Archer Aviation launches NYC air taxi service

April 17, 2025, 8:20 am

Archer Aviation is gearing up to transform urban air travel by developing electric air taxis aimed at reducing transit times between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK, LaGuardia and Newark. The initiative promises to bypass gridlocked streets and offer a fast, efficient alternative for airport transfers in New York City. Strategic partnerships underpin the project, underscoring a marked effort to modernize commuter transportation and cut down on road traffic congestion.

techcrunch.com / Archer Aviation wants to help New Yorkers skip airport traffic with electric air taxis

theverge.com / Archer and United plan NYC air taxi service for airport trips

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 2 days ago #startups #innovation #robotaxis #smartcities +

Aqara Expands Matter Support with Advanced Bridging Update

April 9, 2025, 7:21 pm

Aqara has unveiled a significant update to its smart home ecosystem by expanding its Matter integration capabilities. The announcement details advanced Matter bridging available on all controllers and hubs, enabling support for over 50 new device types, including third-party Matter devices and HomeKit integration. This update simplifies compatibility and connectivity across various smart home devices, enhancing user convenience and solidifying Aqara’s competitive stance in the rapidly evolving smart home market.

macrumors.com / Aqara Expands Advanced Matter Bridging to Older Hubs, Adds Support for New Device Types

theverge.com / Aqara adds support for 50 new Matter device types

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 9 days ago #iot #automation #software #hardware #innovation +

Samsung unveils 2025 OLED and Frame TV lineup with fresh pricing

April 9, 2025, 11:20 am

Samsung’s latest product announcement introduces its new 2025 TV lineup, featuring advanced OLED models along with updated Frame TVs such as the premium Frame Pro. Reporters detailed improvements including enhanced anti‐glare technology, AI integration, and design innovations that reduce clutter. Multiple pricing details were highlighted, with one model starting at as low as $899 while others carry a premium due to their advanced features, underscoring Samsung’s continued innovation in the competitive television market.

cnet.com / First Look of the Samsung Frame Pro TV at CES video

cnet.com / Samsung Unveils Frame Pro TV with Wireless Connectivity and Anti-Glare

androidheadlines.com / Samsung’s 2025 OLED and Frame TVs are here — starting at $899 and loaded with AI

permalink / 5 stories from 3 sources in 9 days ago #hardware #innovation #semiconductors #ai #mobiletech +

Google Maps Unveils AI-Powered Infrastructure & Traffic Analysis Tools

April 9, 2025, 10:20 am

Google is rolling out new features that leverage artificial intelligence to analyze city infrastructure, address traffic congestion, and improve utility monitoring. The enhanced Maps Platform integrates fresh datasets into BigQuery to empower cities, developers, and businesses with actionable insights into road conditions and urban planning challenges. This update is designed to optimize infrastructure management and streamline decision-making for smarter urban mobility.

cnet.com / This New Google Maps AI Tool Could Fix Congestion and Improve Roads Near You

theverge.com / Google Maps is launching tools to help cities analyze infrastructure and traffic

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 9 days ago #ai #iot #automation #ml #smartcities +

Zoox expands autonomous vehicle testing in Los Angeles streets

April 8, 2025, 11:20 am

Two stories report that Amazon’s autonomous driving subsidiary Zoox is accelerating its driverless vehicle trials on Los Angeles streets. The articles detail how the company is rolling out retrofitted autonomous vehicles in a live urban environment to collect valuable data ahead of a broader public rollout. This testing phase emphasizes Zoox’s commitment to overcoming real-world challenges, refining its safety protocols and operational systems in a city chosen for its diverse traffic conditions and regulatory framework.

cnet.com / Zoox Is Bringing Its Driverless Test Fleet to Los Angeles

techcrunch.com / Amazon’s Zoox begins robotaxi testing in Los Angeles 

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 10 days ago #startups #robotics #automation #selfdriving #robotaxis +

Nintendo launches revamped Switch 2 with exclusive events and preorders

April 2, 2025, 8:20 pm

At its latest Direct event, Nintendo unveiled its redesigned Switch 2 packed with upgraded hardware, magnetic Joy‐Cons and enhanced gamechat features. The announcement featured multiple exclusive game trailers, detailed pricing, screen size and controller innovations, plus a strict preorder process aimed at thwarting scalpers. The console is scheduled to launch on June 5, generating a wave of excitement in the gaming community.

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cnet.com / Mario, Pokémon and More Will Get Free Nintendo Switch 2 Updates

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cnet.com / All Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games Coming Day One

theverge.com / Here’s the Switch 2’s homescreen

cnet.com / Switch 2 Detailed: What You Need to Know video

cnet.com / More Details of the Nintendo Switch 2 Revealed: Supercut video

cnet.com / Every New Feature in Switch 2 Joy-Cons and Pro Controller

theverge.com / Nintendo says the eShop will run more smoothly on the Switch 2

arstechnica.com / Some original Switch games will run better on Switch 2; some won’t run at all

permalink / 44 stories from 14 sources in 16 days ago #hardware #innovation #gaming #voice #software +