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Tag: driving

  • Vicca Ng Steps into COO Role at Hextar Retail: Driving Expansion and Strategic Partnerships

    Vicca Ng Steps into COO Role at Hextar Retail: Driving Expansion and Strategic Partnerships

    Vicca Ng has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hextar Retail, a Malaysian retail conglomerate. Ng’s new role takes effect immediately and she will continue to supervise the group’s retail operations, in addition to serving as an executive director.

    Vicca Ng’s Role in Hextar Retail

    Ng has been instrumental in the expansion of Hextar Retail. She has successfully managed the brand’s growth, fostered strategic partnerships, and developed retail operations across a growing portfolio. Her background encompasses business expansion, retail operations, and commercial development. In her new role as COO and Executive Director, Hextar Retail looks forward to Ng’s continued leadership as the company evolves and expands.

    Hextar Retail, initially established in 1988 as Classic Scenic Berhad, was rebranded in 2024. The company is a subsidiary of the larger Malaysian conglomerate, the Hextar Group. The Hextar Retail portfolio covers a range of sectors, including lifestyle, apparel, food and beverage, as well as convenience retail sectors.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new role of Vicca Ng in Hextar Retail?
    Vicca Ng has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer and will function as an Executive Director. She will supervise the group’s retail operations.

    What role has Vicca Ng played in the expansion of Hextar Retail?
    Ng has been instrumental in the company’s expansion, overseeing brand growth, fostering strategic partnerships, and developing retail operations across the growing portfolio.

    What sectors does Hextar Retail’s portfolio cover?
    Hextar Retail’s portfolio spans a wide range of sectors, including lifestyle, apparel, food and beverage, and convenience retail sectors.

  • Rev Up for the Harley Davidson X440T: Next-Gen Motorcycle Sneak Peek Ahead of Official Debut

    Rev Up for the Harley Davidson X440T: Next-Gen Motorcycle Sneak Peek Ahead of Official Debut

    In December 2024, Hero MotoCorp announced through a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) filing a continuation of its partnership with Harley-Davidson beyond the X440, revealing plans for new variants. Now, one year later, the first of these new additions, the X440T, is set to make its debut. This new motorcycle retains the familiar features of its X440 predecessor while introducing several key improvements.

    Design Distinctions of the New Harley-Davidson X440T

    Among the noticeable revisions on the X440T is an entirely restyled rear three-quarters section. A longer cowl graces the tail of the X440T, likening its design to that of other commuter motorcycles. While Harley-Davidson has yet to release a front-angle image of the new model, it is anticipated to bear a close resemblance to the original X440. Additional changes include bar-end mirrors and a fresh color palette featuring red, black, blue, and white options.

    Anticipated Advancements in the X440T

    Beyond the aesthetic upgrades, the X440T is expected to unveil several feature enhancements. Among these is the possibility of a ride-by-wire system, which could introduce additional riding modes and switchable traction control, among other advancements.

    As yet, further details remain undisclosed. However, it is predicted that the X440T will share much of its hardware with the X440, such as the chassis, engine, suspension, wheel sizes, and braking setup. For reference, the existing Harley-Davidson X440 is equipped with a 440 cc, oil-cooled, 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder engine that produces 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, coupled with a 6-speed transmission.

    History of the Hero-Harley Partnership

    The Hero-Harley alliance was forged in 2020 when the American motorcycle brand joined forces with Indian two-wheeler powerhouse Hero MotoCorp to manage local sales and service networks and co-develop high-end models. The first motorcycle resulting from this collaboration was the H-D X440 introduced in 2023, followed by Hero’s Maverick 440 in early 2024.

    There is yet to be a decision on whether the new X440T will replace the existing X440, or if both models will be sold concurrently. The Hero equivalent on this platform is still listed on the company’s website despite reaching the end of its production run. Currently, only selected dealerships with remaining stock are selling the Maverick 440.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the anticipated feature enhancements of the new X440T?
    The X440T is expected to introduce several feature advancements, such as a ride-by-wire system, potentially offering additional riding modes and switchable traction control.

    What is the current status of the Maverick 440?
    While the Maverick 440 has reached the end of its production run, it is still listed on the company’s website and is available at select dealerships with remaining stock.

    Will the existing X440 be replaced by the new X440T?
    It is not yet decided whether the X440T will replace the X440 or if both models will be sold concurrently.

  • Driving into the Future: Singapore’s Punggol District to Host Country’s First Residential Autonomous Shuttle Service

    Driving into the Future: Singapore’s Punggol District to Host Country’s First Residential Autonomous Shuttle Service

    WeRide and Grab have recently been given the go-ahead by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority to initiate their full-scale Ai.R fleet testing in Punggol. This move is significant as Punggol will be the nation’s first residential area to potentially provide an autonomous shuttle service.

    Launch of First Autonomous Shuttle Service

    The Ai.R, short for Autonomously Intelligent Ride, is an autonomous public ride service jointly operated by Grab and WeRide. The fleet comprises 11 vehicles, with ten being WeRide GXRs featuring five passenger seats each, and one Robobus with eight seats. The goal of this initiative is to transform Punggol into the first Singaporean neighbourhood to offer a dedicated autonomous shuttle service, with public operations anticipated to commence in early 2026.

    Improved Connectivity for Residents of Punggol

    The autonomous shuttles intend to connect residential areas to key facilities that include the Punggol Coast MRT station, the bus interchange at Punggol Coast Mall, retail establishments, and healthcare facilities. Safety Operators will be present on board throughout the testing phase and the preliminary public rides roll-out to supervise operations in real-time and ensure safety.

    Gearing Up for Reliability and Safety

    Each test run of the autonomous vehicles will generate real-world data that can help train and localize the vehicles’ AI driving models better. The AVs will analyze road infrastructure, traffic situations, and behavioural patterns of pedestrians and road users. They are also being equipped to handle Singapore’s well-known unpredictable weather conditions to ensure consistent and reliable performance.

    Navigating Complex Urban Environments

    To be fully operationally prepared, the Ai.R fleet is being trained across various real-world situations. This includes precision driving for smooth acceleration, deceleration, and obstacle avoidance; navigation of narrow residential roads, tight car park turns, and complex intersections; and facilitating seamless pick-ups and drop-offs. Equipped with LiDAR and camera sensors, the vehicles can identify hazards in all weather conditions, enabling adaptive responses to dynamic urban environments.

    Developing the Autonomous Transport Workforce

    Talent development is a crucial aspect of this programme. GrabAcademy and WeRide are working in collaboration to train over ten experienced Grab driver-partners as Ai.R Safety Operators. Post completion of classroom instruction and closed-circuit training, the initial group has moved on to on-road sessions.

    A Step towards Singapore’s Smart-Mobility Future

    The expansion of Ai.R testing underlines Singapore’s wider ambitions to integrate autonomous technologies into its public transport system. For WeRide and Grab, the initiative represents a significant advancement in commercializing autonomous mobility in a densely populated urban environment. This could potentially serve as a model for implementations across Southeast Asia. If successful, Punggol could soon be a shining example of how AV-enabled transit can improve connectivity, resilience, and urban liveability.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Ai.R service?
    Ai.R, short for Autonomously Intelligent Ride, is an autonomous public ride service that is jointly operated by Grab and WeRide.

    What is the purpose of the Ai.R fleet testing in Punggol?
    The testing serves to transform Punggol into Singapore’s first neighbourhood to offer a dedicated autonomous shuttle service, with operations expected to start in early 2026.

    What is the significance of this initiative for Singapore?
    This initiative aligns with Singapore’s broader ambition to incorporate autonomous technologies into its public transport ecosystem, and also marks a significant advancement in commercializing autonomous mobility in a densely populated urban setting.

  • Revolutionizing Auto-Updates: Kia Introduces Industry-First Plant Remote OTA for Seamless Driving Experience

    Revolutionizing Auto-Updates: Kia Introduces Industry-First Plant Remote OTA for Seamless Driving Experience

    Kia India has recently unveiled an innovative feature in its line of vehicles, the Plant Remote Over-The-Air (OTA) feature, as part of its ongoing commitment to provide seamless and smart mobility options geared toward improving the overall customer ownership experience.

    The Plant Remote OTA Feature

    The Plant Remote OTA feature will be available in Kia India’s latest models with integrated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) technology. This revolutionary feature guarantees that every connected Kia vehicle will receive the latest software updates remotely before departing the factory. This ensures that customers can enjoy an enhanced driving experience, with their new cars already upgraded and ready for use immediately upon delivery.

    Atul Sood, the Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing at Kia India, expressed his excitement about the rollout of this feature. He emphasized how it embodies Kia’s commitment to spearheading innovation that genuinely heightens the customer journey. According to him, through this initiative, every vehicle will leave the factory equipped with the latest software, significantly enhancing the customer ownership experience by making it more convenient, intelligent, and future-ready. He added that this achievement further cements Kia’s vision for connected mobility, displaying the brand’s dedication to inspiring movement through advanced technology and significant innovation.

    Benefits for Customers

    One of the key benefits of this initiative is that it substantially reduces the need for manual intervention or visits to the dealership. As soon as customers take delivery of their new vehicle, they can instantly access a comprehensive suite of connected services and features.

    Additional Implementations

    The Plant Remote OTA feature, which is compliant with the Connected Car System 2.0 (CCS 2.0) through leveraging Controller OTA functionality, further solidifies Kia India’s position as a leader in tech-driven mobility solutions. The Plant OTA will also be incorporated across all future connected models, thus bridging the gap between production and delivery via timely features and security updates. This will significantly boost customer satisfaction levels and enhance the overall ownership experience.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Plant Remote OTA feature introduced by Kia India?
    The Plant Remote OTA feature ensures that every connected Kia vehicle is updated with the latest software remotely before it leaves the factory, providing customers with an upgraded and ready-to-drive experience right from the point of delivery.

    How does the Plant Remote OTA feature benefit customers?
    This feature eliminates the need for manual intervention or visits to the dealership, enabling customers to access a full suite of connected services and features immediately upon receiving their vehicle.

    Will the Plant Remote OTA feature be included in future Kia models?
    Yes, the Plant OTA feature will be incorporated into all future connected models, facilitating timely feature and security updates between the production and delivery stages, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and the overall ownership experience.

  • Revolutionizing Retail: How Innovative Design Transforms The Shopping Experience

    Revolutionizing Retail: How Innovative Design Transforms The Shopping Experience

    In the realm of physical retail, innovative and creative designs have a significant influence on the shopping experience. Among the noteworthy brick-and-mortar stores promoting such inventive designs are Farm Rio, Manière de Voir, Crocs, Huckberry, H&M, Todd Synder, and Tm:rw.

    Farm Rio: An Intimate Shopping Experience

    Brazilian brand Farm Rio opened its third and smallest New York City store in August, at 1055 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. The store greets customers with a stunning mosaic installation, designed in collaboration with Bisazza, an Italian luxury mosaic maker. The mosaic, composed of 1.9 million hand-placed glass tiles, took over 460 hours to install. This store’s design elements include earthy-green carpets and plush gray seating, creating an intimate and luxurious shopping experience. The brand’s international portfolio includes over 140 locations, including stores in Los Angeles, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, the brand’s hometown.

    Manière de Voir: A Story of Persistence and Vision

    Manière de Voir, a Manchester-born brand, has opened its first US flagship at 521 Broadway in New York City. The brand’s founder and CEO, Reece Wabara, described the store as a “story of persistence, grit and bold vision.” The spacious store, located just steps away from major retail stores like Nike, Uniqlo, and Sephora, offers customers a chic layout in calming tones and an apparel line that blends a London-inspired streetwear aesthetic with a minimalist Parisian approach.

    Crocs: A New Era of Personalization

    In August, Crocs launched a new store concept called Icon at 543 Broadway in New York’s trendy Soho neighborhood. The 4000 sqft store offers an immersive shopping experience and the brand’s largest personalisation venture yet, drawing customers towards a range of shoes and accessories that blend style and functionality. Customers can customize their purchases with Crocs’ signature Jibbitz charms, including exclusive New York City ones.

    Huckberry: A Blend of Style and Adventure

    Huckberry, a prominent destination for men’s style and adventure, has opened its first permanent store in Georgetown, Washington, DC. The space, part gear shop, part art gallery, was designed with warm materials and clean lines, reflecting the brand’s reputation for men’s lifestyle content. Customers can find a variety of brands ranging from Flint and Tinder to emerging brands from Tokyo, Paris, and New York City.

    H&M: Elevated Shopping Experience

    H&M has inaugurated a new flagship store at The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles. The store, spanning about 15,000 sqft across two floors, features a gallery-like feel with white, curved walls, wooden fitting rooms, and translucent displays. It operates on RFID-enabled systems, ensuring precise stock accuracy and enabling quick item location within the store. The new LA store serves as a model for upcoming stores in São Paulo, Las Vegas, and Toronto.

    Todd Synder: Refined Elegance

    In August, American menswear designer Todd Snyder opened his first Ohio store, drawing inspiration from refined elements of English sartorial style and the raw aesthetic of industrial design. The store features a comprehensive tailoring shop with a range of Italian suits and sport coats, Italian-made shoes and sandals, and an array of best-in-class brands from around the world.

    Tm:rw: The Future of In-Store Shopping

    Tm:rw, a three-story flagship, opened its doors in July in the heart of Times Square, displaying the world’s largest 3D retail hologram and offering an AI-powered digital avatar and immersive window displays. This new model of experiential retail is designed to let people engage with products in unexpected ways. It features rotating concept areas that span gaming, health and wellness, food, beauty, entertainment, and sports.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about the design of Farm Rio’s Madison Avenue store in New York City?
    The store features a beautiful mosaic installation made from 1.9 million hand-placed glass tiles. This nature-inspired mosaic is complemented by green, moss-like carpets and plush, gray seating that resembles smooth stones.

    Can customers personalize their purchases at the Crocs Icon store?
    Yes, customers can personalize their purchases with Crocs’ signature Jibbitz charms, including ones exclusive to New York City, at two customization counters in the store.

    What does the Tm:rw store in Times Square offer?
    The Tm:rw store offers a new model of experiential retail, featuring the world’s largest 3D retail hologram, an AI-powered digital avatar, and immersive window displays. It has rotating concept areas across gaming, health and wellness, food, beauty, entertainment, and sports.

  • Bergos Managing Director Transitions from Banking to Train Driving Career

    Bergos Managing Director Transitions from Banking to Train Driving Career

    In a surprising career shift, Christian Basler, the former managing director of the private bank Bergos, has left his executive role to pursue a new path as a train driver with SBB. After more than three decades in the financial sector, Basler is embracing the challenges of rail transport in Switzerland.

    A Notable Career in Finance

    Basler’s extensive background includes prominent positions where he excelled in serving international clients. At Bergos, he focused on supporting shipping customers, leveraging the firm’s longstanding ties to the maritime industry. Bergos, which became independent from the German bank Berenberg in 2018, retains a strong clientele in the shipping sector, particularly benefiting from its Hamburg roots.

    Experience with Leading Financial Institutions

    Prior to his tenure at Bergos, Basler spent three impactful years with Credit Suisse, where he led a team focused on markets in Greece and Cyprus from their Zurich office. This followed an impressive eleven-year stint at UBS, where he rose through the ranks with roles including relationship manager, executive director, and head of active advisory for emerging markets.

    A Fresh Start in the Rail Sector

    Basler’s decision to leave the finance industry reflects a growing trend of professionals seeking meaningful pursuits outside their original career paths. As he trains to become a train driver, Basler joins a wave of individuals re-evaluating their career trajectories in response to shifting consumer trends and work-life balances.

    The move to the rail industry not only marks a personal transformation for Basler but also highlights the broader trend of diversification seen across various sectors, including retail and consumer services.

    As Basler embarks on this journey, his story resonates in today’s evolving job market, where adaptability and a willingness to embrace change are essential. The potential ripple effect of such transitions can inspire others in the retail sector and beyond to explore new opportunities, ultimately reshaping consumer experiences.

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  • Google Wallet adds Driver’s License and Digital ID support for more U.S. States

    Google Wallet adds Driver’s License and Digital ID support for more U.S. States

    Back in June, Google announced some forthcoming features for Google Wallet that we are just now seeing roll out. One of these was the ability to add a state ID or Driver’s License to facilitate TSA checkpoint procedures at select airports.
    However, when this feature launched, not all U.S. states were on board with the program. At the time, Maryland became the first state to support it, with the state ID literally becoming the poster child for the rollout, as can be seen in the marketing materials.
    Meanwhile, support for additional states was promised for a later date, with Arizona, Colorado and Georgia listed as the next ones slated to join the Digital ID program. Surprisingly, and without much fanfare, that day has arrived sooner than we thought.
    Google has quietly rolled out support for these three states already, joining Maryland in the Google Wallet app. You can already see these states pop up when attempting to add an ID Card on the app. Considering there hasn’t been a versioned update to the Google Wallet app since October 3rd, we are inclined to think that this is a server-side push.
    The setup process requires a photo scan of the front and back of your physical ID or Driver’s License, followed by a short video verification process. Once setup has been completed, the digital ID will be themed with artwork that represents the issuing state — such as a peach to represent Georgia.
    This update brings Google Wallet’s digital ID compatibility up to par with Apple Wallet, where the ability to have a mobile Driver’s License has been available in some states since last year. Samsung has also announced that this would be coming to Samsung Wallet later this year, and Google previously stated that more functionality will be added to digital IDs in the future, such as the ability to verify online accounts.
  • Waze adds ability to personalize drives, launches new zodiac driving experience

    Waze adds ability to personalize drives, launches new zodiac driving experience

    Waze is launching two new features at the same time this month, which is a little bit unusual for the navigation app. I know everyone is used to getting a new driving experience almost every month, this time around Waze is bringing more than just a fun way to spend your time while driving.

    The company announced earlier today plans to bring Waze users more ways to stay entertained on the road with Customize Your Drive and an astrological driving experience. The new ability to personalize drives allows users to choose from various driving experiences and access more such content in one place. For example, you’ll be able to select a theme that fits your mood and change it with ease.

    Whether you’re driving with some of your favorite personalities like Boy George, Christina Aguilera, or Karamo, or looking for something more kid-friendly like PAW Patrol or Fraggle Rock, there’s certainly something for everyone on their journeys.

    Now, the bad part is that while “Customize Your Drive” features is rolling out in the United States today, it will be launched globally in the future. So, unless you live in the U.S., you won’t be able to personalize your driving experience yet.

    On the bright side, there’s something else available those who don’t have access to “Customize Your Drive,” a new zodiac driving experience! Regardless of your zodiac sign, Waze’s resident astrologer has the right driving experience for you.

    The new zodiac driving experience includes a custom vehicle and Mood for each of the 12 signs. Waze users can start driving with a vehicle and Mood that match their sign today. If you live in the United States, the zodiac driving experience can be found through “Customize Your Drive,” The rest of the world can find it via the left menu in the Waze app.

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  • Swiss Re, Baidu Team Up In Autonomous Driving Business

    Swiss Re, Baidu Team Up In Autonomous Driving Business

    Swiss Re and Chinese tech group Baidu are teaming up to help advance autonomous driving, the Swiss reinsurer said on Friday.

    Swiss Re will provide risk management expertise and insurance products for Baidu’s autonomous driving business, it said without giving any financial terms.

    “This partnership will advance risk management research and insurance protection for autonomous vehicles, representing an important step forward in building a comprehensive ecosystem of mobility services,” Swiss Re said in a statement.

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  • Spotify is now testing a new Car Mode UI for safer music listening while driving

    Spotify is now testing a new Car Mode UI for safer music listening while driving

    Driving is always more fun when you’re enjoying your favorite music, or listening to a podcast while you’re stuck in a traffic jam. Now, iMore reports about a new Car Mode look that Spotify is working on, designed especially to make it easier and safer for drivers. Check it out.

    The new Car Mode is a feature that will make it safer to use when you’re driving. This new feature comes after Spotify abandoned Car View, which actually was doing something similar.

    For now, the feature is not official, but the new look has been showcased on Android, and you can see what it will look like once it gets officially released. Most likely the feature will also have its testing period on iOS devices as well, and some might have gotten to test it already.

    What it is is bringing larger buttons that are easier to tap on while you’re busy looking at the road, and as a whole, the interface of the popular music-streaming app is simpler. However, it does have more options than what Car View had, as Car View was quite simplistic.

    Killing Car View was actually in order to have Spotify users look into the Car Thing accessory that the company released recently.

    Spotify is now prompting some users to “test drive” the new feature when they connect their phones to their car. One of the best features Car Mode brings is that you can easily browse and search for different music to play in your car, something that the old version, Car View, didn’t have.

    You get to have a home screen, a library view, and a voice control button so you can just give it commands and have your hands on the steering wheel. Of course, you get also simple media controls like play/pause, and others.

    The Library tab gives you a glance at the music you’ve listened to most recently. This feature is still in testing for Android (and probably soon for iOS users), and no official release date has been announced as of yet.

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  • Apple Hires Tesla’s AutoPilot Software Pilot Boss

    Apple Hires Tesla’s AutoPilot Software Pilot Boss

    Apple has hired CJ Moore who was Tesla’s head of software for its AutoPilot autonomous driving system. CJ Moore recently had disputed Elon Musk’s claims around AutoPilot and said that it was fundamentally a level 2 ADAS system while Musk has been pitching it as an autonomous driving system. CJ Moore will be reporting to another ex-Tesla executive Stuart Bowers who is the Vice President of engineering at Apple.

    In January Musk had claimed that Tesla’s autopilot will be able to operate reliably to a level better than that of a human driver. Tesla’s FSD driving beta went live only earlier this year but still, it doesn’t make Tesla’s cars fully autonomous. Tesla is also facing an investigation from authorities in the US in relation to crashes while its cars have been in AutoPilot mode. Moore was called in as a witness after a Tesla crash that left two people dead in April.

    The Apple Car project which has been called Project Titan has been in the works for more than half a decade – and has been riddled with issues. Apple recently lost its day-to-day chief of the project Doug Field who also left for Ford. Apple placed operational control in hands of Kevin Lynch the former Apple Watch software chief.

    Apple has also hired Ulrich Kranz, the co-founder of Canoo, and the former Vice President at BMW who helped create its electric cars. Apple has also poached Tesla’s Andrew Kim, Michael Schewkutsch, and Steve MacManus.

    Apple has been struggling to close battery supply from the likes of BYD and CATL while it also still doesn’t have a manufacturing partner having spoken to many players like Magna and Nissan.

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  • General Motors Invests In Oculii, Radar Software Maker For Self-Driving Cars

    General Motors Invests In Oculii, Radar Software Maker For Self-Driving Cars

    General Motors Co’s venture capital arm has invested millions of dollars in Oculii, a U.S. startup maker of software for radar sensors used in self-driving cars, Oculii co-founder Steven Hong said. GM can use Oculii’s low-cost software to boost the resolution of radars and scale up its partially automated vehicles and full self-driving cars, he told Reuters in an interview.

    The investment is a “fantastic signal they’re serious about the technology and bullish about radar in general,” said the Stanford University graduate who founded Oculii with his father, Lang Hong, an engineering professor at Wright State University. He declined to disclose the financial details.

    Tesla Inc eliminated radar sensors from its volume models this year, rekindling questions about the safety and performance of its advanced driver assistant system. Radars, which measure the distance between objects, enable a car to accelerate or brake to match its speed with that of the vehicle in front. Radars also work well in adverse lighting and weather conditions. Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk has called additional sensors like lidars and radars “crutches,” doubling down on cheaper cameras and artificial intelligence for its driving automation system.

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  • Google Maps’ Insights feature is rolling out in more countries

    Google Maps’ Insights feature is rolling out in more countries

    Google continues to work hard on improving Google Maps. The app does so much more than just help take you quickly and safely from point “A” to point “B” as it gives you the names of places to visit, where you should go to eat, events that you should attend while in town, and more. And now a newly redesigned feature named Google Maps’ Insights provides users with data about their travels that they might find helpful.

    Insights can show you the places that you’ve been traveling to and whether you got there by walking, biking, or by driving. You’ll see your travel history along with interesting information that reveals the busiest day of each month, the name of the attractions you’ve been visiting, the hotels where you’ve been staying, and the stores where you have been spending money.

    This might sound typically Google with all of your information being gobbled up, even if it is supposed to be for your benefit. But you can keep the information of your travels to yourself by using Google Maps while in incognito mode. You can also keep your privacy while using Google Maps by not logging in before you start to use the app.

    Keep in mind that if you do decide to use incognito mode on Google Maps. you will be unable to save your search or browsing history or send notifications. You also won’t be able to update Location History or shared location or personalize Google Maps.

    Insights is part of the Google Maps Timeline feature which can be found by tapping on your profile icon on the upper right corner of the Google Maps screen. The redesigned Insights is now rolling out to more regions around the world and Germany’s SmartDroid posted an image of the feature appearing in Germany containing all the statistics and data that Insights provide. The feature is also now rolling out in the U.K.

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  • FedEx To Test Package Deliveries With Self-Driving Startup Nuro

    FedEx To Test Package Deliveries With Self-Driving Startup Nuro

    FedEx Corp and robotics company Nuro on Tuesday announced a multi-year agreement to test self-driving vehicles in the package delivery company’s network, starting with a pilot program in Houston. The partnership comes as parcel companies race to reduce the cost of last-mile delivery, which surged during the pandemic. The companies will target delivery scenarios where Nuro’s low-speed, unmanned vehicle can provide “the biggest bang for your buck,” Cosimo Leipold, Nuro’s head of partnerships, told Reuters in an interview.

    That will likely include inefficient tasks like late-night pickups in out-of-the-way places, said Rebecca Yeung, FedEx vice president for advanced technology and innovation. “Instead of dispatching a driver to get those packages, a device like Nuro could be super helpful,” said Yeung, who called the FedEx/Nuro tie-up a “very serious, long-term commitment” that aims to reduce headaches, not human drivers.

    Nuro vehicles are already making deliveries for U.S. supermarket operator Kroger Co and Domino’s Pizza Inc in the Houston area. Nuro continues to test its technology in Arizona. Nuro, whose R2 unit has space for delivery cargo but not a human driver, said last year it has raised $500 million. In a separate project, FedEx is using DEKA Research & Development Corp’s smaller robot, dubbed “Roxo,” for on-demand, same-day deliveries in Plano, Texas.

    Nuro vehicles are already making deliveries for U.S. supermarket operator Kroger Co and Domino’s Pizza Inc in the Houston area.

    Rival United Parcel Service Inc is centering its unmanned delivery efforts on drones. UPS has ordered electric delivery vans from British startup Arrival. Those vehicles are fitted with sensors and cameras that should gradually enable autonomous features, but will still require a human driver.

    Transporting people via self-driving taxis is proving more difficult and expensive than delivering packages and food. As a result, freight and logistics companies are exploring ways to roll out the technology on predictable and simple routes, including on highways.

  • 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Launched Globally

    2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Launched Globally

    Three years after we first got a glimpse, Harley-Davidson has launched its first-ever adventure motorcycle globally, the Pan America 1250. Harley will sell two variants of the Pan America, the Pan America 1250 and the Pan America 1250 Special. While the stance of the Pan America is typically that of an ADV, the face is what has divided opinions. While some may like the Max Max-esque, post-apocalyptic, scourge of the earth sort of a design, others may not be too fond of it! Good thing is, you are not going to mistake it for some other motorcycle when you see it on the road. The front end gets a wide fairing, with Harley’s ‘Daymaker LED headlights’ and a tall windscreen. View it in profile and you see the sculpted fuel tank along with Harley’s signature V-Twin engine, but more on that later. You get an exposed sub-frame at the rear along with split seats and an upswept exhaust.

    The quirky Pan America gets a 1,252 cc Revolution Max V-Twin which is first of its kind from the company. The engine is liquid-cooled and it makes 150 bhp at 9,000 rpm along with 127 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Harley claims that the Pan America 1250 has a fuel efficiency of 48 miles per gallon or 20.4 kmpl, which is quite impressive indeed.

    Talking about the chassis, the Pan America is built on a low alloy steel trellis frame along with a one-piece cast Aluminium swingarm. The motorcycle is suspended on 47 mm BFF forks up front and a linkage-mounted piggyback mono-shock at the rear, both adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. Both suspension units get a travel of 191 mm. Up front, the motorcycle gets 320 mm twin discs gripped by a radially mounted Brembo 4-piston calliper. The rear wheel gets a 280 mm single disc with a 2-piston calliper. The motorcycle gets 19-inch alloy up front and a 17-inch alloy at the rear and both are wrapped in Michelin Scorcher adventure radial tyres.

    In terms of features, the motorcycle gets a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen display along with Bluetooth phone connectivity via the H-D app. The Pan America also gets an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which supplies data to ABS, traction control, drag torque slip control and hill hold control. There are also five riding modes to choose from – road, sport, rain, off-road and off-road plus. Each riding mode has different settings for other electronics.

    Now there are a few differences between the Standard model and the Special. The Pan America 1250 Special gets semi-active suspension along with vehicle load control, tyre pressure monitoring system, standard centre stand, adjustable rear brake pedal, Aluminium skid-plate, heated hand grips, steering damper, adaptive ride height and tubeless spoked wheels. The colour options are different on both motorcycle variants as well.

    Prices for the H-D Pan America 1250 start at 14,000 pound sterling while the Pan America 1250 Special gets a starting price of 15,500 pound sterling. Converted to Indian rupee, the starting prices come to ₹ 14.27 lakh and ₹ 15.80 lakh respectively.