phones 3x a year

T-Mobile JUMP On Demand plan lets you change phones 3x a year

Phones, , , ,

The newest update to T-Mobile USA’s plan to take over the wireless industry includes an update of their JUMP plan. While before this update, T-Mobile’s JUMP plan allowed users to upgrade from one phone to another without a major fee, this new “JUMP! On Demand” plan allows users to swap phones up to three times a year. Where before, JUMP required T-Mobile users to pay a $10 per-month fee, this plan costs nothing extra per month. Like Missy Elliot, T-Mobile is remixing their own jams before the competition remixes it for them.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/t-mobile-jump-on-demand-plan-lets-you-change-phones-3x-a-year-25390557/

LEGO Ferrari F40 immortalizes classic supercar in plastic

LEGO Ferrari F40 immortalizes classic supercar in plastic

Cars, , , ,

While LEGO might not be made of plastic forever, Enzo Ferrari’s masterpiece certainly will be. What we’re seeing here is the new LEGO Creator-series F40 Ferarri (10248), all red and black with its own removable V8 engine. Luigi would be proud. This vehicle will be released to the general public on the 1st of August. For those of you in the LEGO VIP club, you lucky ducks, you’ll be able to pick this beast up on July 15th – just a few weeks from now.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lego-ferrari-f40-immortalizes-classic-supercar-in-plastic-25390546/

Samsung invests in FOVE eye-tracking VR headset

Samsung invests in FOVE eye-tracking VR headset

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Samsung may have its own virtual reality tech, but that hasn’t stopped it from investing in eye-tracking headset startup FOVE. The head-worn display has already raised almost twice its quarter-million Kickstarter goal of $250,000 with more than a week to spare, but in the meantime its combination of 3D graphics that respond not only where your head is pointing, but where in the scene your eyes are actually looking, has caught the attention of Samsung Ventures, the investment arm of the South Korean firm.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-invests-in-fove-eye-tracking-vr-headset-25390542/

T-Mobile's iPhones are getting the 'blue screen of death'

T-Mobile’s iPhones are getting the ‘blue screen of death’

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you’ve been having problems with your T-Mobile iPhone, you’re not alone. A lot of people have been experiencing random freezes, restarts and (this is not a joke, folks) the dreaded blue screen of death. A lot of people have been airing their complaints on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and the Apple forums — even one of our own editors had to deal with the issue earlier. There’s no official word yet on what’s going on exactly, but according to MacRumors, it’s been affecting iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plusdevices running iOS 8.1 or 8.3.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/24/t-mobile-iphone-problems/?ncid=rss_truncated&xid=17259,15700022,15700186,15700191,15700256,15700259,15700262,15700265

IFTTT's automation app can watch your Android phone's battery

IFTTT’s automation app can watch your Android phone’s battery

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Thanks to a slew of updates, IFTTT’s automation apps just became decidedly more useful — especially if you’re religious about your smartphone’s battery. If for Android now includes a battery channel, so you can tell your phone to perform certain duties depending on your charge state.

You can have the app mute your phone as soon as you plug it in, for instance. Also, the existing device channel now works with Bluetooth, music, navigation and WiFi, so you can turn off wireless features when your power is low or get directions to your favorite fishing spot every weekend.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/24/ifttt-if-and-do-updates/

Latest Qi spec promises fast wireless charging for your phone

Latest Qi spec promises fast wireless charging for your phone

Wearables, , , , ,

Before long, you won’t have to choose between charging your phone quickly and plunking it on a convenient wireless charger. The Wireless Power Consortium has rolled out a new version of the Qi standard that supports 15W fast wireless charging, much like the sort we saw late last year. The organization isn’t making any performance claims at the moment, and it’ll be a while before phone makers have compatible devices on store shelves. However, it’s safe to say that this will save you some agonizing wait times — you could return home from work, drop your phone on a pad and expect to have a meaningful amount of energy when you head out for the evening.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/24/qi-fast-wireless-charging/

Polaroid's tiny Cube camera now packs WiFi

Polaroid’s tiny Cube camera now packs WiFi

Wearables, , , , , , ,

The Polaroid Cube, released last year, is nowhere near matching the quality of a GoPro. Still, this pocketable camera can be a good accessory for those times you can’t, or won’t, use a smartphone to take pictures.

Today, Polaroid is announcing Cube+, the successor to its tiny, square-shaped camera, featuring an 8-megapixel sensor, compared to the 6 megapixels found on the original model.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/24/new-polaroid-cube/

'Driveclub' finally reaches PlayStation Plus on June 25th

‘Driveclub’ finally reaches PlayStation Plus on June 25th

Wearables, , , , , ,

Remember how Sony promised you a free version of Driveclub with your PlayStation Plus subscription about, oh, two years ago? You’ll finally get to claim it this week. The Plus Edition of Evolution Studios’ PS4 racing game is launching on June 25th, giving you a chance to see what all the hype was about. Sony is taking care to avoid the server meltdowns that plagued the retail game’s debut, too. On day one, you’ll only have guaranteed access to offline play — internet races will gradually roll out to make sure that this socially-oriented title works as advertised.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/24/driveclub-for-ps-plus-launches-june-25/

Resident Advisor's app leads you to the nearest rave

Resident Advisor’s app leads you to the nearest rave

Wearables, , , , , ,

Electronic dance music is booming far, wide and loud at spectacular festivals. As per Ibiza’s International Music Summit report, the EDM industry in North America alone rakes in $1.6 billion from live events. It’s not just the monstrous Electric Daisy Carnival-stylefestivals that contribute to the popularity and the revenue, though. There’s a plethora of dance music talent gigging across smaller venues too. Resident Advisor’s (RA) been one of the more reliable curators of those gigs for the last 14 years. Whether you’re in need of some commercial beats at Pacha in New York or want a dose of an offbeat warehouse gig in Paris, RA’s been sorting through the clutter for you. Now the site’s extending its expertise with a mobile events guide that’s optimized for dance music.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/24/resident-advisors-app-finds-you-a-rave/

Airing Redesigns The CPAP Machine As A Small, Unobtrusive Device

Airing Redesigns The CPAP Machine As A Small, Unobtrusive Device

Wearables

Having sleep apnea is not easy. And while using a CPAP mask should help any sufferer get the rest they need, it’s not a particularly convenient device to wear when bunking down on your French Fries Bed. Fortunately, those bearing the affliction might be able to have a more convenient option soon with the Airing.

Described as a “hoseless, maskless, cordless micro-CPAP device,” it measures just 2 x 1.5 x 1 inches and weighs 0.9 ounces, a huge departure from the large, cumbersome CPAP machines currently  in the market. When used, it plugs directly into the nostrils, adding just an inch of housing under the nose, with no tubes sticking out whatsoever, making them especially convenient.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.coolthings.com/

SL-Tainer Is A Shipping Container That Can Dock Onto Trucks All On Its Own

SL-Tainer Is A Shipping Container That Can Dock Onto Trucks All On Its Own

Wearables, , , ,

Shipping containers are large and heavy, which is why they’re lifted and loaded onto flatbed trucks using cranes and forklifts. And while it’s a tested process that works, it isn’t necessarily efficient. A new kind of shipping container called SL-Tainer improves on the system by using integrated legs to prop itself up at truck-loading height.

Made by Excalibur Systems, you just push a button to prompt the container to create clearance underneath all on its own, allowing a flatbed trailer to slide in place, before pressing another button to have it lower into the bed. Since it doesn’t require any other tool to lift it up and dock it on a trailer, the requirement for both expensive equipment and a licensed operator are eliminated, allowing for more economical operation, whether at the docks, the warehouse, or a pop-up location.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.coolthings.com/sl-tainer-self-lifting-shipping-container/

With A Vertical Platter, The Floating Record Makes Playing Vinyl An Entirely New Experience

With A Vertical Platter, The Floating Record Makes Playing Vinyl An Entirely New Experience

Wearables

For some reason, vinyl records are back on the rise, with new players, recorders, and accessories coming out. Despite renewed interest in the format, however, we still play them using the same boring technology from back in the old days. And while the Floating Record will still play your vinyl using the same boring technology, it will do that with the record standing vertically, so playing a record can feel like putting on a tabletop show.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.coolthings.com/

Nikon COOLPIX AW120 Review

Nikon COOLPIX AW120 Review

Cameras, , , , , , , , , ,

The rugged, weatherproof Nikon AW120 has some pretty big boots to fill. It follows in the footsteps of 2013’s AW110, a strong contender in our 2013 Best Tough / Waterproof Camera Shootout, and recipient of a Dave’s Pick thanks to good underwater performance and a well-considered design.

So how do the two cameras differ? Both have the same 16-megapixel resolution, but the AW120’s Nikkor-branded, 5x optical zoom lens is both a little wider and brighter than that of its forebear. The newer model also offers a higher maximum sensitivity (albeit only under Auto control), and has a higher-resolution Organic LED monitor. And it offers significantly greater battery life, despite otherwise having largely the same features — including both Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ70 Review

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ70 Review

Cameras, , , , , , ,

Panasonic appears to have just lapped everyone in the superzoom camera race — at least in terms of zoom range — by offering a whopping 60x optical zoom with an equivalent range of 20 to 1,200mm in the just announced Panasonic FZ70. While that’s not a longer telephoto reach than, say, the Canon SX50, which also can zoom out to 1,200mm, the FZ70’s zoom range starts from a 20mm wide angle and provides a 12% wider field of view than does the Canon SX50’s 24mm wide angle. Add in a lens that also starts out at max aperture of f/2.8, brighter compared to the SX50’s f/3.4, and the Panasonic FZ70 has our full attention. At least on paper, this FZ70 boasts stats that beat our favorite of all the superzooms we’ve tested (yes, the Canon SX50), and looks like a serious option for photographers wanting a ton of shooting flexibility.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/

Nikon S33 Review

Nikon COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Digital Camera Review

Cameras, , , , , , , ,

Curvaceous and modern looking, the Nikon Coolpix S33 is designed to be a simple, no-nonsense waterproof camera. If you don’t need the super-deep depth of its big brother theAW130 (which can descend to the astounding depth of 100 feet) and if you prefer simpler controls and a smaller size (and price tag), then the S33 may be just the rugged camera you’ve been looking for.

Retailing for less than half the price of the AW130 ($150 vs $350) it clearly has family shooters in mind, and anyone wanting to travel light during their rugged shooting adventures. With an exterior appearing virtually identical to last year’s S32, let’s peek under the hood and see what’s new in this year’s model.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/

This 700hp 3D printed supercar wants to reinvent manufacturing

This 700hp 3D printed supercar wants to reinvent manufacturing

Cars, , , , ,

Supercars may be outlandish by default, but Divergent Microfactories’ Blade goes one step further, blending 3D printing with a 700 HP bi-fuel engine. While it’s not the first use of 3D printing in automotive we’ve seen – Local Motors revealed its fully-printed Strati last year, for instance – Blade distinguishes itself with its combination of 3D printing and carbon fiber assembly that, its inventors argue, deliver the best of flexibility and speed of construction.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/this-700hp-3d-printed-supercar-wants-to-reinvent-manufacturing-24390299/

Nikon D5 specs leak: 4k video, high ISO

Nikon D5 specs leak: 4k video, high ISO

Cameras, , , , , ,

An update to Nikon’s popular D4 camera is in the works, and word has it the upcoming model — the Nikon D5 — will look similar to the D4S. Such word comes from a recent leak that includes a few other tidbits of information, among which is the rumored ability to record video in 4k resolution, and a native ISO that is very high at 102,400. Nikon hasn’t officially unveiled the D5 model at this point, and has not commented on the leak, so at this point it still remains unconfirmed — though, it should be noted, the source has a good track record.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/nikon-d5-specs-leak-4k-video-high-iso-23390240/

Apple WatchOS 2 Beta 2 released with updates for iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan

Apple WatchOS 2 Beta 2 released with updates for iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This week Apple released three big updates to their Beta software to developers for multiple devices. This includes Apple’s OS X 10.11 El Capitan Beta for developers, build 15A204h, as well as updates for mobile devices. For iPhone and iPad, iOS 9 Beta 2 has been seeded. Apple’s second WatchOS 2 Beta has also been seeded for the Apple Watch. All of these updates are accessible by hitting the “Software Update” button in each respective developer-signed device. To access Apple WatchOS 2’s update, the user must have iOS 9 Beta installed on their connected device.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/

Aston Martin DB9 GT boasts 6.0L V12 and bespoke design

Aston Martin DB9 GT boasts 6.0L V12 and bespoke design

Cars,

Aston Martin has unveiled its latest grand touring sports car called the Aston Martin DB9 GT. Aston says that the new car is designed to offer the best of what the DB9 can be. The DB9 GT is hand built and has many bespoke touches that make it something special to behold. This is the most potent DB9 yet with a 6.0L V12 engine under the hood that produces 547 PS.

The car will make its public debut this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Aston says that the DB9 GT is also ushering in a new range of color, trim, and equipment enhancements across the Vantage and Rapide S lines.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/aston-martin-db9-gt-boasts-6-0l-v12-and-bespoke-design-24390287/

360fly camera records video for VR

360fly camera records video for VR

Cameras, , , , , ,

360Fly is pining to be the GoPro of 360-degree videos, and with them the nature of watching footage is greatly changed. With an ordinary video, what you see is what you get. With 360-degree video, however, users are able to swipe the footage around to see what was recorded from different angles. The type of video is quickly gaining popularity, and 360fly wants its camera of the same name to be what consumers turn to with their of 360-video recording needs.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/360fly-camera-records-video-for-vr-23390203/

Ford’s MyFord app hits Android Wear as Sync 3 debuts in USA

Ford’s MyFord app hits Android Wear as Sync 3 debuts in USA

Cars, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ford boosts its smart functionality and connectivity technologies this week with a new MyFord Mobile app extension and SYNC 3’s release in North America. Ford suggested this afternoon that the MyFord Mobile app extension would be coming soon “for smartwatches,” including Android Wear and eventually very likely the Apple Watch as well. Ford’s news in the in-car infotainment environment included a confirmation of which vehicles the SYNC 3 system would be debuting in inside North America. These systems work with AppLink as well.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/fords-myford-app-hits-android-wear-as-sync-3-debuts-in-usa-23390190/

CarPlay and Android Auto coming to 2016 Buick, GMC models

CarPlay and Android Auto coming to 2016 Buick, GMC models

Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

General Motors continues to add support for Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto infotainment systems across all its brands by announcing Buick and GMC models are next in line. This week saw the new Chevy Corvette Z06 shipping out to dealers, becoming the first GM car to hit the roads with CarPlay integration. Prior to that,Cadillac revealed which of its 2016 models would be smartphone-connected.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/carplay-and-android-auto-coming-to-2016-buick-gmc-models-23390168/

Ford jumps in the race to develop self-driving cars

Ford jumps in the race to develop self-driving cars

Cars, , , , , , , , , , ,

Ford is amping up its research into autonomous technologies in the hopes of creating a self-driving car. The company is a bit of a late-comer to the emerging market of autonomous vehicles. Auto industry competitors such as Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are already well on their way past proof-of-concept. (We even took a spin in the autonomous Mercedes F 015!) Tech industry giants like Google and newcomer, Uber, already have prototypes on the road.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/ford-jumps-in-the-race-to-develop-self-driving-cars-24390245/

Google Music “free” Review: turning Apple Music’s tide

Google Music “free” Review: turning Apple Music’s tide

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Google ads advertisement-supported “free” streaming radio stations to their Google Music service. This push creates more of a Pandora sort of model to their already in-service subscription-based model than it does an Apple battler, but the timing is right on. Just as Apple summons more press with a response to Taylor Swift’s request for cash, Google aims to cut in with a release of a whole new way to interject with a service that doesn’t cost users anything – any cash, that is to say.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/

Android Lollipop 5.1 update comes to Moto X 2

Android Lollipop 5.1 update comes to Moto X 2

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Updates to the newest version of fully-released Android version 5.1 Lollipop have come to the Moto X. This is the second-edition Moto X, the one that comes with a wooden back if you do so choose. This update comes soon after the first Moto X – believe it or not – started receiving the update, continuing Motorola’s surprisingly good track record for keeping their devices from the past several years up to date with the newest software from Google. Next up is Android M, otherwise suspected to be called M&M or Marshmallow.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/android-lollipop-5-1-update-comes-to-moto-x-2-23390171/