AncestryDNA price drop makes it more affordable to discover your family origins
In step with Saint Patrick's Day's traditional emphasis on ancestral roots, AncestryDNA dropped its regular price for a DNA-based ancestry search by $40. Send in a saliva sample and your report will include ethnicity estimates, locations and regions of origin, and potential living relatives, This deal ends March 17.
Amazon slashes price of Eero Home Wi-Fi System mesh network just for today
Amazon temporarily slashed the price of the Eero Home Wi-Fi System by $100. For today only you can pick up fast, reliable mesh network hardware suitable for a two to four bedroom home. When we reviewed the Eero system we found it easy to set up and manage. This sale ends tonight at midnight Pacific Time.
Nearly 3 in 4 Americans are reportedly afraid of self-driving cars, study says
The latest AAA consumer survey finds most Americans fear self-driving cars. Few people would trust autonomous vehicles to transport people they care about. An earlier easing of fears reversed after high-profile fatalities. However, 53 percent of U.S. drivers think most cars will be fully autonomous by 2029.
Keep talking — Google OKs Continued Conversation on smart displays
Now you won't have to say "Hey, Google" as often when you use Google Assistant on smart displays. Continued Conversation works with all current Google Home smart displays set to use U.S. English. Originally only available on Google Home smart speakers, you can now ask follow-up questions with smart displays as well.
Waymo rules and Apple trails in California self-driving car benchmarks
Each year the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles releases reports of self-driving car disengagements for autonomous vehicles tested on public roads. Based on the most recent California data, Waymo had the best performance, GM Cruise came in second, and Apple's self-driving program was in last place.
Waymo wants to sell lidar sensors, but not to self-driving car companies
Waymo wants to make deals for its Laser Bear Honeycomb lidar sensor. The self-driving car unit of Google's parent Alphabet aims to partner with companies that have non-automotive applications for the 3D perimeter sensor. Waymo hopes to scale its self-driving technology in applications such as robotics and security.
Could unsupervised A.I. enable autonomous cars to learn as they go?
Cortica embedded its "Autonomous A.I." solution on the Renesas system-on-chip (SoC) for self-driving cars. Autonomous A.I. uses "unsupervised learning" to enable vehicles to make predictions based on visual data. Cortica says unsupervised learning is faster and more accurate than deep learning-based systems.
August View is a high-res video doorbell that also adds color to your entryway
August Home announced August View, a wire-free, high-resolution video doorbell with two-way audio, motion detection, and free video clip cloud storage. The video sensor captures 1440p resolution video, 33 percent higher than 1080p full HD video. Higher resolution means more pixels for images with greater detail.
Google Duo audio calling reportedly arriving soon to Google Home speakers
Get ready for Google Duo audio calls on Google Home smart speakers. Android and iOS mobile devices, Windows and iOS computers, and Chromebooks all support Duo video calls. The Google Home Hub lacks a camera but supports incoming video calls and now it appears Home smart speakers will soon support audio-only Duo calls.
Amazon brings back home milk delivery with its Happy Belly brand
Amazon added milk and other dairy items to its private label Happy Belly brand. You can only buy Happy Bell milk, whipped cream, and other perishable items in nine U.S. metro areas via the AmazonFresh delivery service. Amazon continues to enter new markets, in this case replacing the neighborhood milkman.
This oven promises a perfect Neopolitan-style pizza in 60 seconds
Rule the next neighborhood cook-off with Ooni's high-temperature pizza oven. The Ooni Koda pizza oven promises jaw-dropping Neopolitan-style pizza in 60 seconds. The gas-fueled oven heats to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, twice as hot as most domestic ovens and retains heat with a carbon-steel shell and inch-thick insulation.
Walmart knocks down prices on Google Home devices and bundles
Walmart continues to offer discounts and deals on Google Home devices. Save on Google Home, Google Home Hub, Google Home Mini 2-pack, and the Google Smart TV Kit including a Google Home Mini and a Chromecast device. Check this sale if you're configuring a smart home or want easier TV streaming.
Tesla finally announces $35,000 Model 3, moves to online-only sales model
Tesla's long-promised $35,000 standard Model 3 is finally available. A new $37,000 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with greater range, more power, and a fancier interior is also on sale. To achieve cost savings needed to sell the base model, Tesla is closing all stores and switching to online sales worldwide.
Tesla Model S driver crashes and dies in fire, responders couldn’t open doors
After reportedly crossing three lanes of traffic at high speed, a 2016 Tesla Model S crashed into palm trees and burst into flame on Sunday. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene in Davie, Florida. According to police, the driver appeared to overcorrect and lose control before hitting the trees.
2019 RAM 1500 Classic Warlock special edition: Badass style without the whoop
If you like the looks of blacked-out badass trucks but don't want to fork out the big bucks for a no-compromise off-road desert racer, FCA announced the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock, a special edition pickup truck that focuses on appearance with only a touch of additional off-road capability.
Amazon plugs in with $700 million investment in electric pickup company Rivian
Amazon invested $700 million for a minority stake in U.S. all-electric truck maker Rivian, according to a joint release. The announcement follows a Reuters report that GM and Amazon might invest from $1 billion to $2 billion in the company. Rivian introduced the R1T pickup, at the 2018 LA Auto show.
New RemoBell S video doorbell is compatible with Amazon Echo, Google Home
Remo+ just launched a new video doorbell model, the RemoBell S. For several reasons, and not just its $99 price tag, the RemoBell S stands out in the crowd of new entries in the video doorbell category. Unlike many other video doorbells, with the RemoBell S you can view video stored in the cloud for free.
Become a master chef with restaurant-grade gear you can put in your home
Culinary innovator Hestan transformed commercial cooking appliances into customizable cooking suites for home chefs. Ranges and range tops in Hestan's line come in a variety of sizes, single or dual fuel sources, number of cast iron burners, and griddles of two sizes with single or multiple heat zones.
Leviton’s Wi-Fi Load Center and Smart Circuit Breakers give your home a brain
Is your home ready for a brain transplant? Adding individual smart plugs is quick, easy, and inexpensive, but the benefits are limited to one plug at a time. Leviton's new Load Center and Smart Circuit Breakers go deep in your home's infrastructure, connecting your entire home to the internet and the cloud.
Say so long to silver. Samsung brings new colors to household appliances
Samsung introduced two new colors for household appliances, The Korean appliance manufacturer will introduce Tuscan Stainless for several kitchen appliance models starting in May and for the Family Hub Refrigerator in August. New Samsung washing machines and dryers will be offered in Champagne Finish.
Frigidaire goes for ‘wow’ factor with new Gallery ranges, fridges, and more
Electrolux's Frigidaire brand is going all out at KBIS 2019, the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show held in Las Vegas this week. The appliance manufacturer's headliner introductions this year include new ranges with gas, electric, or induction heating; a new refrigerator; and a new dishwasher in its Gallery line.
Researchers teach self-driving cars to predict pedestrians’ next moves
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a system that teaches self-driving cars to predict pedestrian movement. Since pedestrians are easily distracted and can't be counted on to act in their own best self-interest, autonomous cars will need to practice both defensive and protective driving.
AAA report: Freezing temps slash electric vehicle range almost in half
Extremely cold temperatures can decrease electric vehicle operating range by 41 percent, according to a new report by the American Automobile Association. The excess battery drain results primarily from using the vehicle's HVAC to warm the vehicle interior. High temperatures with more AC also shorten driving range.
Ring adds color night vision to wired security devices and HDR to wireless ones
Ring rolled out color night vision to its wired security products featuring cameras such as the Video Doorbell Pro and Spotlight Cam Wired. Ring also added HDR control to its battery-powered security devices including the Video Doorbell 2 and the Spotlight Cam Battery. The features are software updates.
Samsung washing machine recall results in $6.55M class-action settlement
Samsung settled a class action lawsuit involving more than 30 top-loading washing machine models for $6.55 million. The class action alleged the washing machine tops could detach and explode in wash cycles. Samsung recalled the washers, but consumers sued. Original owners may qualify for refunds and a cash settlement.
Amazon’s Whole Foods raises hundreds of prices, from ice cream to soap
Whole Foods Market raised prices on hundreds of items. When Amazon bought Whole Foods, the promise of lower prices attracted customers, but now the glow may diminish with recent price bumps. The company cites inflation and rising costs of ingredients, packaging, and transportation as factors.
Review board says Dyson should cease unsubstantiated vacuum claims
The National Advertising Review Board recommended Dyson make three changes to claims about suction power, running time, and battery technology for its V8 cordless vacuums. Dyson agreed to the recommendations, following an appeal to more rigorous change recommendations by the National Advertising Division.
Amazon to add home mesh router maker Eero to its smart home ecosystem
Amazon will acquire the Eero mesh Wi-Fi router system brand. The financial details are not public and the acquisition must make it through regulatory hurdles. With this deal, Amazon will own another piece of the complete smart home package. Eero's Wi-Fi infrastructure covers the whole house with fast internet.
Amazon has sweet Valentine’s Week deals on Echo, Ring, Fire, Fire TV, and Kindle
Heading into Valentine's Week, Amazon served up a menu of deals on Amazon Echo devices, Ring security and lighting, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, and Kindle e-readers. Savings range from $10 to $140 and discounts to 50 percent, This is an opportunity to snap up a special gift for your Valentine or yourself.
Zero DS police edition electric motorcycle stops a Telsa Model S
A powerful and quiet Zero DS electric motorcycle police edition pulled over an also silent and fast Telsa Model 3 the Bay Area recently. Zero's electric motorcycles require no drivetrain maintenance and fuel costs are a fraction of gas-powered motorcycles, both big pluses for police department budgets.
Talk to people in other languages with Google Assistant’s Interpreter Mode
Google announced Interpreter Mode for Google Assistant at CES 2019. Earlier this week, Google introduced Interpreter Mode on a Google Home Help support page. You can now use Interpreter Mode on Google Home smart speakers, some third-party speakers that integrate Google Assistant devices, and all Smart Displays.
Burning Man attendee builds techno-blazing art car to honor festival
Trees in the desert with lights and sound tuned for enjoyment and inspiration are what you'll find with the Forest House art car at Burning Man.