BitStream is the daily source for all the news tidbits and tech rumours you may have missed in the last 24 hours — all in one place.
The is how the UK does autonomous driving
Created with shoppers, commuters and the elderly in mind, the Lutz Pathfinder is the UK’s first fully autonomous vehicle, revealed today in Greenwich, London, on the very same day that the UK will begin to allow driverless testing on public roads.
According to The Telegraph, this little pint-sized auto has 22 different sensors including panoramic cameras, laser imaging, and radar. The Pathfinder can drive within a 60km distance and can run for eight hours at a time. The car’s top speed is only 24km/h, meaning Google’s 40km/h top-speed would definitely beat the Pathfinder in the most unexciting car race of all time.
But more importantly, the Lutz continues a growing trend with the autonomous car future — it’s really freaking cute. I mean look at it. It’s like the most adorable little glorified golf cart you’ve ever seen. And then, of course, you have Google’s own vehicle:
So far, the future of driverless automobiles is very, very awww. But many upcoming concept vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz’ ultra-futuristic self-driving automobile, may shake up the kawaii status quo, but either way the future is coming… and it’s going to be cute. [The Telegraph]
Picture: The Telegraph
Selfie sticks get banned from museums
It is beginning. Selfie-stick persecution is here. Top museums around the US are beginning to bar entry to anyone brandishing a selfie stick, those weird poles attached to cameras or smartphones that help(?) capture the absolute best selfie. Why? Well, other than the fact that they’re dumb, museums are saying they not only pose a danger to visitors but also the paintings, artefacts and installations on view.
This is a great proactive step to help protect humanity’s cultural integrity. I really, really, really don’t want to write a story with the headline “Art Masterpiece Destroyed Because of Self-Stick Stupidity” or some variation thereof. Actually, is there a petition I can sign to make this ban universal? [Consumerist]
Rumourtown
- Samsung will (supposedly) be using authentication chip in the Galaxy S6, much what Apple uses for the iPhone, for better quality control of third-party accessories. [Cult of Android]
- Samsung TVs can’t catch a break as users complain that ads are beginning to pop up when watching their own movies. [Mashable]
- A new (probably shady) rumour says HTC’s new wearable, expected to launch at MWC, will be called the HTC Petra. Luckily, in less than three weeks we’ll know for sure. [Upleaks]
Your Apps, Updated
- Apple Pay’s mission to redefine how we buy things takes to the skies as JetBlue becomes the first airline to offer the tap-to-pay option. [TechCrunch]
- GroupMe gets Material Design and neat-o calendar features for Android and @mentions for iOS. Windows Phone gets nothing. Classic. [VentureBeat]
- Scribd gets an upgrade of the comics kind, adding unlimited Marvel Comics and titles from other small-press publishers. [The Next Web]
De(vices)
- Best Buy accidentally outs the new Moto E, complete with LTE speeds at a cheaper price. [Pocketnow]
- Sony’s SmartEyeglasses may be one step closer to launch as it receives approval from the FCC. [Xperia Blog]
Bucket of Random
- Facebook launches its free mobile internet initiative in India, one of the world’s largest smartphone markets. [Mashable]
- The Google I/O conference, that magical few days once a year where you learn the roadmap for everything Google, will be happening May 27-28. [Google]
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