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NYT: Apple teams up with VW for self-driving shuttle vans
Apple's Project Titan efforts to develop self-driving car technology apparently have found a partner in Volkswagen, according to a report by the New York Times. While the paper said the tech company has pursued deals with BMW and Mercedes, it will apparently turn VW T6 Transporter vans into self-driving shuttles for employees moving between its Silicon Valley offices. We've seen some test SUVs out and about before, but Apple has had bigger plans for the project and a reported 2019 target date, so getting more vehicles on the road will be important. Now the Times says the project is behind schedule, and there's no mention of angles like electric propulsion or spherical tires. As for the competition, Waymo has continued to expand with new partners and plans to roll out an autonomous service in the near future, while Uber has suspended its efforts in Arizona after a fatal crash and Elon Musk is busy arguing with reporters over what is or isn't news. And now it's time to find out what Apple can do.
Honda's latest robotic stool is fun to ride, still impossible to buy
One of the several reasons for why we love CEATEC is that we get to test ride human transporters there (as well as meeting robots of all sorts). Last year we came across Honda's stool-like UNI-CUB, and this year, the company is back with a new and improved model dubbed UNI-CUB Beta, and it even let attendees ride the vehicles -- while wearing Epson's smart glasses, no less -- around the show floor under staff supervision. It should be noted that the Beta was actually first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, but that didn't kill our curiosity. Read on for our impression and hands-on video.
Transporter Sync: Making the cloud personal and affordable
Earlier this year, Erica Sadun and I tested a new idea for creating a personal cloud -- the Transporter from Connected Data. At the time, we weren't all that impressed with the device or its user interface. Our big complaint was that the software was quite confusing, requiring access to both a local app and a web interface to accomplish certain tasks. When compared to the ease of use of Dropbox, Transporter seemed like a total hassle to use. Well, Connected Data went back to the drawing board and today announced both a new device -- Transporter Sync (US$99) -- and a much more Dropbox-oriented solution to a personal cloud. The idea of Transporter is that you can create your own "cloud" by taking network-attached storage and syncing it with similar units at the office, at a relative's home, or basically anywhere else offsite. The files are available from any connected device, whether it's an iPhone, a Mac or a PC, and the syncing capability provides offsite storage. The original Transporter unit included a built-in 1 TB or 2 TB drive, while the new Transporter Sync unit lets you use any external drive. Considering that new 4 TB bare drives are available for as little as $150, this means that for $249 you can have a good amount of cloud storage with no monthly or annual fee. By comparison, if you want just 500 GB of Dropbox storage, you're going to be billed $499 annually. The Transporter Sync is a tiny little device, but with the availability of inexpensive external disk drives, it can provide a mountain of storage in the cloud. The device is a small, truncated cone with a power connection, a USB 2.0 connector and an Ethernet connector. Plug it into power, connect it to your USB 3.0 or 2.0 external disk drive, and then connect it to your router, and you're ready to share your data securely while you're on the road and sync with another Transporter Sync remotely for cloud backup. I'm wondering why Connected Data chose to go with the slower USB 2.0 port, but it could be that the network connection is the real bottleneck to throughput, not the connection to the drive. Connected Data, which recently merged with big storage provider Drobo, sees a big future for this small device. The company notes that the average household now has about 2.2 TB of content -- music, videos, apps, documents, etc. -- and surveys show that most would be happy to spend about $200 per year to protect that data. For Dropbox users, you'll be happy to know that you can use Dropbox and the Transporter Sync simultaneously and that the user interface on the Mac is almost identical to what you see with Dropbox: On an iPad or Android tablet, you'll see a simple representation of the files that are being shared in the cloud: All in all, it appears that Connected Data really listened to the feedback that they received from both the tech press and from early adopters who backed the company's Kickstarter funding project. We look forward to testing the Transporter Sync soon, and will provide readers with our assessment of how the new device and software work. Show full PR text New Transporter Sync Delivers Convenience of Dropbox for All Your Data, With Total Privacy And No Monthly Fees – For Only $99 Transporter Delivers First Unlimited, Private Cloud Storage Device for All of Your Photos, Music, Movies and Documents SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Oct. 29, 2013 – When it comes to digital data, nothing is more important to consumers than their photos, videos and personal documents. Keeping them safe, easily accessible from every device, or sharing them with family and friends has always been an expensive and complicated proposition. Until now. Just in time for the holidays comes Transporter Sync, a new and simple way to sync, access, protect and share everything important. The latest addition to the award-winning Transporter family of private cloud storage products, Transporter Sync automatically synchronizes data across your phones, tablets and computers. Now photos, videos, documents, music and more can live in your own protected, completely private cloud for a one time cost of $99 USD – with none of the recurring fees associated with expensive, subscriber-based services. Free iPhone, iPad and Android apps make on-the-go access easier than ever. "Families and businesses are finding it more and more difficult to synchronize data across all of their computers and mobile devices," said Geoff Barrall, CEO and Founder of Connected Data. "With Transporter Sync, we provide an affordable and simple way for them to protect, share and access what matters most, with total privacy, a low one-time price and no hidden monthly fees." Transporter Sync allows users to access their data from all their devices without moving it to the public cloud. This ensures that everything on Transporter Sync is protected and private giving them full control over who has access to family photos and personal videos. It can be used as a stand-alone device, or together with other Transporters to form a powerful private network. "Millions of consumers enjoy the conveniences of the cloud, but stop short of using it for everything, because of factors such as cost and privacy," said Tom Coughlin, President of Analyst and Consulting firm, Coughlin Associates. "Transporter Sync creates a new model to deliver the promise of 'everything, everywhere' cloud storage without monthly fees, while providing this universal access in a private and secure environment." Retailing for $99 USD and without monthly fees, Transporter Sync works with any standard USB external hard drive. Available from Connected Data, Amazon, B&H Photo and Newegg in time for the upcoming holiday season, Sync is the perfect gift for everyone on your list. About Connected Data Connected Data is focused on providing elegantly designed solutions for consumers, professionals, and small businesses to privately share, access, and protect their data. The Connected Data team consists of the same professionals responsible for the popular Drobo storage array and the creation of the high performance BlueArc Silicon Server. Connected Data is privately funded and based in San Jose, California. For more information, visit www.connecteddata.com.
Transporter Sync turns your external hard drive into a personal, secure cloud locker
The folks at Connected Data made a splash back in May with Transporter v2.0, and they've just announced their second foray into the wonderful world of cloud storage with the Transporter Sync. Like its slightly larger predecessor, Sync offers Dropbox-like functionality without users having to shackle themselves to costly subscription fees. However, unlike its elder, which has a 2.5-inch drive inside, the Sync lets you use whatever external HDD you like, as long as it's no larger than 4TB and connects via USB. This new Transporter option comes courtesy of consumer feedback: folks wanted to pay less, have more storage and be able to use their existing HDDs in their Transporter network. So, Connected Data set to work, swapping in a new chipset to facilitate connecting drives via USB, lopping off all the extraneous bits formerly needed to mount a drive in the device, and making the necessary firmware tweaks to make it work As its name indicates, this compact storage unit synchronizes with a variety of devices, so you can transition between working on your computer, smartphone or tablet with the aid of the Transporter iOS and Android apps. What makes Transporter, old and new, stand out is an emphasis on privacy, a word that's become all the rage in an increasingly wary consumer market. All of your data is saved locally, and by circumventing the need for a public cloud, the company claims that your precious files are as safe as houses. Sync will be available for $99 in the US or £89 in the UK in the next few weeks.
Honda UNI-CUB vs. Toyota Winglet: the battle of human transporters at CEATEC (video)
For the first time, this year's CEATEC in Tokyo dedicated one big hall to demo some electric vehicles, which include Nissan's autonomous Leaf and a couple of human transporters: Honda's UNI-CUB and Toyota's Winglet. While neither mobilizer is totally new, we just couldn't pass up this opportunity to give them a test drive, especially when they are still not yet street legal -- not even in Japan. The good news is we survived to tell the tale, so do read on to find out what it feels like to burn these tiny wheels at 6km/h.
Connected Data announces Transporter v2.0, focuses on user experience and mobile apps
It's been an exciting couple days for the folks at Connected Data. After entering into a merger agreement with Drobo yesterday, the company's just announced Transporter v2.0 -- the latest software for its cloud-aware NAS. To jog your memory, Transporter is a device that lets you share data online, Dropbox-style, without a subscription fee. It was launched on Kickstarter last year and priced at $199 for the basic hardware (BYO hard drive), $299 for 1TB and $399 for 2TB. Version 2.0 brings major user experience improvements on Mac and PC thanks to better integration with Finder and Windows Explorer, including right-click and drag-and-drop functionality. Users can now easily share links to their files and choose how their folders are synced (locally or remotely). The update includes new mobile apps which provide remote Transporter access and management from any iOS or Android device. Connected Data also made firewall support more robust for users regardless of their network environment. Transporter v2.0 will launch sometime in June -- hit the break for the full PR.
Connected Data to merge with Drobo, bring Transporter features to Drobo products
Connected Data, maker of Transporter, just announced that it's entered into a merger agreement with Drobo. As a refresher, Transporter is a cloud-synced file sharing appliance that provides Dropbox-like functionality without the recurring subscription costs. Drobo's best known for its Ethernet, Thunderbolt, FireWire and USB-based multi-drive storage devices which offer seamless expandability. Presumably we'll start seeing some of Connected Data's file sharing features in upcoming Drobo products. The two companies have 30 days to finalize the merger process and perhaps even come up with a clever new brand -- we vote for DroboPorter ourselves. PR after the break.
Transporter: Network attached storage with flair
The Transporter from Connected Data offers a new generation of network-attached storage (NAS). This technology allows you to connect a hard drive to your router, access it from anywhere and share its stored files. It is a bring-your-own drive alternative to the cloud. Units cost US$199 for a supply-your-own drive system (the company recommends any major brand 2.5" drive) or ships with 1 TB ($299) or 2TB ($399) ready-to-go drives. The drives sit inside the Transporter enclosure, making the system both compact and clean. Just connect to your Ethernet router and power, and you're ready to rock and roll. Net-connected drives offer all the cloud-like convenience of data-anywhere without the monthly or yearly costs you'd fork over to Dropbox, Google, Box.net, Amazon or SkyDrive. You supply the disk, so accessible storage expands as much as needed. What you get is privacy. Many users cannot use Dropbox-style storage due to HIPAA or legal concerns. Sending data to third-party sites in the cloud can contravene security. With NAS, you own and control your data, ensuring you limit who can access it remotely. There are drawbacks to these systems as well. Because they physically sit near your home computer, they're not really suitable for cloud backup. A fire that destroys your computer will also destroy your Transporter. (You can, of course, buy one for your office and another for your home, sharing data and helping to mitigate this limitation.) And, they don't offer the kind of server-based redundancy guarantees that many online services like Dropbox provide. That's why I was so disappointed that the feature I was most hoping to use the Transporter for has not yet shipped, specifically buddy-based private offsite backups. Mark Fuccio of Connected Data Marketing told me that while the company is definitely committed to rolling out encrypted folders, the option won't be available for at least three to six months. With encrypted off-site folders, you'd be able to share, say, half your drive, with a friend. You could then store data there providing the offsite component that's missing from most NAS installs. Right now, if someone physically steals a drive, all bets are off -- the data is readable. What's more, any data you place on a buddy's Transporter is also readable, making you rely on, as Fuccio put it, the "honor system" for the near future. The Transporter is not meant for use as a Time Machine destination. Its focus is on providing a turnkey solution with a well-controlled sharing experience. If you're looking for an offsite backup solution, you'll probably do better subscribing to one of the dedicated services like Mozy, Crashplan, Carbonite or Backblaze. In our testing, the Transporter basically did what it promised. We easily shared data locally and remotely, with a dedicated web interface to manage the drive. The software felt a bit first-generation, but that's what you normally expect from early access. We ran into one major problem when files I shared to Steve Sande initially overwhelmed his network -- but we quickly found the online bandwidth limitation options and restored his network to reasonably working order. Transporter seemed to measure up well against the NAS field and I particularly liked the unit with the built-in drive enclosure. Anyone looking for this kind of off-site data access should be pleased with the hardware and performance it offers.
TUAW TV Live: The accessory and app episode
Howdy, everybody! Another Wednesday, another TUAW TV Live. As noted in the promo post earlier today, the show today is aimed at some very interesting new accessories that are sure to get you excited. The TUAW TV studio has undergone a pre-spring cleaning and is looking rather spiffy now, although viewers might be at a loss to see what's changed. Below, you'll find a Ustream livestream viewer and a chat tool. The chat tool allows you to participate by asking questions or making comments. IRC fans can point their favorite client to IRC server chat1.ustream.tv, chat room #tuaw-tv. You'll be watching the show in glorious HD! If you're driving somewhere and would like to watch TUAW TV Live while you're stuck in traffic, please don't -- keep your eyes on the road! However, if someone else is doing the driving, you can watch the show on your iPhone and join the chat by downloading the free Ustream App. It's a universal app and is wonderful on an iPad, both for viewing and participating in the chat. In addition, the live stream and chat will be available through our Facebook page. Just point your browser here to watch the show and chat with other viewers while you're on Facebook. We'll start at about 5 PM ET, so if you're seeing a prerecorded show, be sure to refresh your browser until you see the live stream. For those of you who are not able to join us for the live edition, you'll be able to view it later this evening on our TUAW Video YouTube channel and as part of the TUAW TV Live podcast viewable in iTunes or on any of your Apple devices.
Transporter now shipping to Kickstarters, on pre-sale from retailers
Late last year Connected Data's Transporter, a private peer-to-peer storage solution, was revealed to the world through a Kickstarter campaign. Shortly thereafter we got to see the thing in person, and today those who funded Transporter will be happy to know that the company has begun fulfilling those orders. Not only that, folks who didn't go the Kickstarter route can pre-order a Transporter (or two) from Adorama and Datavision currently, an you'll be able to get one from Amazon, B&H Photo, J&R or PC Mall in the very near future. Interested? Prices start at $199 should you wish to supply your own 2.5-inch HDD, but those who don't want to go the BYOD route can get a 1TB drive thrown in for 100 bucks more, and a 2TB version can be had for $399.
Hands-on with Transporter, the peer-to-peer social storage solution
You may have missed Transporter's unveiling on Kickstarter earlier today, so let us provide a quick refresher -- it's a device that, when used in tandem with one or more other Transporters, enables simple and secure peer-to-peer file sharing. Unlike many Kickstarter projects, however, Transporter's already in the beta testing stage of development and the hardware is ready for prime time. We had a chance to see the thing in person this evening, so we figured we'd open it up and give you a glimpse of what lies beneath its onyx exterior. Join us after the break for our impressions.
Insert Coin: Transporter, the collaborative, internet connected, peer-to-peer storage hub (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Although cloud storage is a mainstay of modern teamwork, there's any number of problems that come along with trusting it explicitly: the limited space for the money, the heavy dependence on a constant connection and the risk that a hack could expose sensitive projects. Veterans from Drobo, Sling Media and TiVo (among others) think they've got a much safer solution in the Transporter, a dedicated internet connected storage hub. Once online, the funnel-shaped device stores and automatically syncs files with the Transporters of invited friends and groups -- and only their Transporters. The focused sharing space keeps data both private and accessible offline, while free accounts limit the costs to the hub and a 2.5-inch hard drive, if it isn't already in the box.
Segway Seg-Link kit hits the FCC, injects dreams of PC-based transporter tinkering
Own a Segway? You're about to own something else, too. That "something else" is better known as the USB-enabled Seg-Link kit, a downright mysterious new product that has shown itself today tromping through the FCC's database. Details are exceedingly light, and even the user manual doesn't do a stellar job of explaining the device's true purpose; best we can tell, it'll enable Segway owners to connect their two-wheeled transporters to a PC. Beyond that, we're left to imagine a world of Dinan-like horsepower flashes, tinkering with compression calculations, adjusting gear ratios and implementing other tactics learned in one of the fourteen Fast & Furious films. We're guessing it'll be on sale in the US of A within a few months -- till then, feel free to drop your hypotheses on what it'll bring in comments below.
S-Walker Electric Transporter hands-on (video)
In an IFA galaxy far far away lives the China Pavilion. And on the far side of the outer ring of the China Pavilion, buried amongst a plethora of steamers, curling irons, and television mounts, you may stumble upon the S-Walker -- though you're just as likely to miss it. And what might an S-Walker be? Well, if we're being precise, it's a "Speed-Walker, Sky-Walker, whatever," according to its German booth master. Luke would be proud. Lesser beings may recognize it as a KIRF Segway, designed in Germany and handmade in China, just a mere ten days ago. Its biggest strength lies in price -- the thing is expected to retail for €2,500 (about $3,550) sometime in the middle of next year. We suppose this yet-to-be-released electric transporter is here to serve warehouse workers, couriers, and the millions of college students who every day dream of zooming across campus atop a pair of motorized wheels, but simply couldn't justify spending an entire semester's tuition on a Segway. We spent a few minutes riding the world's first (and only) functional S-Walker around the rather deserted International Hall, and while very much still a prototype, the battery powered contraption felt peppy enough and responded accurately to commands, moving forward as we leaned to the front, and backing up as we shifted weight to the rear. You control direction using a small handlebar-mounted joystick, rather than by leaning from side-to-side as you would on a Segway. The designers capped speed at 10 kilometers per hour for the IFA demo, but production models will be boosted to 30 km/h, and it's theoretically capable of reaching 100 km/h (but that'll likely require some potentially-illegal hacking on your part). Roll on past the break to see the S-Walker in action. And may the force be with you.%Gallery-132596%
GM's two-seater EN-V concept makes 'urban mobility' hip again
We'll confess -- the Segway did a lot of damage to urban mobility as a whole, but General Motors (of all companies) might have just mended a wound we thought un-mendable. Unveiling today in Shanghai, the two-seater EN-V concept is a play on last year's altogether riveting (albeit forgotten) P.U.M.A., and yes, it seems as if some of those design cues have worked their way into this one as well. The Electric Networked-Vehicle was engineered to "alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities," and they're also fully capable of transforming this place we call Earth into a next-generation Epcot. A trio of designs made their debut -- Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh) -- and we're told that twin electric motors and "dynamic stabilization technology" allow 'em to turn on a dime and operate autonomously (!) using integrated GPS. The Li-ion batteries can be juiced from a conventional wall outlet, and the expected range is around 40 kilometers on a single charge. Best of all? There's built in wireless of some sort, enabling your fellow EN-V owner-friends to keep track of your late-night escapades if you so allow. We know -- you'd buy one of each if these were available today, but mum's the word on when (or if) they'll ever hit the production line; meanwhile, expect something called a "Malibu" to remain in the product pipeline for the better part of next decade. %Gallery-88921%
Insider Trader: Patch 3.2 updates and Engineering analysis
Insider Trader is your inside line on making, selling, buying and using player-made products.Over the past few weeks, Insider Trader has been discussing and analyzing the changes to professions set to go live with patch 3.2: Patch 3.2 Profession Change Analysis takes an in-depth look at the early announcements. Patch 3.2 Q&A answers questions being asked in the WoW community. Recently, a rather large list of Patch 3.2 Engineering Changes was released. This week's column will be devoted to updating you on some of the newer changes, clarifying as many details as possible, and analyzing some of those juicy Engineering changes.
Video: Steampunk Segway ditches electric motor for the sake of authenticity
Wouldn't be caught dead on an honest-to-goodness Segway? How's about this creature? The Legway, an appropriately dubbed steampunk'd Segway, ditches the electric motor in favor of Fred Flintstone-esque motoring techniques, and it also relies almost entirely on recycled materials. The crazy part? Its creator even took the time to hand craft a step-by-step guide to building your own, which undoubtedly foreshadows the real human transporter revolution. Unfortunately, there seems to be no word on whether this thing will also reverse in unstoppable fashion when you least expect it, so stay sharp out there. Vid's after the break, and it's absolutely hilarious. [Via AutoblogGreen]
The state of Engineering in 3.1
In case you missed the memo, the short list of changes to the Engineering profession that have been posted for patch 3.1 are all you are going to get come patch day, like it or not. Bornakk confirmed that Blizzard feels that the "perks work out" compared to what other professions offer, and that they "have no changes planned at this time."The relevant forum thread has grown to over 1300 replies and more than 50,000 views, suggesting that while Blizz might be satisfied, much of the Engineering community is not. In fact, many are threatening to drop the profession and take up Jewelcrafting, which is something I hear about a lot. Of course, if your profession is really, honestly inferior to all others, then why is everyone trading up to the same one? Pass through the break for a list of the upcoming changes, the major gripes, and a comparison of Engineering to other professions in order to put this all into perspective.
MIT developing autonomous wheelchair that listens when you speak
Oh MIT, do the wonders that come from your halls ever cease? Yet another remarkable development is emerging from the fabled institution, and this time it's an autonomous wheelchair that can remember important places in a given building (read: the hospital ward, your house, the local arcade, etc.) and then take you there on command. In other words, the voice recognizing chair could understand phrases of direction, such as "head to the kitchen," and it would take on the burden of navigating the halls while letting the rider chill. The researchers are implementing a system that can learn and adapt to the individual user, and in the future, they'd like to add in a collision-avoidance system and mechanical arms to help patients lift and move objects. Say, can regular joes / janes buy these? We're totally feeling this over the Segway.[Via medGadget]
Wormholes coming to an Engineer near you
Just the other day, a fun little potential toy for Engineers cropped up. Wormholes! Wormholes? Yes, wormholes. What do they do? Think about Mages for a moment. They have both Teleport and Portal spells. Teleport spells take only them to a capital city of their choosing. Portals create a way for your entire party or raid to go to that capital city.Engineers have Transporters, which work similar to a Mage's Teleport. They take you specifically to whichever Goblin or Gnome town your Engineering specialization likes best. Wormholes will be the answer to the Mage's Portal. You will be able to take your entire party to that town, not just you. The only one we've seen so far is a Wormhole to Gadgetzan, which may actually prove to be quite useful. While Shattrath has an NPC that will teleport you straight to the Caverns of Time, I haven't seen one of those in Dalaran so far in the Wrath Beta.Currently it seems the intent is to have Engineers quest for these Wormhole generators, but they aren't available on either the live or beta realms quite yet. That could easily change before we see them ourselves. We may also see these in Patch 3.02 rather than Wrath of the Lich King as well, seeing as Northrend has Goblin towns of its own.[ via MMO-Champion ]
