Honda R&D and Waymo are in discussion over self-driving car tech.
Honda is in discussion with Google's autonomous vehicle division Waymo about integrating self-driving technology into Honda vehicles.
Honda said the technical collaboration between researchers at its Honda R&D subsidiary and Waymo's self-driving technology team would allow both companies to learn about the integration of Waymo's fully self-driving sensors, software and computing platform into Honda vehicles.
As part of the deal under discussion, Honda could provide Waymo with vehicles modified to accommodate Waymo's self-driving technology. These vehicles would join Waymo's existing fleet, which are currently being tested across four US cities. Honda R&D engineers based in Silicon Valley, California and Tochigi, Japan, would work closely with Waymo engineers based in Mountain View, California and Novi, Michigan.
Honda has previously announced plans to deliver self-driving cars by around 2020. It said in addition to these on-going efforts, this technical collaboration with Waymo could allow Honda R&D to explore a different technological approach to bring fully self-driving technology to market.
"These discussions are an initial step that will allow Waymo and Honda R&D to further explore the potential of a broad range of automated driving technologies," Honda said.
After seven years as part of the Google X research unit, earlier this month Google's self-driving car project was launched as an independent business, called Waymo, under Alphabet, Google's parent company: Waymo stands for "a new way forward in mobility."
"The truth is, most people underestimate the importance of owning a great flashlight. These days, power outages are becoming more common in heavy storms - it's more important than ever to have the right gear and be ready for a blackout."
Tactical Flashlights aren’t like average home flashlights:
Lumify's Tactical Flashlight is built for rugged use, high performance and reliability.
It's super bright LED technology, shoots powerful white light hundreds and hundreds of meters away.
Specifications
They have settings like: Beckon/ Strobe, High Focus, High Beam and SOS - alerting with Super Bright Strobe, focusing on something far away or emergency signaling for help.
The case is built from hardened aluminum. It is light weight, but strong enough material to last any lifestyle in any environment.
Why The Low, Low Price?
Up until recently 'Tactical Flashlights' - haven’t been available for purchase by the public.
An online company got a large surplus amount of excess stock.
Believe it or not, most men and women alike, don’t even own a flashlight!
There’s literally hundreds of good scenarios for owning a high-quality, strong flashlight.
The most popular include:
In a home emergency; e.g. a power outage, heavy storm.
In the trunk of your car for a late night breakdown, in the middle of nowhere (It’ll never happen to me…YEAH RIGHT!)
Safely doing your late night dog walk
Perfect for camping
Checking the bottom of your property, from the safety of your home
Scaring wild animals away
Working in dark spaces
Would We Recommend Getting It?
Based on value and quality - yes. There are brighter lights of course, but they start at $249+. This is a bargain of a deal, based on it’s performance.
A new year is around the corner, and that means a fresh crop of smartphones from the top manufacturers, like Apple and Samsung, are on the way too.
Naturally, way ahead of the release of these next-generation phones, there are several reports pointing to what the devices may or may not feature. We've heard mentions of trends including curved displays, 4K screens, virtual home buttons, and wireless charging, among other things.
If you want to know more about what the next high-end phones will pack, here's a look at the top five phones due out in 2017.
APPLE IPHONE 8
Although the iPhone 7 is only a few months old, there's plenty of rumors going around about the iPhone 8, which is expected to release on the tenth anniversary of the iPhone and thought to bring a complete overhaul in design.
(Image: CNET/CBS Interactive)
The iPhone 7 wasn't hugely different from the iPhone 6S - or even the iPhone 6 for the matter. So, if anything, that's a huge indication that the next model will sport an all-new look, as Apple likes to switch up the iPhone's design every couple years.
By the time the iPhone 8 releases, it will have been three years since Apple's decided to change how the iPhone looks.
Some reports have suggested the iPhone 8 will be mostly glass and maybe curved. It might also introduce wireless charging and ditch the physical home button. There's also talk about a special ceramic version coming. Keep in mind Apple recently released a ceramic version of the Apple Watch Series 2.
One of the most outlandish rumors so far is that there will be an iPhone 7S and 7S Plus to go alongside this drastically different iPhone 8 anniversary model - so, three new iPhones in total.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S8, S8 EDGE
Samsung had huge hits with the Galaxy S7 and the S7 Edge. But the company will probably have to bring a lot to the table for its follow-up to these phones, especially in light of the Note 7's battery problems and subsequent fiasco, so expect the Galaxy S8 to be extra special.
(Image: CNET/CBS Interactive)
Reports have suggested that Samsung might ditch the flat version of the S8, only offering curved devices in two sizes. These phones could also get a bump in screen resolution to 4K. If that's true, it'll need to pack the latest chipset for tones of power, so expect up a new, souped-up Exynos.
However, we wouldn't be too surprised if we did get a Snapdragon 835 version, too.
There's also talk of an OLED bezel-less display, doing away with the physical home button, and more. We expect Samsung to add USB Type-C to its flagship lineup, as that seems to be the go-to standard for the best phones now. As for software, the S8 will likely launch with Nougat and TouchWiz.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is rumored to unveil on February 26, though we may get an April 2017 launch.
ONEPLUS 5
Now that we've covered the two big dogs -- Apple and Samsung's next phones -- it's time to talk about some of the other big players in the Android space. One of the first that comes to mind is China-based OnePlus, smartphones' big disruptor. There's a rumor that OnePlus will skip the 4 number and release a OnePlus 5 in the coming year with a glass or ceramic body.
(Image: file photo)
The latest phone from the company is the OnePlus 3T, so if the current crops of reports are true, the next OnePlus flagship will be very different in terms of design. OnePlus isn't afraid of doing that after all -- just look at how it changed things with the OnePlus X. The phone has a dark glass back reminiscent of the glass back on the iPhone 4
So far the only other talk we've heard is that it might come with a 5.3-inch display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset for oodles of power. And you can expect this all to come your way in May or June 2017.
ZDNet's review of the OnePlus X has more on the OnePlus' ability to provide a classy handset that's super affordable.
LG G6
It's worth talking about what LG has in the works, because many people are wondering if it is going to stick with the modular approach.
But first, let's talk about LG's problem with its next flagship name: G6 name is currently also used by its flagship TV. LG will likely want to change direction on phone naming, but there's no clue yet as to what we can expect.
(Image: CNET/CBS Interactive)
In fact, there aren't many rumors about the LG G6. It's only been suggested that LG is going to ditch the mods it introduced with the G5. Motorola offers a better alternative with the Moto Z, anyway.
It's also been rumored that LG was planning a curved OLED display for the G6. Apparently, that idea was scrapped due to supply issues. We therefore suspect the next-generation LG flagship will be more simple in terms of design and functionality.
The new handset will likely launch at Mobile World Congress 2017. See sister-site CNET's review of the LG G5 to learn more about why its mix-and-match design didn't quite live up to its hype.
MICROSOFT SURFACE PHONE
This final one is a stretch, but we must include it. We could've mentioned Google's next Pixel, but there are like no rumors on that so far. And we could've brought up the next phones by HTC or Huawei, but what Microsoft is reportedly planning seems a lot more interesting.
Plus, we've already discussed three other Android phones to expect in the coming year.
(Image: CNET/CBS Interactive)
The Surface Phone is something of an enigma. With Windows phones, we had Nokia, then Microsoft Devices, and now there's all sorts of guessing going on about a Surface-branded phone that will usher in the ultimate Windows mobile device.
However, given the recent sale of many of its phone patents, and an announcement Windows Phone development isn't a major priority, the Surface Phone is seeming less and less likely.
Still, Microsoft is rumored to be mulling a new Surface-branded phone for some time in 2017. However, ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley said her sources believe the company may opt to wait until 2018 to release it. When and if the phone does ever materialize, it will likely be premium, Intel-powered handset. Mounting speculation has suggested it'll come in three different variants. It'll also be made by the same team behind the Surface Tablets, so expect a solid build.
There's also the suggestion that Surface Phone will run a new update of Windows 10. Other than that, the rumor mill is fairly quiet.
With the Google's October announcement of its Pixel smartphone and no major smartphone announcements expected for the next few months, it's time to consider which device is best for this upcoming holiday season.
There are some fantastic options in the $400 range this year with three of them making my top 10 list. I'm still partial to the expensive flagship devices, but any of these ten phones could easily satisfy just about anyone until the next new phones appear in 2017.
You won't find a BlackBerry or Nokia phone on my list this year, but Motorola and HTC are still competing well with others. I tested all of these phones, except for the Google Pixel and ZTE Axon 7.
If there were no battery concerns or a full product recall, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 would be number one on my list, but given the battery fiasco and the possibility that there may be issues with replacement devices I just couldn't include it at the top of my list as I would hate for someone to purchase one and then have to go through a recall or replacement process (or bodily injury).
1. APPLE IPHONE 7/7 PLUS
While the Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus may visually appear to be a slight upgrade over the 6s/6s Plus, the improvements are enough to make the new iPhone an easy choice for millions. Water resistance, improved cameras, more RAM, a larger capacity battery, a faster processor, and stereo speakers are all compelling updates.
Apple has always done well with the larger phones in the battery life area and my 7 Plus is stunning. I can go for many hours without worrying about charging it up and only the Moto Z Force Droid has lasted me longer.
Water resistance is becoming one of my core requirements for smartphones, especially for phones I like to carry out running in the rain with me. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus add IP67 water and dust resistance.
One controversial change is the removal of the headphone jack. I personally have had issues with a couple headsets, but Apple includes an adapter and a pair of Lightning earbuds so it's tough to complain.
The larger iPhone 7 Plus has an additional rear camera for telephoto and bokeh pictures, but the software to enable the portrait bokeh effect has not yet been released.
Check out the my full review of the iPhone 7 Plus (9.3 rating) and Jason's iPhone 7 review (9.0 rating). CNET also has reviews of the iPhone 7 Plus (8.8 rating) and iPhone 7 (8.7 rating).
2. GOOGLE'S PIXEL AND PIXEL XL
Google just announced the Pixel and Pixel XL and these are the only devices on my list that I have yet to test out. However, they are the newest phones from Google, built by HTC, and have already done well with some initial camera testing and hands-on experiences.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones
Google
Google did something that no one else has with a large and small device -- it included the same exact specifications with the only differentiator being the size. I wish Apple would use this strategy, rather than always limiting the smaller form factor device. Due to availability, I actually ordered the smaller size Pixel for myself yesterday.
The Pixel has a 5 inch display while the Pixel XL has a 5.5 inch display. Both are the only devices launching with a Qualcomm 821 processor. Other key specs include 4GB of RAM, 32 or 128GB of internal storage, 12.3 megapixel camera and 8 megapixel front facing camera, and Android 7.1 Nougat.
The Android 7.1 Nougat operating system on the Pixel phones include Google Assistant and will have some unique features not found on other Android 7.1 devices.
The Google Pixel is priced at $649 and $749. The Google Pixel XL is priced at $769 and $869. It's interesting to see Google launch these phones at prices rivaling the iPhone and Galaxy devices and I'm looking forward to testing one out.
3. SAMSUNG GALAXY S7/S7 EDGE
While the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 may be the ultimate Samsung flagship, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are still fantastic smartphones that won't be upgraded for another six months or so. These smartphones have industry leading specifications, refined design, and capabilities that had me almost awarding it a perfect 10 in my review. The only con I could come up with for the S7 was that it is a fingerprint magnet and for the S7 Edge that the edge screen sometimes facilitated inadvertant screen presses. This is no longer an issue on the Note 7, thanks to the design of the sides.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have extremely fast cameras that take incredible photos and video, responsive fingerprint scanners and advanced Samsung Pay support, water resistance without the fuss of ports, elegant refined design with the use of metal and glass, and it also launched with sweet offers from US carriers and Samsung.
While wireless charging is just a convenience, Samsung has everything you could want in a phone in the S7 and S7 Edge to make using one a sheer joy.
CNET also awarded the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge an Editor's Choice award so there's little doubt that Samsung has one of the best smartphones available today.
4. MOTO Z/Z FORCE DROID
It's been a while since I've been impressed by a Motorola phone, but the Moto Z and Moto Z Force Droid look great, feel great, and perform well. These phones incorporate a modular design that actually makes sense and works well.
The Moto Z is available as a GSM unlocked phone for $699 with the Moto Z Force Droid coming out as a Verizon exclusive, available for $720 (32GB) and $770 (64GB).
The Z Force Droid edition adds a shatterproof display, which is something we don't see often today. Both phones have high resolution displays, leading internal specifications, a water repellent nano-coating, and battery life that lasts longer than an iPhone 7 Plus.
The Moto Mods are priced from $19.99 (shell) to $299.99 (projector and camera), but they snap on and off easily and are very functional. Hopefully we will see more mods added to the collection.
LG doesn't get much respect in the mobile space. I label them the Rodney Dangerfield of smartphones, but thankfully the upcoming LG V20 takes the best of the LG G5 and LG V10 to offer a powerful enterprise smartphone with a removable battery, microSD expansion card slot, and IR transmitter in a phone with a metal back and integrated drop protection.
The LG V20 has a larger unique secondary front display similar to the V10, a second wide-angle rear camera, the ability to take standard and wide-angle selfies, a rear fingerprint scanner, and solid metal and glass construction. It's the first non-Google phone to launch with Android 7.0 Nougat so unlike Samsung you won't have to wait months to see the upgrade to the current version of Android.
LG continues to provide an IR transmitter in its phones so you can control your TV and other media right from the phone. The camera on the LG V20 still stands out above the crowd with manual video recording capability that gives you full control over the mics and other advanced recording settings.
There are not yet any LG V20 retail units out for full reviews, but you can check out mypreview of an early pre-production device. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but the phone should be launching later this month.
6. ONEPLUS 3
OnePlus has made a few phones over the past couple of years, but each has disappointed me in some way. I purchased the OnePlus 3 in June and was completely satisfied. It is available for just $399 and for that price you aren't likely to find such a powerful smartphone.
It feels much like an HTC 10, but the customization, more RAM, and longer battery life make it compelling. It does have a 1080p display so the resolution is not as high as an HTC 10, but it is priced significantly lower.
OnePlus has shown it can update the phone regularly as well with a few updates already made since its release. It has some awesome customization options and is one of my favorite low price smartphones.
Sandra Vogel gave it a 9/10 rating in her ZDNet review. CNET awarded the OnePlus 3 an 8.9/10 in its review.
7. HONOR 8
Huawei makes some amazing smartphones, but most Huawei-branded devices are not available in the US. Huawei recently launched its first Honor-branded device in the US with the Honor 8 and it's an incredible smaller Android smartphone.
The Honor 8 is powered by a Kirin 950 processor with 4GB of RAM. It has a 5.2 inch 1080p display, 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, dual rear 12 megapixel cameras, and an IR port.
There are plenty of customizations in the software, including Knuckle Sense technology. The dual cameras help you capture some unique photos too.
The Honor 8 feels amazing in your hand and at just $400 it is tough to beat. I awarded the Honor 8 a 9.3/10 in my review and it continues to get better.
8. HTC 10
After testing the HTC 10, I purchased my own black model. It has since been passed to my wife since I'm not that enthusiastic about its camera performance or limitations on customization.
No other phone can match the audio experience of the HTC 10. If you use your phone for music or videos and like having a pocketable device that is built to withstand life's daily movement, this phone is for you.
HTC has come a long way with the cameras, introducing the first front-facing camera with OIS. The rear 12 megapixel UltraPixel 2 camera with OIS is its best yet, but there are still a few software tweaks to be made to beat out the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5. My wife is perfectly happy with the camera, but I see too much light blow out in most photos.
The price continues to drop on the HTC 10, making it a more attractive option. It is currently priced at $549, which is $150 less than the retail price.
I awarded the HTC 10 a a 9.5/10 in my review, but I think that was a bit high after testing out the latest Samsung and Apple phones.
The BlackBerry Passport was my favorite BlackBerry device, but BB OS10 doesn't have much of a future. On a whim, I purchased a BlackBerry DTEK60 and think it's the best BlackBerry I've tested in a long time. After the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was recalled and I had to remove it from my list, the DTEK60 quickly made the jump to at least number 9.
Enterprise users looking for a high quality, reliable Android device with timely monthly Android security updates and a fairly stock Android device without loads of bloatware, then the BlackBerry DTEK60 is a great choice.
The BlackBerry DTEK60 has some of the latest high end specifications in a sleek form factor. It's the first BlackBerry with a fingerprint scanner, on the rear, and great sounding dual front-facing stereo speakers.
Communications efficiency is a priority on the DTEK60 with the BlackBerry Hub serving as a functional, essential part of the software experience. The DTEK BlackBerry app is helpful for keeping the DTEK60 user informed of the security status while a number of other BlackBerry customizations help provide an enhanced security experience.
I awarded the BlackBerry DTEK60 an 8.8/10 in my review and with a better camera and some basic water resistance it could jump into the top five.
10. ZTE AXON 7
Image: ZTE
Reasonably priced Chinese smartphones are making their way to the US and ZTE offers up a compelling solution with its Axon 7 device. I haven't had the chance to try one so cannot share my own experiences with this large $400 smartphone.
The Axon 7 improves upon previous Axon devices and has many of the same specifications as the OnePlus 3 and HTC 10. It includes a 5.5 inch 1440p display, 20 megapixel camera, full metal unibody design, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, microSD expansion card slot, and more.
The Axon 7 is focused on the media experience with hi-res audio support, dual front-facing stereo speakers, and good camera performance. It's not the best Android smartphone around, but it offers plenty in a $400 package.
BBM's expansion into the Indonesian market continues with the release of the latest BBM enabled game known as Rogue Life with BBM. As announced on the BBM blog, Rogue Life with BBM is noted to be an an addictive, easy to play game that is action packed as a shooter-RPG crossover, where you defeat monsters and bosses.
Embark on a unique and exciting adventure where you shoot monsters while evading a barrage of bullets, projectiles and missiles. Can you survive till the end?
BBM releases "Rogue Life with BBM", an addictive, easy to play and action-packed game that is available on Android devices.
Rogue Life with BBM puts your dodging skills to the test in this shooter-RPG crossover, where you defeat monsters and bosses in various single player modes. You can also engage in exciting PvP battles – 3 vs 3 on the battlefield, and a maximum of 12 members per team.
Get your friends and family on BBM to download from Google Play today, and pitch your skills against each other on the battlefield!
In addition, there are over 300 costumes – customized characters to suit your style. Like them cute? Like them heroic? Like them tough? It's all up to you! With tons of stages, quests and modes, there's so much content to enjoy!
So, what are you waiting for? Download from Google Play and get on the battlefield today!
Unfortunately, unless you live in Indonesia you won't be able to download the game through Google Play, but if you're really wanting to give it a go I'm sure you can find a way. Overall, it looks pretty fun based on the trailer and other reviews on YouTube.
