Blog

DoD’s $10 billion ‘Jedi’ cloud contract goes to Microsoft over Amazon

[ad_1]

After a couple years of competition, the US Department of Defense has awarded a lucrative contract for cloud computing services to Microsoft. It beat out Amazon, the only other remaining competitor after others were weeded out or, in the case of Google, dropped out citing “AI principles.” Dubbed the Jedi Cloud contract, it could be worth $10 billion over the next ten years.

In a statement, DoD Chief information Office Dana Deasy said “The National Defense Strategy dictates that we must improve the speed and effectiveness with which we develop and deploy modernized technical capabilities to our women and men in uniform. The DOD Digital Modernization Strategy was created to support this imperative. This award is an important step in execution of the Digital Modernization Strategy.”

Developing…

[ad_2]

Source link

Tesla unveils its easier to install Solar Roof

[ad_1]

This is the third version of the Solar Roof tiles from the company and between the pervious versions and now, the company says that it has increased power density, reduced the parts used in the tiles by half and brought down costs substantially compared to the second generation tiles.

Musk did point out that there will always be edge cases where a roof and panels might be cheaper than Tesla’s Solar Tiles. But he said he’s pretty certain that 80 percent of the time, the company’s Solar Roof will be cheaper.

One of the biggest pushes by Tesla for these new tiles is the time needed and ease of installation. The company will initially be installing them themselves but will start using third-party contractors to install the roofs. The target to have these roofs installed in eight hours. If you’ve ever had a roof installed, it’s typically a multi-day event. So eight hours is very quick.

For now, you can only order the black glass style tiles, but the company is hoping to have new variants available every six to nine months. This includes working on a design for clay tiles for Mediterranean-style houses.

As for the efficiency of the tiles versus a panel. At the cell level, Tesla is targeting energy equivalency but admits there’s a slight single-digit hit to that efficiency just to make the tiles look nice. The company did mention that you would have a larger area of tiles on your home than you would with panels so overall, it’s a better solution because of the amount of area covered. Plus it looks better.

That’s of course if you need a new roof.

The new Solar Roof is available for order now and the company expects to start installing on customer’s houses in a few weeks. The Tiles will have a 25-year warranty.

[ad_2]

Source link

Sen. Schumer proposes a $454 billion electric vehicle trade-up program

[ad_1]

The main way in which Schumer sees the US achieving this goal are generous discounts to consumers. While he doesn’t specify how much each household will get to trade in their gasoline car, Schumer does note that lower-income Americans will get an even bigger credit.

Second, the plan would make electric vehicles — and the necessary battery-charging infrastructure — accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live and work. This would be accomplished by providing grants to states and cities to build charging stations, with a particular emphasis on “low-income, rural and other underserved communities.” The final part of the plan would give grants to American manufacturers to retool their facilities to better support the ecosystem. Essentially, the crux of the initiative is to make EVs both dramatically more affordable and practical to own.

According to the senator’s estimates, the entire plan would cost approximately $454 billion over ten years, with $45 billion earmarked to help local governments and $17 billion dedicated to manufacturers, according to The Verge. He adds that by 2030, his plan would result in 63 million fewer gas cars out on the road.

Schumer says that a number of environmental interest groups, including the Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council, as well as labor unions say they support the plan. Ford and General Motors, the two largest automakers in the US, have likewise said they think it’s a good idea.

“Critics have long said that bold action on climate change would cost America money and jobs. This is not true,” Schumer writes in the op-ed. “My plan is estimated to create tens of thousands of new, good-paying jobs in this country and should re-establish the United States as the world leader in auto manufacturing.”

Schumer’s plan faces several obstacles, the most notable of which is that Democrats need to win next year’s election. The alternative is finding a compromise with Republicans, which would likely prove difficult. Under Obama-era legislation, the federal government already offers a tax credit on EV purchases. You can get up to $7,500 in rebates if you buy an electric vehicle. The credit starts to phase out over a period of 18 months once an automaker has sold 200,00 EVs. This past May, however, President Donald Trump suggested scrapping the bill, claiming it would save the government $2.5 billion over the next decade. However, the plan does show that both EVs and climate change are becoming important political strategies.

[ad_2]

Source link

'Command & Conquer' remaster is shaping up to be a huge visual upgrade

[ad_1]

Petroglyph, Lemon Sky and EA are finally ready to offer a glimpse at the Command & Conquer remaster, and it's evident the game won't veer far from its roots. A newly-posted first peek at the real-time strategy game shows that it really is just t…

[ad_2]

Source link

The Pixel 4 box is hiding an AR Easter egg

[ad_1]

Should you try it out, you’ll see a photo of the phone morph into an animated welcome message. It’ll then display photos shot on Pixel, according to 9to5 Google. If you tap on the screen, a Lens card pops up that directs you to the Google Pixel profile on Instagram — that’s one way to get new followers.

It’s a cute way to show off the capabilities of Lens and AR for people who might not be familiar with them. Google added AR capabilities to Lens earlier this year, and it’s used the tech in a number of ways, including for a Stranger Things ad. The company, of course, has a long history of adding fun Easter eggs in its products and services, including in Search, Maps and even Google Glass, back in the day.

[ad_2]

Source link

Hyundai will offer free self-driving rides in Irvine, California

[ad_1]

The project isn’t meant to research the technology so much as it is the people using it — this will “study consumer behavior” when interacting with autonomous services, Hyundai’s Christopher Chang said. In other words, the automaker will use BotRide to shape its self-driving cars and services around real-world experiences, not just theoretical scenarios.

This isn’t as aggressive a rollout as something like Waymo One, which represents full-fledged commercial service with more specific destinations. It’s more ambitious than the fixed route shuttles that have been available in a few places, though. As such, it’s an indication of how self-driving tech is progressing. While it’ll still take a long time before you can hail a robotic ride on a whim, driverless systems are now far enough along that they more closely match the on-demand service you’d expect.

[ad_2]

Source link

‘Avengers Damage Control’ is the ideal VR follow-up to ‘Endgame’

[ad_1]

Damage Control puts you and up to three other companions in prototype Iron Man-esque suits, developed by Black Panther’s Shuri. They’re technically a combination of Stark and Wakandan technology — they’ve got vibranium skins, but also feature Iron Man’s iconic palm blasters. Unlike The Void’s Ghostbusters: Dimension and Ralph Breaks VR, there aren’t any guns to carry. Instead, you use hand gestures (which are detected by Leap Motion sensors in the VR helmet) to direct laser blasts. Holding one hand up sends out a single shot, while two hands unleashes a super-charged beam. You can also hold your arms out to create an energy absorbing shield, which, like Black Panther himself, can be charged to unleash a devastating attack.

After a training sequence goes awry (of course), you’re thrust into the meat of Damage Control: Ultron is back! And his robotic minions are wreaking havoc across the world. Your mission is to help the Avengers deal with the onslaught of baddies and eventually, take on Ultron himself. Along the way, you’ll encounter familiar faces like Ant-Man, The Wasp, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Benedict Cumberbatch reprise their roles from the films, while other characters are played by voice actors doing their best impressions of the stars you know and love.

Like all of The Void’s experiences, Damage Control has you walking through physical rooms, which are recreated within the VR world. If you see a wall or railing, you’ll actually be able to hold onto it with your hands. That’s helpful for navigating the set, which consists of a small series of rooms that you end up circling. Every Void experience feels like a weird hybrid of a haunted house and a film set — you’re still moving around an actual space, but there’s a VR veneer that makes you think you’re actually walking down the staircase to Doctor Strange’s library.

[ad_2]

Source link

Here’s everything you need for your new Pixel 4

[ad_1]

Spigen Liquid Crystal on Amazon – $10

Snakehive Vintage Chestnut Brown Leather

Snakehive Vintage Leather Case

For those who like wallet cases, these leather ones from Snakehive could be splurge-worthy. Each case is handmade from European full-grain Nubuck leather, has three credit card slots, a larger pocket for paper money, plus a magnetic clasp that holds it all together. The leather varies from wallet to wallet and will also naturally change its patina over time, which means no two Snakehive leather wallets will look exactly the same.

EARBUDS

Since the Pixel 4 and 4XL don’t have 3.5mm headset jacks, you might want to consider either wireless earbuds or USB-C alternatives. In general, we recommend wireless earbuds so you have the USB-C port free for charging purposes, but for those who’d rather not have another gadget to juice, we’ve listed a USB-C option as an alternative.

Jabra Elite 75t

Jabra Elite 75t

One of our favorite true wireless earbuds of the past year was the Jabra Elite 65t, which is why we’re glad when we saw Jabra come out with a successor: the Elite 75t. They’re smaller this time around, and offer 50 percent more battery life. They also pack a noise- and wind-reducing algorithm for better calls, one-touch access to your phone’s voice assistant and there’s an app that lets you make EQ adjustments. The Elite 75t is also IP55 rated for dust and water resistance, so no worries if you get them caught in the rain. Though you’ll have to wait until they hit the shelves in mid-November (11/12).

Alternatively, you can also opt for the Sony WF-1000XM3, which is our top choice for true wireless earbuds, with excellent audio quality and active noise cancellation. However, they do cost a little more money at $230. If you’d rather go for a budget alternative, the Skullcandy Indy are only $80 each ($70 on Amazon), but the sound is not quite as impressive.

AIAIAI Pipe 2.0 USB-C earphones

AIAIAI Pipe 2.0

The AIAIAI Pipe 2.0 are a decent and affordable pair of USB-C earbuds that are also pretty stylish. They come with seven different ear tips in a variety of colors and sizes. They’re also designated with the “Made for Google” label, which means they should work just fine with Google Assistant.

If you’d rather spend a little less, the OnePlus Type-C Bullets are a little cheaper at $25 and have pretty good reviews as well. They have an advanced internal DAC for high-res audio support and tangle-free flat-wire cables made with Karbon fiber.

BATTERY PACKS

TravelCard Charger

TravelCard charger

Not all battery packs have to be big and bulky, sometimes all you need is something thin and lightweight to give your phone a boost at the end of the day. The TravelCard Charger is exactly that and is small enough to fit in your purse or pocket without weighing you down. With only 1,500 mAh of power, it won’t charge your phone up all the way, but it’s perfect for emergency situations when all you need is just enough juice to call a cab home. Just be sure to pick the USB-C option if you’re using it with the Pixel 4.

Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

Anker Powercore 10000 PD

If you’re traveling and constantly on the move, then carrying a heavy-duty battery pack isn’t a bad idea. One particular model that we recommend is the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD. Packing 10,000 mAh, it has enough juice to charge your Pixel 4 and 4XL several times over. It also has USB-C Power Delivery, which supports charging up to 18 Watts. That means much faster charging of not only your phone, but also the battery pack itself.

WIRELESS CHARGERS

Anker PowerWave 15W

Anker PowerWave 15W

One of the biggest benefits of the Pixel 4 and 4XL over its predecessors is that it supports fast charging (up to 11 Watts) with any third-party wireless Qi charger, as long as it’s EPP (Extended Power Profile) compliant. The Anker PowerWave 15W fits that bill perfectly, and it can actually charge up to 15 Watts, which is more than the Pixel 4 and 4XL need (that just makes it more future proof). It has an anti-slip surface to keep your phone from sliding off, and it can charge through cases that are up to 5mm thick.

Google Pixel Stand

Google Pixel Stand

The Pixel Stand is definitely pricier than a lot of other wireless chargers, but it also has that signature Google look to go along with your new Pixel. Plus, it offers a few additional features. When docked in the Pixel Stand, your phone will essentially turn into a mini smart display, complete with a slideshow mode and a sunrise alarm with ambient lighting. If you have a Nest Hello video doorbell, you’ll be able to see who’s at your front door that much quicker too.

[ad_2]

Source link

Jaguar’s ‘first’ all-electric hypercar exists only on your PS4

[ad_1]

In-game, the Vision’s three virtual motors will produce a combined output of 750kW, allowing them to propel the vehicle from zero to 62 miles per hour in under two seconds, and maintain a top of over 200 miles per hour. Lest you think Jaguar would design a virtual car with any flaws at all, the Vision features a near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution and a 3,080-pound curb weight. There’s also a deployable active aero wing to ramp up the cool factor. Inside, the Vision features an onboard artificial intelligence called KITT-E (you know, like Hello Kitty), which, if the car and technology actually existed, would interact with the driver through a holographic display. In-game, they’re merely there for show.

“Jaguar’s team of designers were given complete creative freedom to develop the perfect proportions and beautiful surfaces of this virtual Jaguar of the future,” the automaker says breathlessly in a press release.

While it’s easy to make fun of Jaguar for hyping up an imaginary car, it’s worth pointing out that the company is by no means the first automaker to make a concept car for Gran Turismo. Moreover, in a way the Vision is more real than the concept vehicles we see car companies parade out to auto shows every year; you can at least drive the Vision, even if it’s only in a video game. You’ll be able to download the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé at the end of November.

[ad_2]

Source link

Verizon’s 5G network is available in (parts of) Dallas and Omaha

[ad_1]

As we’ve seen firsthand, though, these rollouts don’t mean coverage across the entire city. It can be hard to find spots with 5G, and the signal fades fast indoors. Even when 5G is offered inside buildings (like in hockey and basketball arenas) it’s limited to specific areas.

In Dallas, you’ll find Verizon 5G downtown and uptown, near the Dallas Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital and Children’s Medical Center, as well as by landmarks like the Dallas Comedy House. In Omaha, it will be available near Old Market, Omaha Children’s Museum, The Orpheum Theatre, The Durham Museum, Heartland of America Park, Central High School and Creighton University.

Verizon plans to bring 5G to 30 cities this year. It’s halfway there, but the year is more than halfway over, so it will have to pick up the pace in order to meet that goal.

[ad_2]

Source link