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Latest by Bruce Brown

samsung introduces champagne and tuscan appliance finishes front pair1 retouch

Say so long to silver. Samsung brings new colors to household appliances

Samsung introduced two new colors for household appliances, The Korean appliance manufacturer will introduce Tuscan Stainless for several kitchen appliance models starting in May and for the Family Hub Refrigerator in August. New Samsung washing machines and dryers will be offered in Champagne Finish.
Waymo Jaguar I-Pace

Waymo rules and Apple trails in California self-driving car benchmarks

Each year the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles releases reports of self-driving car disengagements for autonomous vehicles tested on public roads. Based on the most recent California data, Waymo had the best performance, GM Cruise came in second, and Apple's self-driving program was in last place.
electrolux frigidaire gallery ranges refrigerators dishwasher in the kitchen

Frigidaire goes for ‘wow’ factor with new Gallery ranges, fridges, and more

Electrolux's Frigidaire brand is going all out at KBIS 2019, the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show held in Las Vegas this week. The appliance manufacturer's headliner introductions this year include new ranges with gas, electric, or induction heating; a new refrigerator; and a new dishwasher in its Gallery line.
teaching self driving cars to predict pedestrian movement autonomous detect pedestrians

Researchers teach self-driving cars to predict pedestrians’ next moves

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a system that teaches self-driving cars to predict pedestrian movement. Since pedestrians are easily distracted and can't be counted on to act in their own best self-interest, autonomous cars will need to practice both defensive and protective driving.
2019 ram 1500 classic warlockspecial edition warlock 1

2019 RAM 1500 Classic Warlock special edition: Badass style without the whoop

If you like the looks of blacked-out badass trucks but don't want to fork out the big bucks for a no-compromise off-road desert racer, FCA announced the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock, a special edition pickup truck that focuses on appearance with only a touch of additional off-road capability.
Rivian R1T in the city

Amazon plugs in with $700 million investment in electric pickup company Rivian

Amazon invested $700 million for a minority stake in U.S. all-electric truck maker Rivian, according to a joint release. The announcement follows a Reuters report that GM and Amazon might invest from $1 billion to $2 billion in the company. Rivian introduced the R1T pickup, at the 2018 LA Auto show.
ring wired security products color night vision floodlight camera

Ring adds color night vision to wired security devices and HDR to wireless ones

Ring rolled out color night vision to its wired security products featuring cameras such as the Video Doorbell Pro and Spotlight Cam Wired. Ring also added HDR control to its battery-powered security devices including the Video Doorbell 2 and the Spotlight Cam Battery. The features are software updates.
amazon-headquarters

Breaking: Amazon won’t build headquarters in New York in face of opposition

Amazon canceled plans for a New York City HQ2. Citizens, civic groups, and New York politicians are pushed back on Governor Cuomo and New York City Mayor de Blasio's exclamation of economic joy over Amazon's earlier decision to open a satellite headquarters in Queens. Now it's over.
singing machine carpool karaoke mic

Rock out in the carpool lane with Singing Machine’s Carpool Karaoke microphone

Carpool Karaoke fans can count down the days till summer to buy Singing Machine's Carpool Karaoke, the Mic, which debuted at the New York Toy Fair 2019. Connect the Carpool Karaoke Mic to your car radio to make your next road trip a mobile karaoke party. The Carpool Karaoke Mic is for passenger use, not drivers.
samsung issues voluntary top load washer recall samsungwasher1

Samsung washing machine recall results in $6.55M class-action settlement

Samsung settled a class action lawsuit involving more than 30 top-loading washing machine models for $6.55 million. The class action alleged the washing machine tops could detach and explode in wash cycles. Samsung recalled the washers, but consumers sued. Original owners may qualify for refunds and a cash settlement.
amazon buys whole foods market

Amazon’s Whole Foods raises hundreds of prices, from ice cream to soap

Whole Foods Market raised prices on hundreds of items. When Amazon bought Whole Foods, the promise of lower prices attracted customers, but now the glow may diminish with recent price bumps. The company cites inflation and rising costs of ingredients, packaging, and transportation as factors.
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Review board says Dyson should cease unsubstantiated vacuum claims

The National Advertising Review Board recommended Dyson make three changes to claims about suction power, running time, and battery technology for its V8 cordless vacuums. Dyson agreed to the recommendations, following an appeal to more rigorous change recommendations by the National Advertising Division.
Eero WiFi System review

Amazon to add home mesh router maker Eero to its smart home ecosystem

Amazon will acquire the Eero mesh Wi-Fi router system brand. The financial details are not public and the acquisition must make it through regulatory hurdles. With this deal, Amazon will own another piece of the complete smart home package. Eero's Wi-Fi infrastructure covers the whole house with fast internet.
food network date your dessert alexa skill valentines day recipe

Find the perfect Valentine’s Day recipe with Food Network’s Date Your Dessert

Valentine's Day is soon upon us. For those who plan ahead, Food Network enlisted Amazon Alexa to help you find exactly the right dessert recipe to prepare and share with someone special. Food Network's Date Your Dessert interactive game is quick, easy, and pays off every time in the form of a dessert recipe.
zero electric police motorcycle stops tesla model 3 pulled over a

Zero DS police edition electric motorcycle stops a Telsa Model S

A powerful and quiet Zero DS electric motorcycle police edition pulled over an also silent and fast Telsa Model 3 the Bay Area recently. Zero's electric motorcycles require no drivetrain maintenance and fuel costs are a fraction of gas-powered motorcycles, both big pluses for police department budgets.

Talk to people in other languages with Google Assistant’s Interpreter Mode

Google announced Interpreter Mode for Google Assistant at CES 2019. Earlier this week, Google introduced Interpreter Mode on a Google Home Help support page. You can now use Interpreter Mode on Google Home smart speakers, some third-party speakers that integrate Google Assistant devices, and all Smart Displays.
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Amazon has sweet Valentine’s Week deals on Echo, Ring, Fire, Fire TV, and Kindle

Heading into Valentine's Week, Amazon served up a menu of deals on Amazon Echo devices, Ring security and lighting, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, and Kindle e-readers. Savings range from $10 to $140 and discounts to 50 percent, This is an opportunity to snap up a special gift for your Valentine or yourself.
driving winter wonderland tesla model s in snow

AAA report: Freezing temps slash electric vehicle range almost in half

Extremely cold temperatures can decrease electric vehicle operating range by 41 percent, according to a new report by the American Automobile Association. The excess battery drain results primarily from using the vehicle's HVAC to warm the vehicle interior. High temperatures with more AC also shorten driving range.
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Consumer Reports pulls its Dyson stick vacuum recommendation

Consumer Reports has removed all Dyson stick vacuum cleaners from its Recommended products list due to reliability problems. In a recent consumer survey, the consumer product testing group found nearly half of Dyson stick vacs break within five years. Consumer Reports changed the ratings from Recommended to Very Good.
Apple Homepod

Apple HomePod falls far short of Amazon Echo and Google Home smart speakers

Apple's HomePod has superior audio and protects conversations, but it's barely in the game, trailing Amazon Echo and Google Home, says a new report. Computer Intelligence Research Partners measured Amazon Echo with 70 percent of the market, Google Home with 24 percent, and the HomePod with just 6 percent.
resideo smart thermostats lose connectivity thermostat

Resideo smart home thermostats lost remote function during winter cold

Honeywell's Resideo smart home thermostats may have connectivity issues through February. According to the company, customers can control the thermostats locally and homeowner-created schedules still work, but strong sales leading to overloaded cloud infrastructure have contributed to the outages,
google assistant available in nest secure guard

Now you can talk to Google Assistant with Nest Secure to keep your home safe

Google recently announced a feature that is new for the Nest Secure home security system. Nest Secure customers will soon be able to talk to Google Assistant on the Nest Guard central control unit. Google Assistant won't be turned on by default, but users can opt-in to enable voice command capability.
audible presents interactive adventure stories on alexa cyoa banner

Amazon Alexa and Audible are ready to take you on an interactive adventure

If your kids are ready for an interactive adventure, Amazon's Audible partnered with Chooseco, the owners of the Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) series for a new Alexa Skill. The initial adventures search for the Abominable Snowman or the lost city of Atlantis, with listener decisions leading to one of many endings.
jeda wireless pad charger for tesla model 3

Redesigned Jeda Wireless Pad charger for Tesla Model 3 piles on new features

Redefined and redesigned, the second generation Jeda Wireless Pad charger for the Tesla Model 3 adds new functionality and user convenience features. Users can position smartphones in portrait mode on the Wireless Pad in the Model 3 console for everyday use, but switch to landscape mode for Google Maps or Waze.
A person using SiriusXM on a car infotainment system.

All U.S. 2020 Toyotas will have a trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio

This fall, with the introduction of the 2020 model year vehicles, all Toyotas sold in the continental U.S. will include SiriusXM satellite radio installed, SiriusXM and Toyota announced in a press release. A free three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM All Access will be standard.
daniel holzman

Make the perfect meatball with celebrity chef Daniel Holzman on Yummly Pro app

Whirlpool and Yummly announced Yummly Pro for people who want to improve their cooking skills. Yummly Pro is an app-driven platform with personalized recipe selections and step-by-step video cooking instructions from celebrity chefs. Users will find shopping lists with on-demand ordering, timers, and more in the app.
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Orro’s smart switch lighting adjusts to your rhythms to help you sleep better

Lighting control startup Orro today introduced the Orro Switch, which the company promises is "the world’s most advanced responsive and adaptive home lighting system." The end result, according to the company, is home lighting that supports the way you live and also helps you sleep better at night.
amazon echo harrison ford superbowl commercial for beta testing program

Harrison Ford, other stars show the limits of Alexa in hilarious Super Bowl ads

Amazon is using four 11-second celebrity video teasers to entice viewers to watch its Super Bowl television commercials on February 3. Harrison Ford, Abbi Jacobsen, Ilana Glazer, Forest Whitaker, and Mark and Scott Kelly each react to something offscreen, which may be an Amazon Beta Testing Program.
walgreens smart fridge spys on you cooler screen 0

Walgreens’ smart fridges scan your face and remember your behavior

Walgreens smart fridges will scan your face and remember your behavior in select stores piloting a retail technology called Cooler Screens. The first smart coolers were installed in a Walgreens in Chicago on January 14. The next two cities in the pilot program are New York and San Francisco.
lowes iris professional monitoring security camera view on mobile

Lowe’s is shutting down its Iris smart home platform, offering customers refunds

Lowe's sent an email to Iris Smart Home Platform customers announcing it will shut down the platform and related services effective March 31, 2019. Iris customers can redeem Iris products for prepaid Visa cards but only via an online Redemption link included in the email.
musk tesla 25k car sx3semi family

Tesla’s profitable fourth quarter sets the pace for the EV sector

Palo Alto, Califrnia-based Tesla released its fourth-quarter 2018 earnings statement, reporting that the EV company turned a profit for the second consecutive quarter. Tesla's long-sought profitability is a bellwether for the electric vehicle industry as it maintains pressure on other brands.
Kasa Smart WiFi Plug by TP-Link 5.

Today’s hottest Amazon Echo and Google Home smart plug deals on Amazon

We found the best discounts today for smart plugs from Amazon and put them in one place. To be included smart plugs had to be compatible with Amazon Echo or Google Home, or both. We only included smart plugs with four-star or higher average customer reviews that are on sale and available for shipping.
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Shadecraft unfurls Bloom, an Amazon Echo-compatible smart outdoor umbrella

Following up on its earlier robotic umbrellas, ShadeCraft introduced the Amazon Echo-compatible Bloom smart outdoor Parasol Automation Device with a built-in speaker. The Bloom mechanism works with mass-market patio umbrellas, transforming them into smart home outdoor living hubs.
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Find big price cuts on Dyson upright, stick, and handheld vacuums on Amazon

Six of Dyson's most popular vacuum cleaners, including upright, stick, and handheld models have deep price cuts on Amazon. The across-the-board discounts on Dyson's vacuum cleaners are easily the best deals of the year for anyone wanting to buy one of the innovative company's consumer cleaning machines.