Withstand an attack in style with the Mercedes AMG G63-based armored limo
Upgraded to sniper-level protection, the 2018 Inkas G63 AMG armored limousine withstands high-velocity armor-piercing bullets. The new ultra-security G-Wagen also comes with a motorized bar, infrared and thermal perimeter cameras, a daylight headliner, and proprietary leather stitching, all starting at $1.2 million.
3 billion data points reveal streaming TV’s surge
Conviva's Q2 2018 streaming TV census found viewing hours more than doubled since 2017 with significant jumps in simultaneous viewers, especially during the World Cup and the NBA playoffs. The survey also noted shifts in the devices used to stream TV and marked improvements in five video quality measures.
Kroger’s Ship leaves the dock with curated products and special deals
The Kroger retail food and grocery store chain launched Kroger Ship, a direct-to-customer delivery service in four U.S. cities this week. Customer orders placed on the internet will be delivered to customer homes from Kroger warehouses, bypassing its local grocery stores. Kroger Ship gives shoppers a fourth way to buy.
Oreck’s cordless POD vacuum gets the dirtbags out of your life
Oreck's Cordless Vacuum with POD Technology won't spew dust into the air when it's time for a new pod. Unlike bags that free dust into the air when you remove them, Oreck's pod self-seals when you remove its container from the vacuum handle. The expandable pod debris storage lasts about a month.
Tesla warns owners to protect against car thieves using key fobs
Tesla emailed its owners about steps to lower the chances thieves will exploit the brand's passive entry system, which allows owners to enter their vehicles without removing digital key fobs from their pockets or bags. Thieves with relay attack devices access vehicles by boosting the fob signal from a distance.
Forget stainless steel: GE’s Café appliances offer a brand-new vision for the kitchen
Featuring premium finishes and an array of replaceable metal knobs and handle color choices, GE Appliances introduced the new Café Brand of customizable appliances. The new brand's first line is The Matte Collection, with matte white and matte black finishes. Customers can choose from a range of hardware colors.
Google may reverse course and launch a restricted Google Search in China
Reversing a 2010 decision to stop censoring Google Search, the company has submitted a new, filtered search app to China, The Intercept reports. The censored version would cut access to websites blacklisted by the Chinese government and show no results for queries with restricted terms.
Self-driving freighter out of the picture as Uber dumps truck to focus on cars
Uber is halting development on self-driving trucks to devote resources to self-driving cars. Employees of the San Francisco-based self-driving truck group will be reassigned to related jobs. The self-driving car group is located in Pittsburgh. Employees who don't want to relocate will be offered separation packages.
Ecobee’s Peak Relief saves money, reduces energy use when demand is high
With Ecobee's smart thermostat Peak Relief feature, currently in pilot testing, utility customers with Time of Use rates will be able to stay comfortable and save money. Peak Relief will analyze customer preferences, home efficiency, and weather forecasts to anticipate and avoid peak utility prices.
$2.3 million Milan Red built to steal the show from other hypercars
Milan Automotive announced the Milan Red hypercar with exterior photos, structural details, performance specs, and a $2.3 million price tag. Milan claims the Red gets from zero-to-62mph in 2.47 seconds and has a 249 mph top speed. The firm will build 99 Milan Reds, and 19 are already reserved.
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.
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.
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.