Apple's Self Driving Car Program Detailed in DMV Training Doc

Apple – Automated System – Self-Driving Vehicles

Apple had been granted permission recently by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to publicly test the autonomous driving technology on the Californian roads.

A new document of Apple has come up detailing the self-driving car training program for drivers. The new document offers more evidence that Apple is actively operating on autonomous driving technology internally. The official papers were obtained by Business Insider entitled `Development Platform Specific Training’, which tends to refer to the `Apple Automated System’, utilised in self-driving vehicles.

Apple had established an `Automated System’ for self-driving vehicles and intends putting select staffers through a training program in order to control the vehicles. As per the documents, the drivers of Apple need to pass seven various tests before their complete training. Every driver is given two practice runs together with three trials in order to pass each test which is said to be a private course.

The documents specify that the technology utilised by the drivers comprise of Logitech hardware as well as basic driving schemes such as tight U-turns with sudden braking or acceleration. Every test includes a goal together with steps to supersede the autonomous system while training with the scheme.

Focus on Self-Driving Software

Though Apple has the liberty to test anything internally and privately, it is the California permit that enables it to test three 2015 Lexus RX450h hybrid sport utility vehicles as per the DMV documentation that had been published recently, which is the same vehicle utilised in the self-driving tests of Google.

Though it had been presumed for some months that Apple had been constructing its own electric vehicle, the recent rumours have claimed that presently Apple has been focusing on self-driving car software instead which is shown by the latest public-facing development. A letter to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in December had shown that disclosed first hand work on self-driving technology of Apple. Self-driving car technology is said to be one of the most prominent arenas in Silicon Valley.

Earlier known as self-driving car unit of Google, Waymo is presently in a high-stakes combat with Uber over its autonomous car tech and analysts have estimated that the industry could be worth trillions of dollars. Apple had refrained from commenting on this issue.

Possibility of Self-Driving Car Platform

For the past three years the work of Apple had been something of an open clandestine and the company initially had intention of creating its own autonomous vehicles. However it turned to an autonomous driving software platform resulting in internal strife and leadership problems.

The company is now creating a driving system under the management of Bob Mansfield wherein the car team have been given till the end of this year in order to substantiate the possibility of self-driving car platform. Such a type of structure would probably permit Apple to partner with car manufacturers as a type of development of CarPlay.

 Apple being ready in testing the software on public roads shows that the development seems to be fairly far-off. If the company tends to take the vehicles out on the streets of California, its works would require to be publicly shared with the DMV established on the law of California.

Apple's AR Smart Glasses Could be in the Works

Apple’s AR Smart Glasses

Apple could be working on some undisclosed hardware comprising of a pair of AR smart glasses. It has been revealed after an incident report had been apparently leaked to Gizmodo signifying that the company had been playing with some kind of ocular prototype.

Gizmodo, the Apple document stated it acquired an incident wherein an employee had reported eye pain on using a new prototype. Gizmodo had reported that the employee was of the belief that the pain could be the outcome of using the device together with the testimony that the seal of the device had been broken, an indication that it had been tampered.

Though apparently the incident report tends to utilise language with the intention of concealing what type of prototype it is, Gizmodo wonders that it could be some kind of smart glasses. Another incident indicated that an employee had been sent to the optometrist after working with another prototype and thereafter experienced eye pain and saw `laser flashes’. Since the wording seems vague, it is not known if the two prototypes had any link or what they were meant to do.

Bringing AR to iPhone

Apple had already shown concern in augmented reality or AR. Tim Cook, CEO had mentioned that he envisages a big future for AR which would impact the world as much as the smartphone that Apple had supported to propagate with the iPhone.

 Cook had constantly responded to AR-related queries on quarterly earning calls stating that he is of the belief that the technology seems to have more potential than its virtual reality counterpart and had implied at plans of Apple of entering the space.

Nonetheless, as of September, Apple tends to continue hiring both AR as well as VR professionals which has left the possibility that it could develop products in both the classifications. Some rumours have already claimed that Apple could be working on means of bringing AR to the iPhone, while still others state that Apple is working on a pair of wearable glasses alike to Google Glass.

 But many are speculating whether the glasses by Apple could succeed where Google Glass fell short. The company has been exploring the smart glasses market according to reports and hence it is not clear when the completed product would materialize.

Earliest Time-Frame - 2018

The earliest time-frame is said to be 2018 for the product though Apple could delay the project much longer or alter its direction as in the case of its automotive goals. It is also a known fact for months that Apple had been gathering AR talent and putting heads together in working in secret on some kind of consumer product.

Apple has already been in talks with prospective suppliers, as per Bloomberg for components such as near-eye displays. Moreover it also tends to have the capability with companies such as PrimeSense, Metaio and Flyby which are the start-ups that had been dedicated to AR software, 3D mapping together with computer vision before Apple had attained them over the period of the last three years.

 The intention was to create a pair of glasses which could be linked wirelessly to iPhone as well as overlap information on the field of vision of the wearer. The AR does not come without its flaws. Google Glass had been a huge failure providing AR a bad public image thus displaying just how far the technology should go before it can be eventually utilised on the face.

This Tiny iOS Change Will Make Your iPhone Even Zippier

After a long wait Apple has finally rolled the update for the iOS 10.3 which is expected which will started hitting the devices from Monday. Those who got the chance to get the latest update early on their devices are claiming that their device is surprisingly faster than earlier. iPhone is running with a new vigour and performance is simply way better than it was being produced before the update.

But this isn’t the surprisingly thing which we would love to share with the iPhone users. It is widely known that the new update tends to improvise on the performance of the OS which ultimately helps in getting better output from the existing hardware. But this update has shown a new insight into how the iPhone can be made run much better even after the update.

The key hidden feature

The latest update brings a relatively new kind of fancy file system which plays a judgement role in freeing up the storage space on the OS. But this isn’t the only major improvement made in the iOS by the developers at the Apple. One of the Apple engineer going by the name of Renaud Lienhart has revealed on the Twitter one of the undocumented tweak implement in the OPS. This particular tweak has helped in improving the performance of the iPhone to a whole new extent.

What this tweak is all about? 

The update iOS 10.3 brings a wide range of snappier animation for the OS which allows it to perform exceptionally well. All the animation present on iOS was tweaked as well as shortened to a great extent by the team of the Apple engineers.

The animation which has been the talking point in the whole case of performance boosting relates to almost every aspect of the operating system experience. This animation can be seen in the opening, closing or switching between different apps. It would be absurd to think that simply optimizing the animation will help in getting better performance out a device. Rather this has helped in improving the responsiveness of the OS to the user’s commands or gestures which ultimately gives a feeling of improved performance on the iPhone. This tiny change has made it easier to perform multitasking on the iPhone.

Why wait? Just Update to 10.3 & See the difference

If you are tired with the slow performance of your iPhone then waste no time and update your device to the latest 10.3 version. This will allow you to get the speed boost and it is very good thing to keep your device updated with the latest version of OS as it helps in safeguarding the devices from wide range of bugs and it brings a whole range of fixes. A major bug has been rooted from the iOS with this update which is called Safari ransom bug. In short 10.3 update not just speeds up your iPhone but it also helps in keeping device secure against the bugs.

Choose the Right Mobile Phone Provider to get the most out of your Apple

Choosing a cell phone carrier is now tougher than ever, especially now that handsets have tremendously improved and data networks are faster. If you are yet to get a new mobile phone plan, you may be paying more than necessary. In fact, switching to a better provider may lead you to a big drop in your monthly bill in terms of faster data, customer service and reliable coverage. Eyeing a top-of-the-line Apple handset? Well, it is now possible to lease and pay it off in interest-free instalments to enjoy a lower monthly bill. Below are vital guidelines for finding the best phone provider for your lifestyle.

The Provider

If you are on a budget, smaller carriers are the best for modest data requirements, including email, Facebook and browsing. Heavy data users are mostly suited for larger carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile. These large carriers have a unique advantage over their smaller competitors, especially since their coverage around the country is great with the high-speed 4G internet. You can use the zip code of your provider to find out about the coverage. Also, before signing up, ensure the provider is open to receiving your phone back should you experience coverage problems. Some carriers give clients up to 14 days to decide if they should continue using the phone or not. You may incur a restocking fee too, so get the details before making your purchase. For most phone users, the largest portion of their charges is mostly related to the amount of broadband received. Therefore, always have a rough figure of the amount of data you are likely to use per month.

Data Usage

The amount of data used monthly depends on the access to a WIFI hotspot and the the frequency of downloads and gaming. Light data users tend to spend most of their time checking emails and social media sites. Medium data users are a little dependent on the internet when giving a few touch-ups in their streaming and limited gaming. Heavy data users rely on the internet consistently to download movies, videos and games.

When should you replace your Phone? 

You can consider replacing a troublesome phone such as one with a cracked screen. When moving to another provider, you don’t necessarily need to replace your phone. In the past, providers would lock their phones to discourage users from going through the process of paying for other handsets. Some providers today such as Apple have unlocked phones, giving you the chance to switch from one operator to another. However, if you plan on replacing your old model with a new one, it would be a great idea to change your phone.

Weigh your Options

Mobile phones play a great role in running apps and browsing the internet, and also facilitating social networking. The difference comes in on how either operating system can handle the tasks. Also, the OS has a huge effect on the selection of apps. While most people tend to stick to one OS, it is worth knowing that switching can present additional features that are more appealing than what is at hand. Today, different phones come with features upgrades to help their users be more efficient and productive. Voice command is a good example, where users dial up numbers by calling out the digits or mentioning the contact name. Also, there are phones that allow users to schedule meetings, find local businesses and make notes.

How should you pay? 

Different providers have varying modes of payment. You can choose to pay for it over time or lease it. Paying over time is recommended when you have expensive taste. You can have the retail price divided into 24 monthly instalments or less. Before signing up, read the fine print to ensure the period is favourable for you. Leasing is ideal for people who love to switch providers every one or two years. It means that after a certain period, you can change your phone for a new model.

If you are considering a move to a different carrier, make sure you are getting the best deal and that your needs are fully covered. Figure out the best broadband for in terms of light, medium and heavy data services before switching.

Facebook Launches Its Complementary Newsfeed Page on iOS Devices

The dedicated team behind Facebook is always in the process of creating a great user experience through innovation. For some Facebook users the addition of a new ‘rocket icon’ may have raised eyebrows as to what it could possibly be. Although Facebook page has featured news feed icon, the rocket icon is another addition to that concept. What the rocket icon does is provide users second news feed page that directly link to stories, blogs, feeds, photographs, and such from various other sources that you may have missed.

The ‘rocket icon’

The intention here by the developers, was to enhance the already present newsfeed feature by adding this second rocket icon. The second icon basically, links many other sources of text and images relating to an item or subject you were looking at.

The position where this icon appears is dependent on the operating software of the device. Devices are primarily operated by iOS or Android, which decides the icon’s appearance on the top or bottom. However, Facebook has not yet confirmed this to be a permanent feature of this popular social media platform. It is currently experimenting on presenting a substitute News Feed page.

This secondary page will consist of videos, photos, articles, and posts from a variety of sources, even those that are not followed by the user.

Available through an update 

This new ‘rocket icon’ is available on both Android and iOS apps, and this secondary news feed displays content chosen by Facebook for the user. A spokesperson of the company recently stated that it is going to be a complementary feed of trending photos, videos and articles, but will be customized for each person.

This means that no two users will have the same content displaying on the ‘rocket icon’ page. Now, that’s definitely something Facebook has never attempted before. It is recent in the tweaks and changes Facebook has made and this has got people thinking over what else the company has planned.

Experimenting with new feature 

The company has a history of experimenting with new and improved features and if these tests become successful, the features are finalized. The ‘rocket icon’ is a completely new Facebook feature, and only after testing the popularity, will it be finalized.

This new feature is similar to Instagram’s explore page, which displays content that the user has not expressly liked, but might be interested in. however, the company believes that this new venture will be successful as many Facebook users recently have been in the asking for something new and exciting.

All the contents displayed on the ‘rocket ship’ newsfeed will be similar to the pages that the users have already liked. It will also showcase contents that are trending in the social media world, and things that are popular amongst your friends.

However, this is not something completely new, as Facebook has already tested this format using a small square icon, that was only available for Android Beta users. The rocket icon is not a limited version and is available on all devices operating on iOS and Android.