🚙 Self-driving setback

October 27, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

🚙 Cruise suspends its robotaxi testing nationwide

👂🏼 Galaxy Buds FE review: a rare case of Android envy

🎈 Google co-founder's pet project about to lift off

💻 Don't buy a new MacBook Pro just yet

UP FIRST

Cruise suspends its robotaxi testing nationwide

Its decision comes a few days after regulators suspended its permit in San Francisco following a number of troubling incidents

In a setback for autonomous vehicle development in the U.S., one of the leaders in the field, General Motors-backed Cruise, says it’s suspending driverless testing nationwide.

Thursday’s announcement came just a few days after the California Department of Motor Vehicles suspended Cruise’s deployment and testing permits following a number of troubling incidents involving Cruise’s robotaxis on the streets of San Francisco.

But the company’s decision means it will also halt testing in a number of cities in Texas, Arizona, and Florida.

“The most important thing for us right now is to take steps to rebuild public trust,” Cruise said. “Part of this involves taking a hard look inwards and at how we do work at Cruise, even if it means doing things that are uncomfortable or difficult” ...

HANDS-ON REVIEW

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE review: A rare case of Android envy

Samsung's most affordable noise-canceling earbuds impress on many levels

Samsung’s earbuds have always been unapologetically (and understandably) Android-centric. The company’s latest effort – the $100 Galaxy Buds FE – are no exception. Yes, you can pair them with an iPhone if you want, but because Samsung doesn’t make an iOS version of its Wearable app, there’s no way to access any of the Buds FE’s settings and features.

In the past, I haven’t had much reason to bemoan this situation. After all, there are plenty of amazing wireless earbuds that work perfectly with Apple’s devices and offer the same or better performance when compared to similarly priced Samsung models.

But after spending more than a week with the Galaxy Buds FE, I find I’m now a little envious of Android users. Here’s why ...

FLIGHT TECH

Google co-founder's pet project about to lift off

Sergey Brin's company, LTA Research, will soon fly a very large aircraft

Google co-founder Sergey Brin is about to see an ambitious project get off the ground, according to IEEE Spectrum.

The publication recently learned that Brin’s 124-meter-long airship – apparently the largest aircraft since the ill-fated Hindenburg – has been cleared for its first test flight.

The certificate allows the helium-filled Pathfinder 1 to fly in an area close to San Francisco, though it mustn’t travel higher than 460 meters (1,500 feet).

Powered by 12 electric motors and able to reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 kph), Pathfinder 1 will initially be attached to a mobile mast for ground testing before conducting about 25 low-level flights.

The airship is intended for humanitarian flights, and transporting cargo and personnel to areas inaccessible by road ...

COMPUTERS

Whatever you do, don't buy a new MacBook Pro right now

If a new Mac PC is on your shopping list, you'd be wise to hold off until next week

If you’re thinking of buying a Mac computer in the next few days, hold your horses!

Apple is holding a special event on Monday where it’s widely expected to unveil refreshed MacBook Pros with various versions of the new M3 chip, and possibly an upgraded 24-inch iMac, too.

And even if you’re cool with the M2 chip that’s inside the current MacBook Pros, it's still worth waiting as you’ll likely see some attractive price adjustments on the existing models. However, if you want the very best performance, then it's best to find out what Apple unwraps on Monday.

We should add – there’s no guarantee that Apple will launch new Mac computers next week, but a slew of recent reports and rumors strongly suggest that it will. All will be revealed very soon ...

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