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Google Maps gets collision and speed trap reports in latest test
When Google bought Waze back in 2013 it was widely assumed it would only be a matter of time before some of the traffic app's more popular features made their way onto Maps. It's taken a while, but now it looks like Google is getting ready to add incident reports -- a move suggested by an APK teardown a few months back and, more recently, the appearance of the feature for some Maps users.
Xiaomi's true wireless 'AirDots' earbuds cost less than $30
Despite big name partnerships with Microsoft and Facebook, Xiaomi is arguably better known for its super-cheap devices, which span smartphones to activity trackers. The Chinese manufacturer's latest budget offering is a pair of true wireless earbuds (no cables whatsoever here) that cost around $28 (depending on the exchange rate). They're dubbed "AirDots," which sounds confusingly similar to Apple's $159 AirPods.
The Gemini PDA's follow-up is a clamshell communicator phone
Planet Computers' Gemini could serve as a phone if you really wanted, but it was ultimately a PDA first and foremost. It's keenly aware of that limitation, however -- the company has launched a crowdfunding project for the Cosmo Communicator, another clamshell QWERTY keyboard device that's intended to serve as a phone, not just a pocketable productivity machine. You'll still find a 6-inch display and camera on the inside, but the outside now includes a 2-inch screen, a 24-megapixel camera and a two-orientation microphone and speaker combo. You can take a call without answering blindly, and snap photos beyond selfies. It's closer to a hybrid phone like Nokia's E90 Communicator than PDAs like Psion's lineup.
Apple will throttle last year's iPhones after all
Despite apologies, updates, and a $5.7 million fine in Italy, Apple's Batterygate woes refuse to go away. The tech giant previously told Congress there was no need to throttle last year's iPhones to preserve battery due to their advanced hardware, but it's now changed tack. With the release of iOS 12.1, the controversial feature is finding its way on to the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X after all.
Nubia X avoids a notch by adding a rear display for selfies
While local competitors like Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi and Honor have been trying various sliding mechanisms to achieve all-screen, notch-free smartphone designs, Nubia decided to take the easy approach: Getting rid of the front cameras and forcing you to use the rear cameras for selfies. This is why the freshly-announced Nubia X is a dual-screen flagship smartphone, with its 6.26-inch FHD+ LCD covering almost the entire front side, and the back featuring a smaller 5.1-inch 1,520 x 720 OLED panel to go with the dual cameras. A bit like Yota's implementation, except it's OLED instead of E Ink on the back; plus no front cameras, of course.
The new MacBook Air vs. the competition: Retina display and more
It's been a while since we've seen a new MacBook Air, and this year's model has been given some serious attention. It's now packing a Retina Display and a more reliable butterfly keyboard, making it a good choice for those who need something small and powerful. But it's not the only super thin contender vying for a spot in your purse or shoulder bag. In the past year Microsoft, Dell and HP have all put out great laptops that won't drag you down in either weight or performance. We've measured them up in the table below, though for the real scoop you'll need to check out our full review of the MacBook Air when it comes out next month.
Sony reveals the complete list of PlayStation Classic games
Sony has finally revealed the full game list for the PlayStation Classic, and it looks like it'll please fans looking for a nostalgia hit... mostly. In addition to previously announced games like Final Fantasy VII and Ridge Racer Type 4, you'll find definitive titles like Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil Director's Cut and Twisted Metal. Simultaneously, though, there are a few curious choices and conspicuous omissions.
Musk: Model Y prototype approved to go into production
On Tesla's earnings call after announcing its first quarterly profit, CEO Elon Musk chatted about the company's upcoming products. While claiming it has "the most exciting product roadmap of any company on Earth," Musk mentioned the Model Y crossover EV we've only seen hints of so far, and said "I recently approved the prototype to go into production."
NASA fixes Hubble gyroscope by turning it off and on again
Hubble's designers prepared for gyroscope failure by equipping the observatory with a backup. Unfortunately, when one of Hubble's gyroscopes conked out in early October, the backup didn't work as expected -- it was rotating too fast and hence won't be able to hold the telescope in place when it needs to stay still and lock in on a target. NASA has since been able to reduce its rotation rates and fix its issues by implementing an age-old fix for malfunctioning electronics: turning it off and on again.
Xiaomi's new gaming smartphone comes with a Joy-Con
We've already seen the likes of Razer and ASUS making a push in the gaming smartphone market, but what you probably don't know is that Xiaomi has also been somewhat involved in this space -- just not with its own identity. Dubbed Black Shark, this startup has been leveraging Xiaomi's investment and smartphone manufacturing know-how, with the first result being a bold-looking gaming phone back in April. Fast forward to today, Black Shark is already back with a beefier model called Helo, and it's shaping up to be a prettier package both externally and internally.
Thieves steal a Tesla Model S by hacking the entry fob
A Tesla owner who recorded thieves stealing his Model S by hacking the passive entry system has published the video on YouTube so we can all watch (and learn). It shows the crooks using a tablet to apparently capture the passive signal from his keyfob, then using the data to open the vehicle. Amusingly, the pair didn't drive off as quickly as they could have simply because they couldn't figure out how to detach the charging cable (hint: there's a button).
Samsung has figured out EUV, the holy grail of chipmaking
Samsung has finally nailed a much-anticipated chip manufacturing technique that will help phones perform faster and keep their batteries juiced for longer. The company is now building 7-nanometer chips using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology -- a process which has been in the pipeline for years but has faced all kinds of challenges in real-world roll-out.
Researchers 3D print custom-sized lithium-ion batteries
One of the challenges in creating smaller and smaller devices these days, such as wearables and phones, is that the batteries can take up a lot of room. Cases are often designed around standard battery sizes, and it often creates wasted space. Now, new research published in ACS Applied Energy Materials shows that it's possible to 3D-print lithium-ion batteries into whatever shape you need.
Watch Boston Dynamics’ SpotMini robot twerk to ‘Uptown Funk’
If what you need today is a dog robot twerking to "Uptown Funk," well then you're in luck. Boston Dynamics' Spot robot is featured in a new video intended to show off its mobility, and it certainly does that as the robot dog steps, gyrates and dances in time with music.
Palm is back (sort of), and it built a tiny smartphone sidekick
When HP unceremoniously shut down Palm in 2011, it felt like the end of an era. The PDA and smartphone maker's glory days were in the past by then, but it developed a string of hits in the late 90s and early 2000s, and few names in the industry inspired as much zeal and loyalty as Palm Inc. did. To a die-hard community, losing the company was a blow.
Samsung’s Galaxy A9 is the first quad camera phone
Google's Pixel 3 reveal came and went earlier this week, bringing us ever closer to the end of new flagship season. For Samsung, the past few months have revolved around the Galaxy Note 9, but the company saved a little something special for its next mid-range device. Samsung may have already announced a mid-tier handset with three rear cameras, the Galaxy A7, a couple of weeks ago. But today, it's going one better with the new Galaxy A9, the world's first quad camera smartphone.
Google's Pixel 3 event by the numbers
Google offered everybody a peak at its fall product lineup during its Made by Google event in New York City on Tuesday. The internet search giant cum hardware purveyor showed off its latest handset, the Pixel 3 (as well as a wireless charging dock for it), a more robust Chromecast, a smart Home Hub, and a snazzy 2-in-1 convertible tablet.
Microsoft plans 2019 beta for its game streaming service
We've known that Microsoft is working on a cloud streaming service that will allow users to play high-quality video games on phones and tablets. Today, the company introduced Project xCloud, which is game-streaming tech that "will offer you the freedom to play on the device you want without being locked to a particular device," according to a blog post.
WSJ: New Nintendo Switch planned for 2019
Nintendo has been on an excellent run between the release of the Switch and its mini retro consoles, and the Wall Street Journal reports that next year its new hardware launch could be a revised version of the Switch. Pitched as a way to "maintain sales momentum" it's unclear exactly what might change in a new version, but one possibility is swapping its LCD screen out for a more battery-friendly and better-looking OLED display, although it's likely to stick with LCD.
Mario Kart VR lands in the US
Mario Kart VR has already graced Japan and London...now it's making a pitstop in the US. Yes, you can (finally) immerse yourself in the cartoonish karting action -- while sitting in a physical vehicle with pedals and a steering wheel -- at Washington DC's Union Station right now. But you better be quick: Bandai Namco's "VR Zone Portal" is only in town till March 2019, reports Road to VR.
