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☆ Google's Android chief says AI will change what smartphones can do and reset the battle with Apple for mobile supremacy
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Alistair Barr | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This job also includes Android TV, Android Auto, and new augmented and mixed-reality technology. With Google's new Gemini AI models, "we can do things that have never been possible on smartphones," he added. The "System UI" levelThis is possible because Google has baked Gemini AI models and assistant technology into the "System UI" level on Android devices. However, he stressed that this doesn't mean the company can't build unique experiences on Android devices, including many new AI experiences. This works through a combination of Google Search, Gemini AI technology, and Android — something that's not possible on any other platform, Samat said.

Persons: —, Sameer Samat, Zak Brown, Samat, He's, It's, Gemini Organizations: Service, Google, Android Ecosystems, Android, Android Auto, Business, Apple, Samsung, Gemini

☆ GM cuts Chevy Blazer EV price as sales restart following software issues
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Scott Mlyn | CNBCDETROIT — General Motors is reducing the price of its new Chevrolet Blazer EV by thousands of dollars as it restarts sales of the vehicle Friday following an 11-week stoppage to address software issues. Current 2024 Blazer EV models will start at $50,195, or $6,520 less than when it first went on sale in August. "There is not this singular, predominant root cause that causes all of these issues," Cetinok told CNBC during an interview. Still no Apple CarPlayIn addition to fixing the software issues, GM added or changed some features following early customer feedback. More expensive "RS" models of the Blazer EV will be reduced by $5,620 to starting prices of $54,595 for all-wheel drive, or $56,170 for rear-wheel drive.

Persons: Scott Mlyn, Baris, Cetinok, Price Organizations: Electric, CNBC DETROIT —, Motors, Chevrolet, GM, CNBC, Apple, Blazer SS EV, Android Auto, Blazer, Apple Inc

☆ Google wants to make Android users super-texters with new AI features
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Camilo Fonseca | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Google Messages will now have access to the company's Gemini chatbot and custom "photomojis." The standout announcement is that Gemini, Google's own AI chatbot, will be available in the Google Messages app. The Gemini chatbot was formerly known as Bard, before Google rebranded its AI portfolio earlier this year. AdvertisementGoogle Messages users now have access to a beta version of the Gemini chatbot. Android's "photomoji" allows Google Messages users to crop emojis out of their camera roll.

Persons: —, chatbot, Bard, Tim Cook, We've Organizations: Google, Service, Mobile, Congress, Android, Apple Locations: Barcelona, Canada

☆ Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup goes all in on AI
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Samsung’s next-generation flagship Galaxy S24 devices aim to take messaging, photos and games to the next level with artificial intelligence. At its annual Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, the company showed off its Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones, in what it says will usher in the next era of how people use their smartphones. The 6.2-inch Galaxy S24 ($799.99) and the 6.7-inch Galaxy S24+ ($999) are available in onyx black, marble gray, cobalt violet and amber yellow. Standing outAlthough AI on smartphones isn’t entirely new — Google’s latest Pixel 8 lineup launched in October 2023 with many AI features — Samsung’s scale could make more consumers aware of the possibilities. Some on-device generative AI features could be made exclusive to iPhone 16 models, thanks in part to its custom chips.

Persons: CNN — Samsung’s, ”, Jitesh Ubrani, “, Siri, IDC’s Organizations: CNN, Samsung Galaxy, Galaxy, Samsung, IDC, Apple, Android, ABI Research

All-new: 2024 GMC Acadia The show's one big new model reveal came as General Motors unveiled the completely redesigned 2024 GMC Acadia on Wednesday morning. 2024 GMC Acadia GMProduction of the 2024 Acadia is expected to begin early next year at a plant in mid-Michigan, with vehicles slated to hit dealer showrooms during the first quarter. The company revealed its refreshed 2024 F-150 pickup truck lineup Tuesday night to a large crowd in downtown Detroit, not far from the show floor. Jeep unveiled a refreshed 2024 version of its Gladiator pickup in Detroit on Sep. 13, 2023. Not surprisingly, the Gladiator's new grille is very similar to the revamped grille that the Wrangler itself will be sporting for the 2024 model year.

Persons: it's, Duncan Aldred, wasn't, Ford, Jim Farley, John Emmert, Motors, Cadillac, Alex MacDonald, Gladiator, Stellantis, Jim Morrison Organizations: DETROIT, Detroit, United Auto Workers, Detroit Auto, North American, CNBC, General Motors, Acadia, GMC, GMC Acadia GM, GM, Chevrolet Traverse, Buick, CT5, Cadillac CT5, Google, Jeep, Apple Locations: Acadia, Michigan, U.S, Yukon, Detroit, Toledo ., North America

☆ Qualcomm banks on AI to get a bigger share of the automotive chip market
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Qualcomm is best known for the chips and modems inside Android phones. But in recent years, it's also started selling a package of hardware chips, sensors and software called Snapdragon Digital Chassis to automakers like GM , Hyundai and Volvo. It reported $1.32 billion in sales in its fiscal 2022, or about 3% of the company’s overall sales. Qualcomm makes between $200 and $3,000 per car that use its chips and software, officials said last fall at an investor event. Qualcomm faces stiff competition from other chipmakers in the car chip business.

Persons: it's Organizations: Qualcomm, GM, Hyundai, Volvo, Apple, Android, Computer, Intel, Nvidia, NXP Semiconductors, Bosch

☆ Google reshuffles Assistant unit, lays off some staffers, to 'supercharge' products with A.I.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Jennifer Elias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaks on-stage during the Google I/O keynote session at the Google Developers Conference in Mountain View, California, on May 10, 2023. Google wants to "supercharge" its seven-year-old smart assistant using new advancements in generative artificial intelligence, as part of the latest major reorganization of the Assistant unit. A portion of the Assistant team has already started working on the efforts, Ranjan added. As a part of the reorganization, executives announced a dozen changes to the company's "Speech" team, which oversees voice commands. Some members of the Speech team will focus their efforts specifically on Bard, she wrote.

Persons: Sundar Pichai, Peeyush Ranjan, Ranjan, Apple's Siri, Alexa, We've, Axios, Francoise Beaufays, Sissie Hsiao, Bard, Beaufays, Jennifer Rodstrom, we're, It's, Hsiao, OpenAI's, Microsoft Bing Organizations: Google, Google Developers, CNBC, Employees, Microsoft Locations: Mountain View , California

☆ Drivers are frustrated with cupholders, door handles, and horns that sound like 'clown cars' in newer models as automakers push for more tech in vehicles, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

An annual study by auto research firm JD Power found that the overall quality of cars declined. Part of the issue stems from automakers' push to put more tech in vehicles, JD Power tells Insider. Automakers are increasingly putting more tech in their new vehicles, but they can't seem to get basic features such as cupholders, door handles, and car horns right, a study from auto research firm JD Power found. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesPart of the desire to redesign door handles is due to the shift to electric vehicles, Hanley said. "They're trying to make the vehicles as aerodynamic as possible because it helps with range ... and door handles was one of those opportunities," he said.

Persons: Power, JD, Frank Hanley, Hanley, they're Organizations: JD, Drivers, Android, aren't, Manufacturers Locations: Teslas, Hanley

☆ I drove the $20,000 Ford Maverick and found the bare-bones truck proves that less can be more
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The bare-bones Maverick XL hybrid lacks creature comforts like cruise control and power mirrors. The first time I hopped into the new Ford Maverick pickup, I did what any driver would do in an unfamiliar vehicle. The base Maverick XL, which Ford loaned me for a weekend in December, costs $20,000 before fees, which makes it the cheapest model in Ford's lineup. Ford Maverick XLT ($22,360) : adds cruise control, a nicer interior, power mirrors, an in-bed storage cubby, and other features. During my time with the Maverick XL, I debated whether the stripped-down truck would be worth the sacrifices I'd have to make.

Persons: There's, I'd, Tim Levin, Ford, Ford Maverick, Tom Holland Organizations: Morning, Ford, Maverick, Honda, Ford Maverick XL, Maverick XL, Apple, Android, Environmental Protection Agency, Chevy Silverado, Hyundai, Cruz, — Locations: New York

☆ Best cheap car options in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —You’ve probably seen shocking headlines saying the average price of a new car has reached about $48,000, according to industry analysts like Edmunds.com. The Chevrolet Trax, with a starting price around $20,000, garnered compliments on a recent test drive. The 2023 Kia Rio was rated as the best overall value by Cars.com. “The Nissan Versa [with a manual transmission] is like sixteen and change, and that’s a really, really pretty nice car,” said Quiroga. “But if you’re if you’re willing to persist and stick to your budget, you absolutely can [find a good inexpensive car] if you can keep an open mind.”

Persons: CNN — You’ve, Ford Maverick, Ford “, ”, Tony Quiroga, you’re, Jane Ulitskaya, Kia Rio, Cars.com, Driver’s Quiroga, Zach Gale, ” Gale, Quiroga, Gale, “, it’s Organizations: CNN, Chevrolet Trax, General Motors, Trax, Chevrolet, Ford, Apple, Cars.com, Kia, Android, Ford Maverick XL, Co, MotorTrend’s, Nissan

☆ Google zeroed in on these 3 categories of climate companies to boost
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Catherine Clifford | In Catclifford | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

This year, the 12 companies mostly fell into three broad categories: Artificial intelligence, electric vehicle infrastructure, and providing companies with better data to decarbonize their operations. When I read the headlines about the dangers of the climate crisis, I feel a personal obligation to be a part of supporting innovative climate solutions to scale," Ridenour told CNBC. Google has hosted three climate change startup accelerators for North American companies in the last three years, and all 33 of the participants are all still operating, a spokesperson for Google told CNBC. "Teams are leaning deeper into developing AI and ML models to address climate change," Ridenour told CNBC. Cleartrace is particularly focused on measurement techniques for Scope 3 emissions -- emissions associated with a company's entire supply chain or value chain, which can be fiendishly difficult to track.

☆ General Motors will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future EVs, opting to introduce its own Google-supported system
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be phased out of future GM electric models. The manufacturer plans to replace CarPlay with its own Google-supported system. Instead of CarPlay, GM will offer its own Google-based software for drivers, including access to Google maps and Google Assistant. GM executives told Reuters the company intends to separate cars from cell phones by phasing out technology like CarPlay. Additionally, GM plans to implement a subscription model for services like Google Maps and Google Assistant several years down the line, Reuters reported.

☆ GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs, with Google’s help
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle’s dashboard display. GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet’s Google. GM’s Chevrolet brand in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than any other brand. GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models. Owners of vehicles equipped with the mirroring technologies will still be able to use the systems, GM said.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle's dashboard display. GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google. GM's Chevrolet brand in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than any other brand. GM said the future infotainment systems will offer applications such as Spotify's (SPOT.N) music service, Audible and other services that many drivers now access via smartphones. GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models.

☆ Car services groups warn of unfair competition as EU data plan stalls
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BRUSSELS, March 31 (Reuters) - Car services groups on Friday warned a stalled EU proposal to ensure fair access to valuable vehicle data could pave the way for unfair competition from U.S. and Chinese tech companies. Car services groups are already concerned about the small number of players in the industry with access to the data, said Benjamin Krieger, secretary general of the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA). Unfair access could soon mean the sector "will be dominated by players from the United States and China", he told reporters. Car makers in turn said the Commission's proposed Data Act gives users control over data generated by vehicles, providing third parties fair and non-discriminatory access to the data. Last month, Mercedes Benz (MBGn.DE) teamed up with Google to offer traffic information and automatic rerouting in its cars.

☆ Google reshuffles virtual assistant unit with focus on Bard A.I. technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Jennifer Elias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Google is reshuffling the reporting structure of its virtual assistant unit — called Assistant — to focus more on Bard, the company's new artificial intelligence chat technology. In a memo to employees on Wednesday, titled "Changes to Assistant and Bard teams," Sissie Hsiao, vice president and lead of Google Assistant's business unit, announced changes to the organization that show the unit heavily prioritizing Bard. Mao held the position of vice president of engineering for Google Assistant and "helped shape the Assistant we have today," Hsiao wrote. As part of Wednesday's change, Google Assistant engineering vice president Amar Subramanya will now lead engineering for the Bard team, the email said. Trevor Strohman, who previously led engineering efforts for Bard, will continue as an “Area Tech Lead” for Bard, reporting to Hsiao.

☆ DOJ reportedly probes Google Maps, adding to sprawling antitrust concerns
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Department of Justice has renewed its focus on Google Maps, adding to its already-sprawling antitrust investigation into the company, Politico and Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Politico also reported that the DOJ is looking into how Google packages its maps, app store and voice assistant for automakers through Google Automotive Services. Reuters reported in March last year that the Department was looking into Google Maps bundling. In a statement, a Google spokesperson said developers are "free to use other mapping services in addition to Google Maps Platform – and many do." A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.

☆ A new Mercedes-Benz will have TikTok, Angry Birds, and Zoom built into a touchscreen that extends across the dashboard to the passenger side
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its 2024 E-Class on Wednesday. And a new app store that lets drivers watch TikToks, play Angry Birds, or attend Zoom meetings. Mercedes-Benz unveiled its 2024 E-Class on Wednesday, featuring a giant touchscreen extending across the passenger side. TikTok, Angry Birds, and Zoom are already set up on the display. The first batch of Mercedes' 2024 E-Class is expected to arrive in European dealerships this summer, and in the USA in autumn.

☆ The 2024 Mercedes E-class will have TikTok built in
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —For those who have ever felt the urge to whip off a TikTok video from inside their car, Mercedes-Benz owners will be able to do that from inside the 2024 E-class without even having get out their phones. Angry Birds will be one of the applications available in the new Mercedes-Benz E-class. These features will be part of the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-class, a redesigned model that will be fully revealed later this year. The E-class is Mercedes’ mid-level model, larger than the entry-level A-class and the more compact C-class, but smaller and less expensive than the ultra-luxurious S-Class. Mercedes has not yet announced pricing for this new version, but prices for the 2023 E-class start at around $56,000.

☆ I drove the new Nissan Z. It's a beautiful, $50,000 retro-modern sports car with a few pesky flaws.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Alanis King | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The 2023 Nissan Z is the start of a new era for Nissan's famous "Z" sports car. The 2023 Nissan Z. Alanis KingThe Z has always been special. The 2023 Nissan Z. NissanBut the Z isn't just pretty — it's usable, especially for a two-door sports car. The 2023 Nissan Z. Alanis KingAll of this would have been fine at a lower cost. The 2023 Nissan Z. Alanis KingI think the Z is the right car for a lot of people.

☆ The biggest announcements from CES 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Harry Rabinowitz | Harry Rabinowitz Is A Reporter For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

Every year, the biggest brands in tech make their way to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES. TelevisionRoku, one of the top streaming platforms for smart TVs, announced that it is releasing its own Roku-branded televisions. Now, Roku will be launching its own brand, with Roku Select and Roku Plus TVs, alongside a Roku TV Wireless Soundbar. TCL, a top smart TV brand, is rebranding and overhauling its TV lineup. Now, all of its smart TVs will fall into two groups: the higher-end Q-Series and the budget-friendly S-Series.

☆ My first time driving a Tesla showed me why people are so obsessed with Elon Musk's electric cars
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

First, the basicsThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe Model Y is Tesla's small SUV and its most popular product. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe display is super responsive to taps and swipes and features crisp graphics. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderPlus, the Model Y lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our impressions: An excellent choice, but not the only optionThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderAs it turns out, the Tesla fans have a point. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe Model Y is a great choice for many buyers, but Tesla isn't the only game in town anymore.

☆ 2023 Nissan Ariya Premiere: A Sporty, Pricey EV Crossover
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Dan Neil | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

FASHIONABLY LATE The Nissan Ariya EV crossover, originally expected to hit the U.S. market last year, was delayed by Covid and the industry-wide chip shortage. In the interim, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 changed the eligibility rules for EV tax credits. DURING ELECTRIC vehicles’ awkward adolescence, a lot of things need to get better: charging infrastructure, battery performance (range/recharging) and, most pressingly, cost. Nissan ’s new Ariya an all-electric family crossover, captures the moment like a high-school photo—both the promise and the pimples. To the good: The Ariya is rock solid, next-level quiet and comfortable, fun to drive, fun to look at and to connect with (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri and Alexa).

☆ Rivian owners can’t help but gush about their trucks, flaws and all
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Matt Mcfarland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“The Rivian is probably my favorite vehicle.”A Rivian R1T leaves the assembly line at its manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. Rivian owners have generally praised the R1T's features, including the gear tunnel for extra storage. Barnhart was one of several Rivian owners who said they were pleased with how accurately Rivian estimates its vehicles range. Feehley and other Rivian owners say it’s common to get questions from curious onlookers in parking lots, or to have people in cars driving alongside them taking pictures. Rivian owners describe being unwilling to ever sell their trucks.

☆ Ford unveils 2023 Escape to sell alongside Bronco Sport in highly competitive compact SUV segment
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

DETROIT — Ford Motor is updating its popular Escape as part of a two-pronged sales strategy alongside the newer, more rugged Bronco Sport in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. The starting price for the 2023 Escape ranges from roughly $29,000 for an entry-level model to $40,000 for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The 2023 Escape is expected to begin arriving in dealer showrooms early next year. U.S. sales of the Escape outsold the Bronco Sport by roughly 30,000 units through the third quarter of this year. The Escape retains its powertrain options, including a traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

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