LG’s new A.I.-powered air conditioning makes your current AC look dumb
LG Electronics USA introduced the first variable output room air conditioners. Dual inverter compressors on the smart Wi-Fi window units increase energy efficiency by up to 40 percent over conventional technology. Reduced CO2 emissions plus lower energy use helped LG win the Energy Star 2018 Emerging Technology Award.
A rare Magic: The Gathering card just sold for more than a Porsche
An Alpha Black Lotus game card just sold on eBay for $88K, proving that collectible game cards from Magic: The Gathering continue to appreciate in value. The card's scarcity and high-grade Gem Mint condition led to its record-breaking sale price. Cards currently for sale on eBay indicate prices won't drop anytime soon.
N.Y. state withdraws approval of Charter and Time Warner merger, boots Spectrum
Citing Spectrum's failure to deliver on commitments and noncompliance with conditions, the New York State Public Service Commission rescinded approval of the Charter and Time Warner merger. In addition to penalties assessed for not meeting deadlines, Charter has 60 days to present a transition plan to successors.
Honeywell Home products will be sold by a new company – Resideo
Honeywell Home will be renamed Resideo later this year when Honeywell spins off the division as a separate company along with Honeywell's ADI global distribution company. Resideo execs are already positioning the new firm for global sales and distribution of Honeywell-branded home comfort and security products.
20 Samsung SmartThings Hub vulnerabilities jeopardized smart homes
Cisco Talos cybersecurity experts uncovered 20 issues with the Samsung SmartThings Hub that could allow bad actors to control individual smart home devices or even the whole smart home network. Talos and Samsung worked together to plug the holes in the Hub's security via a SmartThings Hub firmware update available now.
Beeline Moto minimalist motorcycle navigation simplifies route planning
Beeline Moto navigation and route planning for motorcycles features the same easy-to-follow interface for motorized two-wheel transportation that the company launched on Kickstarter with Beeline Bicycle three years ago. Beeline Moto's single purpose is a distraction-free display to keep riders' eyes on the road.
Google’s Nest is looking to target seniors with smart homes
Google is reportedly considering a marketing push for Nest smart home products and services positioned to support senior citizens. Seniors adamant about maintaining their independence and others who prefer "aging in place" to living in assisted living facilities present a fast-growing opportunity.
Royal Enfield updates its classic motorcycles for U.S. bikers
You'll have to look more than twice to see them, but the 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 mid-size motorcyle has been updated with select modern-ish features. There are plenty of vintage details for purists from thigh pads, mudguards, and a spring-supported seat to a kickstarter for riders who eschew push buttons.
Why Apple Watches, Fitbits, and more could soon get more expensive
The proposed $200 billion in U.S. trade tariffs on specific Chinese manufactured goods could result in significant price increases for a wide range of mobile gadgets. Listed products from Apple, Fitbit, Sonos, and other companies could each be hit with 10 percent price bumps if the proposed tariffs are approved.
Pirelli is recycling car tires into ebike tires
Pirelli just introduced its Cycl-e line of tires for electric bicycles. Designed for city use, the new tires come in five varieties as well as a full range of sizes and weights. Pirelli's Cycl-e tires include an element of sustainability because they are made in part from recycled rubber bits from automobile tires.
Grab your helmet: Google Maps for motorcycles is coming
After testing in India in 2017, Google Maps for motorcycles has now rolled out in eight more countries in Eastern Asia. No news on when motorcycle travel routing will be an option in the U.S., but now that Google has released the feature in the largest bike markets, Europe and the Americas could be next.
Lyft wants to partner with cities to add bike and scooter sharing
Lyft announced a multi-mode transportation plan to bring bike and scooter sharing to cities. Lyft wants to partner with cities to extend mobility in historically underserved communities. To kick off the new initiative Lyft will invest $1 million to help nonprofits establish income eligible transportation programs.
GE’s scan-to-cook microwave comes with a bonus Amazon Dot for a limited time
The 0.9 cubic foot capacity GE Smart Countertop Microwave takes the mystery out of cooking. Scan food packaging barcode to set the microwave's cooking time and power levels correctly or use voice commands by speaking directly to Alexa. For a limited time, GE is bundling an Amazon Echo Dot with the new microwave.
Apple fixes MacBook Pro keyboard issue — sorta
Apple's MacBook Pro has had keyboard reliability issues since 2016. The 2018 MacBook Pro boasts a quieter keyboard than earlier models - but what's touted as a new feature actually may be a fix for an old problem. It that's the case, Apple's not telling. A 2018 model teardown uncovered a surprising coverup.
Two U.S. senators think your TV is spying on you, ask the FTC to investigate
U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal asked the FTC to investigate smart TV privacy policies and practices. Existing cable and satellite TV privacy rules don't apply to internet-connected TVs. The senators say smart TVs can build viewer profiles that include political affiliations.
Canary’s Safety Button adds personal security when you’re away from home
Canary smart home security service and device company partnered with Noonlight's to add a personal Safety Button to the Canary app. For no extra charge, Canary subscriber household members can use the Safety Button app in any location to connect with emergency response services any time they feel threatened.
Oscar the A.I. trash can sorts your garbage and recyclables
Autonomous, an ergonomic office furniture company, announced a Kickstarter campaign for Oscar, a smart home appliance. The AI-based device sorts recyclables and garbage. Environmentally-conscious owners will get help sorting trash the device recognizes successfully and assist with additional training.
It’s going to get crowded with Alexa, Siri, and Google in your bathroom
Voice-enabled bathroom appliances and fixtures join the growing list of smart home devices controlled by voice assistants. Amazon Alexa has the most skills today, but apps for Apple Siri and Google Home Assistant are catching up. Vendors build apps and devices that follow consumer preferences, even to the bathroom.
Tesla now requires a $2,500 non-refundable deposit to order a Model 3
After two years of requiring a refundable $1,000 deposit for Telsa Model 3 reservations, the electric vehicle company is opening up availability to anyone in the U.S. or Canada who puts down a $2,500 nonrefundable deposit. High performance and long-range versions have earlier delivery schedules.
Jarvish adds Alexa and AR to make its motorcycle helmet even smarter
Headgear gets smarter as Jarvish adds augmented reality and Amazon Alexa support to its new X-AR motorcycle helmet. Alexa, Siri, and OK Google all can manage the helmet's navigation, entertainment, connectivity, and communications features. Front and rear cameras provide 360 degree views via the helmet's head-up display.
World’s tallest camera monopod helps you stay on top of the action
3 Legged Thing's Trent monopod holds 50 times its own weight and stands tall enough to make the NBA. With or without its removable foot, Trent's options lets photographers get on top of the action or extend horizontally as a camera or microphone boom. Trent's aircraft-grade alloy keeps it light and strong.
Tesla Powerwalls keep Vermonters comfortable and safe during heat wave
Vermont's Green Mountain Power electric utility uses nearly 500 Tesla Powerwall energy storage units in residents' homes for extra power during peak periods in the summer heat wave. GMP subsidizes the home units for customers and in return, the utility can access the power to supply the overall electrical grid.
PG&E applies to build Tesla’s largest battery farm yet in Silicon Valley
Pacific Gas & Electric applied to the California Public Utilities Commission for four new energy storage projects, including the largest Tesla Powerpack battery farm in the world. The other projects are third-party owned. PG&E would own the Powerpack storage facility with a potential 1.1 GWh energy capacity.
Values rise for Japanese performance cars linked with ‘Fast and Furious’
'The Fast and The Furious' film franchise draws attention to Japanese performance cars to the extent that values for models featured in the films have seen increasing value. Association with 'Fast and Furious' may be an indicator of future value for collectors and investors looking for affordably priced vehicles today.
Float off the grid with this solar-powered tiny home houseboat
Full-time residence could be challenging, but Daigno's Le Koroc houseboat is ready for off-grid fishing trips and short-term escapes. The 3-float pontoon boat is light enough to tow to lost lakes and rambling rivers where it can operate as self-contained living and relaxing quarters with minimal environmental impact.
NHTSA nixes Autopilot Buddy, a Tesla attention-detection cheating device
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a cease and desist letter and ruled the Autopilot Buddy cheat device unsafe. The Autopilot Buddy's purpose is to defeat Tesla's safety feature that detects when a driver's hands are on the wheel. The NHTSA said the product puts the public at risk.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto react quicker than native infotainment systems
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone apps less demanding on drivers than automaker infotainment systems. In a bid to further reduce driver distraction, AAA calls on the automotive and smartphone industries to work together to design low-demand infotainment systems.
Kids help Volvo and Lego design the construction vehicles of the future
Volvo CE and Lego Technic collaborate with children in designing futuristic construction equipment models. Now in the third year, the focus groups with children have resulted in patents for revolutionary concepts that may influence autonomous electric-powered vehicles on both construction sites and city streets.
Amazon ramps up gig economy with Delivery Service Partners fleet program
Massive sales volume increases and a need for delivery alternatives has spurred Amazon to create its delivery Services Partners program. Amazon will help fleet owners start, set up, and manage independent businesses of up to 40 delivery vehicles. Veterans can qualify for an initial investment reimbursement.
When you really need to get from Florida to the Bahamas in under an hour
AB Yachts combines three 1,900 hp MAN diesel engines and three Marine Jet Power water thrusters to propel the AB 100 yacht up to 54 mph.
GE adds a cubic foot with high-capacity French door refrigerator
Stressing large capacity and flexibility at low cost, GE Appliances' new French door refrigerator boasts 25.6 cubic feet of usable interior space. With the open shelving and an additional cubic foot, GE says the fridge can hold up to 50 more cans of soda than comparably priced models from leading brands.