Nest Mini

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The Google Home Mini has brought Google’s Google Assistant to millions of homes, now the second generation, the Nest Mini, is bringing some major improvements.

A new speaker with powerful sound

With the Nest Mini, the hardware and software have been updated to make it sound even better. The Nest Mini provides bass that is twice as strong as it’s predecessor.  The expert audio engineers at Google have developed propriety audio tuning software to get the most out of the hardware. Helping to provide full clear and natural sound at every volume level. Google didn’t want to suppress any auditory details so expect clear audio from the Nest Mini.

The Nest Mini’s LED lights will alight as your hands get close to the device to indicate where you can tap to adjust volume. It’s also been improved to hear you better in noisy environments. Furthermore the Nest Mini will dynamically adjust the volume of the assistant whilst playing media. So if you have a noisy washing machine, the assistant’s response will be played back at a louder volume.

Whole home audio

Connect the Nest Mini to other Nest speakers to build a sound system for the whole home. Even create different groups in the Google home app and enjoy music, podcasts and more all throughout your home.

You can also stream transfer your music from one speaker to another, even in another room! Plus you can transfer music from your phone to a speaker as soon as you walk through the door.

For example you can say, “Hey Google, move the music to the living room speaker” to keep the party going.

Now you can call your devices from the Google Home app, use the intercom feature to talk from device to device, or call someone on the other side of the world – for free! Just need a Duo account and/or a Google Home/Nest Smart Speaker or display!

Making the best Assistant better

Nest Mini is smarter and faster than it’s original. As Google has embedded a dedicated machine learning chip into it, with up to 1 TeraOPS of processing power (basically very very fast). Thus moving some Google Assistant experiences from the data centers straight on the device.

If you are in the US Nest Mini will now learn the most common commands that you give it and process them locally for an even faster response time!

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Nest Mini is available for $49,  you can pre-order from the Google Store. Simply click here to order!

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Nest Wifi

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Google’s Nest Wifi is a really powerful router and Wifi Point, but it also adds Google Assistant, bringing you even more help at the home!

Whole home coverage

The new Nest Wifi system is two separate devices, the Nest Wifi router plugs directly into the modem. Therefore forming the basis for a strong and powerful home network. While the Nest Wifi point expands coverage to where you need it most.

This new device is more powerful than the predecessor Google Wifi, delivering up to 2x the speed and up to 25% better coverage. A two pack will deliver coverage for a 3,800 sq foot home. The system is also scalable so you can add more points at a later date. Already got a Google Wifi network? Easily add Nest Wifi to it for additional coverage.

Simple setup and control in the Google Home App

You can easily set up Nest Wifi. Simply plug it in, download and open the Google Home app and you’ll be guided through the setup in minutes! Once complete you can manage your network from within the app and all your other supported connected devices.

Google Home app, makes it easy to share Wi-Fi passwords with guests and prioritise devices, test the speed, set up a guest network and change your password. Have a Nest Smart Display? Share the network and password right on the display, simply scan the code with your phone to get online!

Manage separate homes in the app too! You can manage the wifi of a loved one’s network if they aren’t tech savy from your own home!

Have children? You can set up a Wifi Schedule so you can shut off the internet on certain devices at certain times during the week.

Hands-free help with the Google Assistant

Nest Wifi Point has a speaker has a Google Assistant so it can do everything that a Nest Mini can do. Listen to music and ask Google to do a whole heap of things such as pausing the Wifi for certain people or ask Google what the Wifi Network is like. For example:

“Hey Google, pause the Wi-Fi for Daniel.”

“Hey Google, what’s my internet speed?”

Designed for your home

Nest Wifi is beautifully designed with soft rounded edges and unobtrusive lighting, it’s meant to be placed out in the open (unlike other routers), plus it will perform better this way!

The Wifi points come in three colors, Snow, Sand and Mist!

Smart home support

Nest Wifi is built to provide foundation for the future of smart devices. Meaning it has local home connectivity, some devices will connect directly to the system without needing a hub. Easily set up the most popular lights and plugs right from the Home app.

Nest Wifi availability

It will be available in eight global markets in 2019. In the U.S., you can preorder right now and Nest Wifi will be on sale on November 4.

You can get a two pack with one router and one point for $269, or a three pack with one router and two points for $349.

Simply click here to order!

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Pixel Buds New and Improved!

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On average people check their smartphones around 100 times a day, mainly for playing a song, or to set a reminder or getting directions. Which takes up roughly 30 seconds of our time. Well the Google Pixel Buds are here to help make those tasks a little easier and a little, quicker. With instant access to Google Assistant. Not only are they helpful they’re also very clear, comfortable, have high quality sound and have a looooong battery life.

Pixel Buds in your ear

Everyone’s ears are shaped differently, so the folks over at Google have made  design that is comfortable for as many people as possible. They sit flush in your ear and have a low profile, making them extremely stylish! The stabilizer arc gently tucks in and working alongside the interchangeable eartip, Pixel Buds won’t ever leave your ears!

Sound Quality

Pixel Buds not only stay secure in your ear, they also let enough sound from the world around you to keep you aware of what’s going on. Making this a hugely important safety feature! While also delivering powerful sound. The eartios gently seal the ear to isolate the loud outside noise and to give you high quality audio. Yet the spatial vent underneath reduces that plugged ear feeling. While also letting through just the right amount of environmental sound to make sure you don’t get run over! However, there’s also a fantastic feature that the Pixel Buds have. Adaptive Sound! They will automatically adjust the volume as you walk around. For example if you move from a quiet environment to a noisy one you won’t have to constantly raise or lower the volume, they do it for you!

Calling!

Pixel Buds when making a call make sure your voice is at the forefront. The two microphones in each bud focuses on the sound of your voice. While suppressing other sounds in the background. Furthermore, Pixel Buds have a voice accelerometer that will detect speech through the vibrations of your jawbone. So you can be heard even in the most windy of conditions!

Connection

Pixel Buds have long range Bluetooth connectivity so you can use them even when your phone isn’t nearby. You can stay connected indoors up to 3 rooms away and outside up to 100m! They can also connect to Bluetooth 4.0 enabled laptops, tablets and iOS devices. Pixel Buds work with other Andriod 6.0+ devices with just a single tap.

They’ll also be able to detect when they’re in your ear, tap to play/pause, swipe to adjust volume. Get 5hrs of listening time on a single charge and up to 24hrs with the wireless charging case. They’re also sweat and water resistant!

Pixel Buds Are Helpful!

Pixel Buds also give you hands-free access to Google Assistant! Just say “Hey Google” and the assistant will ask you what you need. For example you can play music, send a text or translate a foreign language!

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Google Pixel Buds will be available in 2020 in the U.S. at $179, and will come in four colors: Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint and Almost Black.

Simply click here to order!

For those outside of the US sign up for Google’s waitlist to be notified.

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Pixel 4

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The Google Pixel 4 has a camera that captures details that many others can’t, you can even use your phone without touching it, has a brand new Google Assistant and has a fast, responsive display! So, you could argue that the Pixel 4 has packed a ton of new tech into it!

Get the perfect photo with Pixel 4

It has the largest upgrade to a Pixel phone to date, there are now a total of 2 cameras on the back of the phone, including a telephoto lens. The software upgrade? A brand new Super Res Zoom feature, giving you exceptional image quality from a distance!

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Super Res Zoom (1x)
Super Res Zoom (2x)
Super Res Zoom (3.1x)
Super Res Zoom (5.7x)
Super Res Zoom (8x)

Night Sight has been upgraded and can be used for shots of the night sky, the stars and even the Milky way! Pixel 3/3a users will also get a version of this upgrade with a camera app update.

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All Pixel’s have HDR+ capabilities but with the Pixel 4 you can fine the the brightness and amount of details in the shadows. Pixel 4 also has a Live HDR+ in the viewfinder so you know exactly what the photo will look like, even when you’re using the new controls.

A new Google Assistant

The Pixel 4 has a deeper integration of  Google Assistant. Speech processing has improved and more requests can happen right on the phone without having to go to the cloud first.

The assistant also doesn’t take up as much space on the screen anymore, letting you better multi task across other apps. Google Assistant will quickly open apps, search your phone, share what’s on screen and more. The context of the queries will also do a better job answering.

For example, you can ask the Assistant to “show my photos from New York” and then say “the ones in Central Park.” Then, you can share a picture by saying “send it to Mum.”

A phone that senses what you want it to do

Pixel 4 has a Motion Sense feature that uses miniature radar sensors to detect when you’re about to reach for your phone and it will initiate face unlock or turn off your screen when you aren’t around. Also, new quick gestures let you skip songs when you don’t want to pick up the phone. Simply wave your hand to snooze alarms, dismiss timers or silence the ringer.

New built-in apps

The new Recorder app will record meetings, lectures and anything you want to listen to later, it will even simulatneously transcribe speech. It can also identify sounds such as music and applause. Plus search from within recordings to find a specific word or sound! However, English translation is up first with more languages coming soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new personal safety app will automatically call emergency services if you have been in a car accident. The Car Crash detection however,will be available in English in the US.

Built for performance and security

Pixel 4 comes with 6GB’s of RAM, a 90hz display and the Pixel Neural core. Pixel Neural Core is the engine for all the on device processing that goes on on the phone. Therefore more tasks are done directly on the phone increasing performance and privacy.

Also, the Titan M chip from Google provides protection for your most sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the operating system. While all this is combined with the latest version of Android 10, monthly security updates for 3 years, plus access to Google’s advanced security services, the Pixel 4 is designed to keep data secure.

Pricing and availability

For customers in the US the Pixel 4 is available through all the major U.S. carriers for the first time, including AT&T, C Spire, Cellcom, Google Fi, Spectrum Mobile (Charter), Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, Visible and Xfinity Mobile (Comcast).

You can pre-order a Pixel 4 for $799 and Pixel 4 XL for $899, and phones will ship on October 24, globally. Pixel 4 comes in three colors, including Clearly White, Just Black, and a limited edition, Oh So Orange.

So, what are you waiting for? Simply click here to order!

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Airpods vs Powerbeats Pro

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We took the two best wireless headphones for a spin to decide which is the best! It’s time for Airpods vs Powerbeats Pro!

Airpods 2nd Gen

Airpods 2nd Gen are a real step up from their predecessors. Take them out of the book and they’re ready to use straight away. Put them in your ears and they’ll start playing music. Take them out your ears and they’ll pause. Simple.

Simply say “Hey Siri” and the Airpods will announce Messages, Siri will even automatically speak your incoming messages as they arrive. Choose which contacts that you wish Siri to announce and Siri won’t interrupt you from others.

With the H1 chip you can connect up to 2x faster when switching between active devices and a 1.5x faster connection time for phone calls. Also, it will drive voice enabled Siri access and 30% less lower gaming accuracy. So whether listening to music, playing games or on the phone it will be that much better.

The optical sensors and motion accelerometers will work together to control the audio experience. Therefore engaging the microphones for phone calls and Siri. Whilst also enabling Airpods to play sound as soon as they’re in your ears. Double tap to change music or even wear one Airpod if you want. While the mics are also very smart and can filter our external noise and focus on your voice.

The wireless case also enables you to charge by simply playing the case on a Qi-Certified charging mat! Listen for up to 5hrs, and talk for up to 3hrs all on a single charge. The case holds 24hrs of charge of listening and talking time. A quick 15mins charge will give an additional 3hrs of listening and 2hrs of talk time. Even ask Siri to tell you how your battery level is like!

 

Powerbeats Pro

The new Beats earphones Powerbeats Pro are built specifically for those who love to workout and are always active. They have zero wires for a start so there’s no holding you back!  Powerbeats Pro delivers powerful, balanced sound with dynamic range and noise isolation for a very cool and enjoyable listen.

They are wireless (obviously!) but also have a really strong connection to your device, with fewer dropouts included! You are going to get sweaty using these right? Well they have a reinforced design for sweat and water resistance! Not only that the adjustable, secure fit ear hooks keep them locked in to your ears. So, you can keep locked into the music.

While you get a total of 9 hours of listening time the charging case will give you an additional 24hrs of playback! If you need a charge, Fast Fuel for 5mins gives you an additional 1.5hrs of playback! Hands Free controls via “Hey Siri” on iOS devices and  and voice capability with a push of the “b” button on a variety of compatible devices!

There’s also volume and track controls on each earbud so you can play both earbuds or one at a time. Not only that there’s also sensors in the buds which will detect when you are wearing them and start/stop playing accordingly.

Airpods vs Powerbeats Pro Breakdown

Check out our extensive table below:

Airpods Pro Powerbeats Pro
Weight 4g (each)

38g (Charging Case)

 0.71 oz/20.3 g
Connections Bluetooth 

Lightning Connector (Case)

 Bluetooth

Lightning to USB – A (Case)
Accessibility Live Listen Audio
Sensors Dual Beamforming Microphones

Dual Optical Sensors

Motion Detecting Accelerometer

Speech Detecting Accelerometer

 Dual beam-forming microphones

Dual optical sensors

Motion-detecting accelerometer

Speech-detecting accelerometer
Power More than 24hrs listening time and 18hrs talk time (With Case) 

Up to 5hrs listening time, up to 3hrs talk time (Single Charge) 

15mins in case = 3hrs listening time, 2hrs talk time

 24hrs charge with the case

Single Charge 9hrs

5mins = 1.5hr 
Hey Siri Compatible  Yes Yes
H1 chip Yes Yes
Noise Isolation No Yes
Controls Tap Control Physical Buttons
Adjustable Ear Tips No Yes
Adjustable Fit No Yes
Sweat and Water Resistant No Yes

Airpods vs Powerbeats Pro – What do you think?

Purchase them here: Air Pods 2nd Gen / Powerbeats Pro

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how to kill an hour 2019

How Do You Find A Vehicle That Fits Your Personality?

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Many of us, usually in the midst of our childhoods, have once dreamt about owning our own vehicle that is not simply ours in ownership, but resembles our personality to some degree. A car such as Knight Rider, with a voiced AI, a cool color scheme that is in no way ostentatious and a few cool missions to utilize said vehicle with can be a dream for many, something that despite our best efforts to convince ourselves we have grown out of this dream, we never really do.

 

But despite this seeming like quite a comical situation, wishing to find a vehicle that fits your personality can help you ask relevant questions when filtering your search for a new vehicle. While Suttons UK can help you find the best vehicle at the best rates, narrowing your options can be a little trickier. With that in mind, we believe the following advice can help you achieve the best result, and find you that car you were supposed to drive all along:

 

What Will You Use It For?

 

Purchasing a vehicle for a business enterprise, something to run the children to school, or help you with rural living will all require vastly different options. Services such as Suttons UK can help you find the best measure of looking for the best car possible, but it’s also important to know what the bulk of your time behind the wheel will be. Additionally, considering what your road environment is most of the time can be helpful. If you have to drive over an hour to commute, it might be that something with great fuel economy is preferably to something nimble that can zip around a city with ease. With these parameters in place, you can make the best decision.

 

Aesthetic Preferences

 

What aesthetic are you interested in? Perhaps you enjoy high wheel arches, a 4×4 vehicle with plenty of ground clearance, a small car with a somewhat cute ‘spoiler’ or a certain candy paint aesthetic that you may find it hard to find elsewhere. If you’re into car modifications, finding a model that allows for nice bodykit work or maintenance could be a priority for you. It’s perhaps the least important filter on this list, but it can be a great measure of helping you refine your search just a little.

 

Budgeting Allowance

 

Of course, it always comes down to money. Not only in how you might purchase the car, but how you might opt for a finance plan, how reliable the model is known to be, and what the fuel mileage is. Additionally, what you trade in a previous car for may be worth knowing, because it could help you find something a little out of your means otherwise. With that in mind, you can enjoy upgrading your vehicle to the point you are most happy with.

 

With this advice, you’re sure to find a vehicle that does truly fit your personality.

Kia e-Niro!

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Kia e-Niro Quick Look!

  • Class-leading driving range of 282 miles
  • Can be recharged to 80 per cent battery life in as little as 54 minutes
  • Clean zero tailpipe emissions motoring
  • Successfully combines two of the fastest growing trends – crossover styling
    with electrification
  •  Unique styling cues help to differentiate the e-Niro from the Niro Hybrid and
    PHEV
  • A single high-specification, feature-rich model

Our thoughts of the Kia e-Niro

Recently we tested the new Kia e-Niro. An electric vehicle from Kia, created in California, USA and Naming, Korea. It looks incredible and has a ‘Clean and High -Tech’ design. We especially like the futuristic and aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Not only because it looks great but it has an integrated charging port on it! Though the arrowhead shaped LED lights with the blue trim highlights does make it POP! It’s clearly a family car but it has an aerodynamic performance to it. Giving it character and different from the rest. (Not forgetting the HUGE 17 inch aluminium alloy wheels!)

The inside….

The centre console is a big change in the e-Niro, as the electric powertrain doesn’t actually require a traditional gear lever and gear linkage. It’s been replaced by a ‘shift by wire’ rotator dial drive selector. This sits on its own panel on the central armrest. The new panel also houses buttons for the electronic hand break, heated seats and steering wheel, the drive mode select, parking sensors and the e-Niro’s braking ‘Auto Hold’. Better yet, the new panel has no bulky transmission panel thus enabling a large storage area at the base of the centre console. Cool right?

Dashboard Tech

Dashboard is super realistic as it has a bright blue trim around the air vents, black and blue trims also line the doors which make it look really cool! There is also a shelf at the base of the instrument panel which has a wireless charger on it!

There is an 8” touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. Which shows drivers the nearest charging point as well as highlighting the remainign charge and range. Furthermore it shows how much CO2 reduction the car is reducing both on their trip and lifetime ownership of the vehicle. This touchscreen will also show users to set the approximate departure time for their next journey. Why is this important? Well the car will heat itself to a set temperature before the driver departs.Perfect for the winter!

The 7” LCD Driver instrument cluster will show drivers the battery charge info ont he move, it will also gauge whoever is sitting at the wheel. Attributing a percentage to the amount of ‘economical’ driving the driver does on each journey. If you like instant off the line acceleration, it will also show you what percentage of the journey has been completed with ‘dynamic driving’

Design

The Kia e-Niro has merged crossover inspired design with long distance zero emissions and enjoyable performance. It has achieved this with it’s next gen electric powertrain, using tech that has been developed specifically for Kia electric vehicles. Allowing drivers to complete long distance drives with zero emissions and really low running costs. Yet, despite no petrol or diesel power the e-Niro can go 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. Plus it’s Front Wheel Drive too!

The e-Niro is really safe too, thanks to the Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management! It can control skids when cornering or accelerating on uneven levels of grip. The Hill Start Assist Control also prevents the car from rolling too!

The car is very rigid too and has reinforced critical areas with crumple zones, front and rear and anti intrusion beams on the sides. It has seven airbags, including a set which protects a drivers knees!

Tech & Safety

The Kia e-Niro has regenerative braking which allows the car to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery. Both while coasting and braking. Furthermore the Eco Driving Assistant System will provide drivers information on how to drive more efficiently. Plus the Coasting Guide Control (CGC) and Predictive Energy Control (PEC), enabling drivers to maximise
vehicle range by suggesting when to coast or brake.

The CGC take information from the satellite navigation system to anticipate road conditions. It will then reduce energy use and identify opportunities to harvest additional power through coasting. It will work by altering drivers the best time to lift off the accelerator and coast towards a junction for example. Thus allowing energy to be regenerated. Therefore it means the driver can brake later and maintain momentum when traffic allows.

This may mean that you won’t need to stop at a junction or traffic lights. Traffic permitting of course. The way that the system does this is via a small icon on the instrument cluster and an unobtrusive audible warning.  While, the car also has lane assist capabilities! It will film the lane infant of the car and then it will detect the lanes and markings. It will issue sound and visual alerts to its driver if the car has moved out of it’s lane, whilst using no indicators. Steering the car back into the lane if necessary.

Crash Detection

We were also very impressed by the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist! It can detect pedestrians and cyclists bringing itself to a halt if the driver fails to react to a potential accident. So, how it does this is by short and long wave radars to monitor the proximity of vehicles and pedestrians infant of it. As, if the car things that a collision is imminent and the driver fails to react the brakes will be applied automatically.

The system is split into three main categories:

City, which can avoid low-speed urban accidents at up to 13mph.
1. Inter-Urban, which operates between 31mph and 50mph.
2. Pedestrian, which detects pedestrians and other vulnerable road users such as cyclists at up to
44mph.

Kia e-Niro’s Battery and Performance

The car’s fitted with a battery heating system which allows the e-Niro to insulate and warm up the battery whilst it is plugged in. Minimising the adverse effects of cold temperatures. It will charge up to 80% in 54mins while using a 100kW direct current charger or 75mins using a 50kW DC charger. With the 7.2kW on-board charger, charging with alternating current it will take 9hrs and 50mins. Drivers also have the option of charging their car at a compatible regular household power socket using the in cable control box!

The e-Niro can be driven in different modes, allowing them to tailor the driving experience. You can use Normal, Eco and Sport modes. All will affect the level of effort to steer the car. While Eco mode maximises the potential for greater efficiency. It does this by limiting the maximum torque and power the motor. Whilst softening throttle responses and offering more relaxed steering inputs.

However, normal mode will be the most suitable for day to day driving. It will combine the innate efficiency and performance of the powertrain with direct steering and throttle responses. Yet Sport mode will enhance the throttle response and enables maximum acceleration. It will also weight up the steering for more decisive driver inputs. So make sure you know how to drive in a sporty car if you use sport mode! 

In-Car Tech

The e-Niro has an 8” touchscreen with a satellite navigation system, European mapping and a Traffic Mapping Channel. There’s also a reverse camera too! TomTom Live is also integrated into the Kia Connected Services! Providing traffic updates and alternative routes, weather forcasts, directions to restaurants and supermarkets, alerts for speed cameras and accident blackspots. Best thing about all this? Kia Connected Services is free for 7 years from the day of purchase. Decent deal if you ask us!

The Kia Connected Services is also linked to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Therefore allowing you access to everything such as Google Maps, Google Play, Siri, calls and text dictation and a lot lot more! Not forgetting Bluetooth hands free calls and bluetooth streaming either! The car also has a DAB radio with MP3 compatibility. Listen to it with the 8 speaker, 320 watt JBL audio system with subwoofer and external amplifier and front speaker. As standard! We think the Kia e-Niro is a great introduction into the EV world! 

 

Kia e-Niro Overview

  • 201bhp (150kW) pure electric drivetrain
  • 282 miles driving range (combined) or 382 miles in a city environment
  • Can be recharged to 80 per cent battery life in just 54 minutes using a 100kW charger,
    and with a 50kW charger, the battery can be replenished to 80 per cent in 75 minutes
  • Slots into a market that is set to grow enormously over the coming years
  • Successfully combines two of the fastest growing trends – crossover styling with
    electrification
  • A single high-specification, feature-rich model
  • Underfloor position of the batteries ensures a no-compromise approach to interior space
  • More than 200,000 Niro Hybrid and PHEV models have been sold around the world since
    2016, with 65,000 sold in Europe and more than 11,000 in the UK
  • More than 5,000 pre-orders for the e-Niro in South Korea
    Body
  • Based on a platform exclusively developed for electrified cars
  • Five-door, five-seater front-wheel-drive crossover
  • At 4,375mm long, slots between the Ceed hatchback and Sportage SUV in size
  • Batteries located under the floor for low centre of gravity and satisfying driving
    experience
  • Made up of 53 per cent advanced high-strength steel
  • Bonnet, tailgate panel, front bumper back beam and chassis components are all made of
    aluminium to save weight

Design

  • Signature design cues like the aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille ensures e-Niro is easily
    recognisable as a Kia. The grille handily doubles up as a neatly integrated charging point
  • Revised styling clearly identifies the e-Niro apart from the Niro Hybrid and PHEV
  • e-Niro takes inspiration from the Niro EV Concept car unveiled at the 2018 Consumer
    Electronic Show in Las Vegas
  • Redesigned air intakes and striking new arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights
    Interior
  • Redesigned cabin, incorporating Kia’s first rotary gear selector
  • Long, 2,700mm wheelbase and width of 1,805mm create ample space for five adults
  • Shapely front seats save 1.3kg each and offer excellent all-round support
  • Dashboard split into upper display area and lower control area with fewer, simpler
    switches
  • Horizontal trim line on dashboard emphasises width and space inside
  • luxurious soft-touch materials and trim details attest to high-quality fit and finish
  • Boot capacity enhanced from 324 to 451 litres compared with Niro PHEV due to under
    floor mounted battery pack

Tech

  • Wireless phone charger included as standard for Qi-equipped smartphones
  • Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom® Live, providing speed camera, weather,
    traffic and local point of interest information
  • Reversing camera system and rear parking sensors included as standard
  • Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM standard equipment, giving access to navigation,
    music, hands-free calls and text messaging and voice recognition through smartphone
    apps
  • Advanced active safety technologies include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with
    pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA), Adaptive Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Driver
    Attention Warning (DAW) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • •DAB radio standard, with eight-speaker 320-watt JBL® premium sound system

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Free trial cancellations?

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Friend of the show and all round technological whizz, Joshua Browder is BACK! He is attempting to break the modern subscription based world. By offering to cancel free trial automatically for his users! How COOL is that!

No more having to remember when free trials end as this new app will do it for you! It’s called Free Trial Surfing and will use a rather clever method. It will issue users a false name and a virtual credit card number which is registered to the app developer.

They will then use this to manage the account, redirecting email addresses are available if required too. So basically you can enjoy the free trial for however long the trial is and then it will automatically die before a proper billing cycle kicks in.

It’s already available in the US. It hasn’t gone down too well with service providers and are allegedly trying to block the credit cards which are used by the service. Joshua Browder says that his banking services partner is fully on board with the project. While they are also up for the inevitable game of card number whack-a-mole that will most likely occur. However, don’t worry a UK version of the app is set to launch this week!

(Gizmodo / BBC / TechRadar)

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Teletext dies – Again.

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Teletext died a long while ago, it was the BBC’s Ceefax service and got nixed way back in 2012. It was at the same time as analogue tv got switched off. The BBC continued a similar service through the ‘red button’ it was a news service that brought you more information than what was displayed on screen. Most recently it has been used to show other feeds of matches at Wimbledon or provide alternate commentary.

However it will kill off the “Red Button” news service from next year.

“It’s always a difficult decision to reduce services, and we don’t take decisions like this lightly, but we have taken it because we have to balance the resources needed to maintain and develop this service with the need to update our systems to give people even better internet-based services.” BBC spokesperson

(Gizmodo  / Guardian)

Do you remember Teletext. Did you use Teletext?

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AR Artwork Installed In London

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Augemented Reality is taking the world by storm. Microsoft have Hololens and Apple are rumoured to be creating their own AR Headset. AR is live and readily available. So what best way to use AR other than Pokemon go? Some AR Artwork.

London based collective Frieze have launched, what may just be, the first augmented reality art exhibit. They have installed I guess you could say, a series of art sculptures in London’s Regent’s Park. All for visitors to enjoy and like through their smartphone screens.

The piece that is on show is by a South Korean artist called Koo Jeong A. It’s a series of floating ice slabs which hover in place. The artwork is said to be a comment on environmental concerns and have been built in AR by mixed reality art enabler Acure Art.

To view the artwork you will need the Acute Art App. (Linked below). The app is free so why not head down to Regent’s Park while the weather is still nice and get to see some rather cool artwork!

“I like the fact that we are introducing this object, this entity, into the most conventional and classical of environments – a royal park with statues.” Acute Art’s director Daniel Birnbaum

(Gizmodo / Guardian)

Acute Art – Apple / Android

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