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News

UK purchased twice as many vehicles because it scrapped this yr

The UK purchased greater than twice as many vehicles because it scrapped in 2023, based on knowledge obtained by Autocar.

Obtained by Freedom of Information request, it revealed that 798,363 vehicles and light-weight industrial automobiles (LCVs) had been scrapped between the beginning of January and the top of October. 

That’s lower than half of the 1,889,758 new vehicles and LCVs bought over the identical interval, and a drop in contrast with the 857,107 automobiles scrapped over the identical interval final yr.

This was regardless of the increase probably offered by London’s ULEZ scrappage scheme, which had its eligibility standards broadened in early August. 

Autocar just lately reported that the ULEZ scrappage scheme was struggling to satisfy demand from candidates, following the enlargement of the clean-air zone on 29 August.

The earlier ULEZ scrappage scheme – which ran in 2021 and had a lot stricter necessities – was alone answerable for taking some 15,000 vehicles off the street, based on Transport for London.

Nonetheless, the UK’s automobile parc continues to age: European trade foyer group the ACEA printed figures in January revealing that the UK’s common automobile was 10 years outdated.Cars in scrapyard

The Ford Focus was the most-scrapped automobile within the UK this yr, with 42,637 examples going to scrapyards.

The Focus has lengthy been one of many UK’s favorite vehicles. On its arrival in late 1998, it set a brand new benchmark for family-minded consumers, handily beating its rivals in nearly each respect.

It had extra radical, forward-thinking styling, rode extra comfortably, dealt with higher and but wasn’t considerably dearer.

Between 1999 and 2009 – over two generations – the Focus held the highest spot on the UK’s annual new automobile gross sales charts.

After that time, the smaller Ford Fiesta grew to become the nation’s most-bought automobile, however the Focus remained an everyday fixture within the prime 10. 

Since 2009, there have been one other two generations of Focus, however the long-running hatchback will meet its end in 2025, amid Ford’s wider reinvention in Europe.

Scrapped Vauxhall Zafira

Technology

10 Of The Most Advanced Cyber Warfare Tools

People normally hack into another person’s laptop or server to steal knowledge of some sort. It may very well be their bank card info, social safety quantity, passwords, or usernames. If it is delicate knowledge, hackers need it — the extra delicate and doubtlessly categorised, the higher.

Cyber warfare via knowledge theft happens similar to some other form of knowledge theft hack. Someone sneaks their manner onto a protected machine, normally by tricking the sufferer into downloading a computer virus or phishing for his or her login credentials, after which the hacker goes to city as soon as the an infection units in. Since they steal knowledge, the offender usually downloads the recordsdata for their very own use.

Many public, authorities, and government-backed entities retailer digital warehouses value of information, so they’re prime targets for hackers, together with overseas governments gunning for these secrets and techniques. North Korea, for example, has been linked to espionage makes an attempt throughout the globe, together with South Korea’s chemical trade and Spain’s aerospace sector. More not too long ago, Russian hackers allegedly tried to sneak into Ukrainian regulation enforcement networks to acquire recordsdata that documented Russia’s purported warfare crimes in the course of the invasion. 

However, not all acts of cyber warfare goal authorities or tech entities. In 2018, an Iran-linked hacker group stole login credentials related to 76 universities, and the Chinese-backed Double Dragon has been recognized to focus on all the things from healthcare suppliers to online game builders. Knowledge is, in spite of everything, is energy, and a few nations are prepared to do something to achieve as a lot energy as attainable.

Streaming Devices

Dealing with App Crashes on Your Amazon Fire TV

If you are experiencing app crashes on your Amazon Fire TV, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

Clear App Data and Cache

  1. Open the settings menu on your Fire TV by selecting the gear icon.
  2. Select Applications.
  3. Scroll to Manage Installed Applications and choose the problematic app.
  4. Select Clear Cache, and then Clear Data.

If the issue persists:

Restart Your Fire TV Device

To restart the device, you can hold the select and play/pause buttons simultaneously for ten seconds. Alternatively, you can also restart the device through the settings menu based on the type of Fire TV device you have.

Fire TV Stick or Set-Top-Box:

  1. Open the settings menu on your Fire TV by selecting the gear icon.
  2. Choose My Fire TV.
  3. Choose Restart.

Fire TV-Branded Smart TV:

  1. Open the settings menu on your Fire TV by selecting the gear icon.
  2. Choose Device & Software.
  3. Choose Restart.

If the problem persists:

Uninstall and Reinstall the App

  1. Open the settings menu on your Fire TV by selecting the gear icon.
  2. Choose Applications.
  3. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
  4. Scroll to the problematic app and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Wearables

5 Handy Tips To Ensure Your Apple Watch Is Ready For Your Next Camping Adventure

When you’re camping, it’s important to be prepared for limited access to data. To stay connected, make sure to download content ahead of time. If you’re a subscriber of Apple Music or Spotify, you can download playlists directly to your Apple Watch for offline listening.

This way, you can still enjoy your favorite music on your Apple Watch without needing your iPhone, simply by connecting it to Bluetooth headphones. The newer models like the Apple Watch Series 5, Watch Series 9, and Watch Ultra 2 come with ample storage of either 32GB or 64GB, providing plenty of space for several hours of music playback.

Additionally, you may want to consider downloading maps onto your Apple Watch. With Apple Maps, you have the option to download a specific area to your iPhone and then access it on your Apple Watch. This allows you to get turn-by-turn directions directly on your watch, as long as your iPhone is nearby and connected via Bluetooth. Alternatively, you can use an app called WorkOutDoors.

WorkOutDoors is primarily an outdoor workout app for Apple Watch, but it also offers downloadable maps for offline use. These maps can be viewed without starting a workout and provide various features such as topographic vector maps with contours and hill shading. If you go hiking with the app, you’ll even have access to waypoints and a breadcrumb trail of your route.

Technology

A Simple Guide to Viewing and Clearing Your Google Activity

If you want to easily manage your Google activity data, you can enable auto-delete for your account. This feature enables you to have your activity data automatically deleted at regular intervals, such as every 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.

Follow these steps to enable auto-delete for your Google activity:

1. Open a browser and go to myactivity.google.com.

2. Click on “Web & App Activity”.

3. Scroll down until you find “Auto-delete”.

4. Click on “Choose an auto-delete option” to configure it. By default, it is set to “Off”.

5. A dialogue box will appear. Choose a duration: 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.

6. Click on “Next”.

7. Click on “Confirm”.

By enabling auto-delete, Google will automatically remove activity data that is older than the specified duration. This ensures that your older data, including searches, app usage, and website visits, will be regularly deleted without you needing to take any action. Enabling this option adds an extra layer of privacy to your online activities.

Camera Reviews

Nikon Zf Review: A Modern Camera Disguised in a Vintage Design

In terms of connectivity options, the Nikon Zf offers USB-C for data transfer and charging, along with separate microphone and headphone jacks, and a mini-HDMI port. This selection should meet the needs of most users. The camera uses an SD card for storage, which is both cost-effective and widely available.

However, the soft plastic port covers on the side of the camera feel flimsy and may wear out quickly. Similar issues have been reported with previous models like the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z9, where the material tends to warp over time. While the Zf port covers have a different design, their durability remains a concern and they may require replacement within a year or two.

yellow spores on woodAndy Zahn/SlashGear

Another minor gripe with the camera’s build quality is the mushiness of the directional pad and surrounding buttons on the back. While they are not terrible in any way, they do not match the exceptional craftsmanship found in the rest of the camera. Despite this, the overall construction of the Zf is remarkably well-executed.

The Nikon Snapbridge app is a simple and efficient tool for camera updates, photo downloads, and remote control of the Zf. It serves its purpose effectively.

Consoles

Some Xbox Controllers Get Keyboard Mapping On Console And PC

Microsoft has introduced a new feature that allows Xbox controllers to be mapped with keyboard keys on both consoles and PCs. The key mapping data is saved in a custom profile, which allows users to assign standalone keys as well as combo actions. According to a blog post by Xbox, this feature provides users with four extra shortcuts by mapping actions to keyboard keys. However, this feature is only available for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 paddles and the X1/X2 inlets on the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

While this feature offers convenience, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. Each controller key can only be mapped in combination with a single modifier key. For example, it is possible to assign an action key to the “Ctrl + Shift + C” sequence, but adding additional modifiers such as “Ctrl + Alt + W + E” will not work. Additionally, the controller must be plugged in via a wire or connected to the Xbox Wireless Adapter during the setup process. It is not possible to use keyboard mapping over a wireless Bluetooth connection.

News

Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023

Curious about the best-selling cars in the UK? The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has provided new car registration data that reveals all. Let’s dive into the most recent figures to find out which cars are leading the pack in the UK.

The latest data showcases the most popular cars for the year to date in 2023. Some cars have managed to maintain their market dominance, while others are making their debut on the best-sellers list.

In 2022, the Nissan Qashqai claimed the title of the UK’s best-selling car, despite challenges brought on by parts shortages and semiconductor production issues. Interestingly, six out of the top 10 cars in the UK last year were crossovers. However, the Qashqai has slipped from the top spot in 2023.

Currently, the Ford Puma sits at the number one position. Will it be able to fend off competition from other popular models like the Vauxhall Corsa, Tesla Model Y, and Qashqai throughout the rest of the year?

Let’s take a look at the best-selling cars in the UK so far in 2023, along with the number of units they have sold.

Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023 so far

1 Ford Puma – 37,312 units

The Ford Puma is currently the best-selling car in the UK and Ford’s top-seller in the country, surpassing the sales of the Transit and Transit Custom. This small crossover offers impressive driving dynamics, attractive pricing, and even has a fun-filled ST version. While it may not be the legendary Fiesta, it is still a great alternative.

Read our Ford Puma review

2 Nissan Qashqai – 32,582 units

The Nissan Qashqai, the best-selling model in the UK in 2022, currently holds the second spot in 2023. This British-built crossover continues to attract buyers with its excellent practicality and the addition of electrified powertrains in its latest generation.

Read our Nissan Qashqai review

3 Vauxhall Corsa – 30,177 units

The Vauxhall Corsa captured the second position in 2022, behind the Qashqai, and it maintains its position as the third best-selling car in the UK after nine months in 2023. Its success can be attributed to its PSA-developed underpinnings and the availability of petrol, diesel, and electric powertrain options. A facelifted model with Vauxhall’s Vizor front end is expected later this year.

Read our Vauxhall Corsa review

4 Tesla Model Y – 24,148 units

Tesla’s presence in the UK car market is expanding thanks to the Model Y. It currently holds the fourth position in the list of popular cars in 2023 as of September. The electric crossover, available in long-range and rear-wheel drive options, quickly became the UK’s favorite electric car after its launch in February. Price cuts in January further boosted its appeal compared to pricier competitors.

Motorsport

BEV Boom In Europe Has Two Winners: Tesla And MG

According to the latest data from JATO Dynamics, the European new car market is experiencing interesting trends. In April, the market share of pure electric cars reached 22 percent, the second-highest monthly share after December 2022’s 25 percent. This means that more than one in five new cars registered in Europe were electric.

Tesla plays a significant role in these results. Despite its limited and relatively outdated range, the American brand is capitalizing on the growing interest in electric driving. In August 2023, Tesla registered 33,809 cars in Europe, a 240 percent increase compared to the same month the previous year. Consequently, Tesla surpassed large mainstream European brands like Opel, Citroën, and Fiat, and was only 3,600 units behind Ford.

Tesla Continues To Soar

Tesla’s success continues with its models such as the Model Y and Model 3. The Model Y was once again the best-selling model in Europe and is expected to maintain its position until the end of the year. This puts Tesla in a remarkable position, with a foreign car dominating the European market. Tesla has reported over 169,000 units of the Model Y, marking a 216% increase. Additionally, the brand has been using price cuts for the Model 3 to expand its customer base and compete in other segments.

Tesla, along with two Chinese companies (Geely and SAIC), is steadily increasing its market share. This success can be attributed to strategic actions such as the gradual introduction of the Model 3, opening more sales points across Europe, and cutting prices. Tesla’s momentum is being maintained effectively.

MG Phenomenon

Another major winner in the transition from petrol/diesel cars to electric vehicles is MG. Although positioned as a British brand, MG is entirely designed, developed, and produced in China and is truly changing the game. With its competitive pricing and favorable consumer opinions, the MG 4 has gained popularity among consumers, helping MG reach the European top 20 in August with nearly 14,900 units.

MG’s sales number is higher than Suzuki, Mini, Mazda, and Jeep. Electric models account for 59 percent of MG’s sales volume, placing them in seventh place among the best-selling Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brands. MG has even surpassed major brands like Opel, Audi, Skoda, Peugeot, and Renault in terms of market share.

What About Traditional Brands?

The rise of Tesla and MG comes at the expense of reduced market share for traditional automakers such as Volkswagen, Ford, Citroën, Peugeot, and Hyundai. Although these brands offer electric vehicles, they are facing tough competition from Tesla and MG.

This is a challenge for traditional brands as Tesla lowers its prices, making its models more accessible and competitive in lower segments, while MG enters the market with highly competitive products.

The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

BMW

Proactive Care – the digital concierge for BMW Customer Service.

The BMW Group is introducing Proactive Care, a new customer service offering driven by data and AI. This innovative solution enables vehicles to identify and anticipate service requirements, allowing for proactive solutions and enhancing the customer experience. The initial applications for existing and upcoming vehicle generations are already live, with continuous improvements and additional functionalities planned for the future.

BMW vehicles have been sending service-related data directly to BMW dealers for several years, facilitating targeted interaction between customers and dealers. With Proactive Care, BMW takes the initiative by reaching out to customers rather than the other way around. The portfolio of dealer service requirements is continuously expanded and, where applicable, integrated with the advantages of artificial intelligence. This development represents the next stage in the evolution of connected vehicles and customer service.

Proactive Care provides various benefits when servicing is required. Through data analysis and the recording of customer preferences, the system enables digital tire diagnosis, fault message identification, and custom proposals for solutions. Depending on the situation, customers are notified via the My BMW app, in-car notifications, email, their preferred dealer, or a telephone call from Roadside Assistance. Proactive Care ensures a long-term improvement in customer service, from self-help suggestions (such as solving problems via a Remote Software Upgrade) to flexible support for guaranteed mobility, and even guidance on the right dealer within the global network if a workshop visit is necessary. The system also offers options like online appointment scheduling and personalized service videos with online payment handling.

Proactive Care is available worldwide for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 7 or later (as of version 07/2019). To access this service, customers need an active BMW ConnectedDrive contract and must register their vehicle in the My BMW app or My BMW portal using their BMW ID and contact details.* By accepting the Privacy Policy, enabling push notifications in the app, and consenting to be contacted by BMW AG or their BMW Service Partner, customers can ensure data collection for Proactive Care. The service always provides transparent information about the work carried out, associated costs, and the expected completion time.

Data protection and transparency are fundamental principles for BMW. The company places great importance on the confidentiality and integrity of personal data, and prioritizes data protection and security. BMW adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation and national laws, such as the German Federal Data Protection Act, collecting data intelligently and for specific purposes. This commitment extends to systems installed in vehicles.

With Proactive Care, BMW offers a revolutionary service experience that emphasizes customer satisfaction as a central focus.

*The available service scope of “Proactive Care” may vary depending on the country of delivery.