Back in July, Google made a push for fun interactive experiences on Assistant devices. In the midst of the holiday season, more games are coming, along with a redesigned lobby on Smart Displays that better curates what is available.
Games on Smart Displays are powered by the Interactive Canvas framework with features like Continuous Match Mode, where the microphone is kept active so that you…
VW unveils impressive EV fast-charging station in Arizona desert to test charging at high temperatures
December 17, 2020
VW is unveiling an impressive electric car fast-charging station in the Arizona desert to test charging at extremely high temperatures.
Successful fast-charging is highly dependent on maintaining a stable temperature of the batteries inside an electric vehicle.
That’s…
Google boosts referrals and other rewards on new Google Pay to $21 until the new year
December 17, 2020
The new Google Pay app brings new ways to manage your funds and exchange money between friends, but it also has a powerful rewards offering. Now, Google is boosting some rewards in the new Google Pay to $21 through the new year.
From now until December 31, select rewards…
Big EV supporter Jennifer Granholm tapped for energy secretary
December 17, 2020
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to name Jennifer Granholm, the former governor of Michigan, as secretary of energy. She is a huge advocate for electric vehicles. Biden’s choice was confirmed by four people to the Associated Press.
Granholm is currently an adjunct professor of law at the University of California at Berkeley. According to the Washington Post, she has “argued that the…
Netflix has a huge library of content, but its well-designed app may be one of the service’s more attractive features. Now, Netflix is testing a new audio-only mode on its Android app.
As first reported by the folks over at Android Police, some Android users are seeing a…
Electric vehicle battery cost officially dips under critical $100/kWh price point but there’s a catch
December 17, 2020
Electric vehicle batteries have officially dipped under the critical $100 per kWh price point for the first time.
However, it was for the price of battery packs for electric buses in China.
Price per kWh is a metric used to track the price of batteries.
It can be used to…
Google tests new Search image and text previews on hover
December 17, 2020
Google Search is perhaps the most-used tool on the web today, and as such the company is always experimenting with new ways to improve it. This week, Google Search is testing a slight UI tweak that shows image previews when you hover over a link.
Showing up now for some users in private browsing modes, this new UI tweak for Search looks normal at first glance, but it can provide a bit more…
Tesla Model Y to help electrify two US police departments
December 17, 2020
Tesla Model Y has been chosen by two US police departments to accelerate the electrification of their fleet.
Some police departments have been quick to do the math and realize the benefits of going electric.
Tesla’s Model 3 has become a popular vehicle for police…
Today, Pixel phones and the top Samsung devices are guaranteed to get three years of major software upgrades. Working with Qualcomm, Google is now making it feasible for Android devices to get 4 OS versions and years of security updates.
In 2017, Google re-architected…
A new, free US support line is providing electric vehicle advice
December 17, 2020
Community-owned Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and nonprofit EV advocate Plug In America have partnered up to provide free electric vehicle advice, not only just in Sacramento, but nationwide.
Free electric vehicle advice
The EV Support Program makes the transition to driving electric simpler for consumers by answering all their questions. The Support Program provides…
