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Technology

Why Meta’s Logo Could Cause Issues for Elon’s Twitter Rebrand

A trademark filing presented to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggests that Meta’s “X” design is a modified version consisting of two arrows. One arrow is blue and the other is white, and they face each other to form the letter X. In contrast, Twitter’s logo features a single line crossed by two parallel lines creating the silhouette of an “X.” The differences between the logos are apparent, even in terms of their background colors.

The potential legal dispute lies in the types of services the logo is meant to represent. Meta’s patent filing indicates that the logo could be used for various purposes such as game content, digital media, images, music, audio, video, movies, and animations. While this appears to cover a vast range of products, it’s the following sections that may lead to contention.

Meta states that the “X” logo could also be utilized for online social networking services, including facilitating social introductions or interactions among individuals. In simpler terms, it could be used for typical social media platforms like X, Threads, Instagram, and TikTok. Moreover, the trademark’s status is currently listed as “Active,” granting Meta the freedom to implement it for its own products whenever it deems fit. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that Meta does not exclusively own the rights to the letter X itself.

News

The Shark CityCruiser Helmet gets new colors

Shark’s CityCruiser helmet is known for its high level of protection and aerodynamic design. Now, for 2023, it will be available in new graphic options.

Shark is a French brand that specializes in road and racing helmets. They offer a wide range of models to suit different types of riders, including popular ones like the Shark Spartan RS, RS Carbon Skin, the recently-updated Race R Pro GP, and the CityCruiser.

The CityCruiser helmet features an injected thermoplastic resin shell, available in up to two shell sizes. It has a micrometric buckle and comes with Shark’s signature Microtech and Aegis removable comfort liners. The helmet also includes an optical class 1 visor with anti-scratch and anti-fog treatments.

In terms of ventilation, the CityCruiser is equipped with a top air vent and a rear exhaust vent. It has a dual-visor lid and a drop-down shield for daytime riding. The helmet also features Shark’s Easy Fit System, which allows for comfortable wear with eyeglasses. Other convenient features include intercom compatibility with the SharkTooth system and a quick-release visor system.

Shark is introducing new colors for the CityCruiser model. The open-face helmet will now be available in a matte finish graphic called Krestone, featuring a modern and clean design. The base color options are two-tone black and grey, with additional accents in grey, red, or high-viz yellow.

The CityCruiser and the new color options are part of Shark’s lineup for 2023. The helmet is homologated for ECE 22.05 and is guaranteed by Shark for up to five years of use.

The retail price for the Shark CityCruiser starts at 182.99 EUR (approximately $200 USD) and is available in 13 different graphics and color options. It is available in sizes ranging from XS to XL.

News, Technology

Threads Engagement Reportedly Declines After Initial Success

Aside from a decrease in the number of daily active users, the amount of time spent by users on Threads has also significantly dropped. According to SimilarWeb, users now spend only 10 minutes on the app compared to the previous 30 minutes. The average time spent has gone from 20 minutes daily to 8 minutes. It is important to note that SimilarWeb’s data only accounts for the Android side of the platform and does not include iOS.

At present, Threads bears a resemblance to Twitter in terms of its user interface and is lacking several essential features, such as a following feed, an edit button, and advanced search capabilities. These aspects are crucial and are currently absent from the app.

However, there are a couple of factors that may work in Threads’ favor. Firstly, the app is currently unavailable in the EU, and users utilizing VPNs are being blocked from signing up. This represents a sizable audience waiting to join Threads.

Secondly, Threads will soon become a part of the Fediverse. This means that users will be able to communicate with individuals on Mastodon and other social networks built on the ActivityPub protocol within a decentralized social universe.

Many internet users are reluctant to sign up for yet another social platform by Meta. However, if they can stay connected with their Threads contacts without directly signing up for the app, it is likely that there will be increased engagement on Instagram’s Twitter clone.

News

This Dodge Ram Do-Not-Drive Warning Shows The Takata Airbag Saga Isn’t Over

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), another death has been attributed to a faulty Takata airbag. This time, it involves the driver of a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. As a result, a “Do Not Drive” order has been issued for owners of 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles that haven’t had their airbags fixed. The NHTSA states that 385,686 2003 Dodge Rams were already recalled in 2015, but as many as 84,000 have yet to be repaired.

Unfortunately, this warning for Ram trucks is just one in a long series of recalls related to Takata airbags. These recalls have affected millions of cars from various automotive brands and have been linked to 26 deaths. If your vehicle is part of the Takata recall and hasn’t been repaired, it’s crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible. The repair is free, and driving a vehicle with an unrepaired airbag could be a life-threatening risk.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Last year, a driver of a 2006 Ford Ranger was killed when a Takata side airbag exploded. The NHTSA emphasizes that even minor accidents that wouldn’t normally trigger airbag deployment can result in a deadly malfunction, particularly in older cars. In a press release, NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson stated, “The older a defective Takata airbag inflator gets, the more dangerous it becomes. Please, get your airbag replaced now for your sake, and for the sake of those who love you.”

The Takata airbag recall has been ongoing for years, and the most recent reported death shows that it is still a concern. General Motors, one of the world’s largest truck manufacturers, had to recall over six million vehicles three years ago due to the same issue that Ram trucks are facing. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check if your vehicle is affected by the recall through the NHTSA’s website and schedule a repair at your car’s dealership.

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL ELECTRIC RANGE LEADS IN LATEST SMMT NEW CAR SALES FIGURES

  • In June, the Corsa Electric was the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) according to SMMT
  • The Mokka Electric topped the sales charts in the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) category for the month
  • The Astra Plug-in Hybrid was the third-best selling plug-in hybrid model in the UK in June
  • Vauxhall plans to be an electric-only manufacturer by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline

According to the latest new car registration figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Vauxhall’s electric car range continues to perform well in the UK new car sales charts.

In June, the Corsa Electric was the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) with 262 units sold. Additionally, the Mokka Electric led the sales in the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) category, with 1136 units sold. In the Small Car (B-Hatch) segment, petrol variants of the Corsa also topped the charts, making the Corsa the third-best selling car in June with 4146 registrations, and the second-best selling car so far this year.

The Astra Plug-in Hybrid was also a top contender, ranking as the third-best selling plug-in hybrid in the UK in June, with 76 registrations for the month.

Vauxhall has committed to transitioning into an electric-only brand by 2028, which is seven years ahead of the UK Government’s deadline.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, expressed satisfaction with the performance of their models in the sales charts and praised the range of electrified vehicles offered by the company.

News

UK’s Hybrid and BEV Production Continues to Grow

In May, the UK saw its car production increase for the fourth consecutive month, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite the challenging economic conditions, factories rolled out a total of 79,046 cars.

This output indicates a significant rise of 26.9% compared to May of the previous year. The surge was primarily driven by a nearly twofold increase in the production of electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles. The number of these vehicles produced reached 27,636, accounting for 35% of the total UK output.

The growth in production also led to a double-digit increase in the export of vehicles, which rose by 22.9%.

Motorsport

VW Group CEO Acknowledges Audi’s Lagging Position Compared to Competitors, Software Problems to Blame

The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, has admitted that Audi is falling behind its rivals, with software issues being identified as the main culprit. In order to address this issue, the automaker will accelerate the development of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for the luxury brand.

Blume made this statement about Audi’s current standing during the company’s Capital Markets Day. He specifically mentioned, “We have encountered significant software problems that have caused delays in the launch of our exciting electric products,” as reported by Automotive News Europe.