Tag Archives: dent

Motorsport

2024 Skoda Superb Sketches Show There Is Still Hope For Regular Cars

The popularity of SUVs has resulted in a decrease in demand for regular cars, leading some automakers to discontinue traditional models. However, the Volkswagen Passat sedan continues to exist in Europe as a wagon. The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia (Buick Regal) and the Ford Mondeo/Fusion have been discontinued in most parts of the world, although they are still available in China where they are locally produced.

In an effort to keep regular cars alive, Skoda is planning to introduce another generation of its flagship model with combustion engines. The new Superb, which shares mechanical components with the 2024 Passat Variant, will be officially unveiled on November 2. The design sketches of both the liftback and wagon body styles have already been released. It may be seen as unfortunate timing, considering the number of debuts occurring at the Japan Mobility Show.


Technology

TikTok Head Dent Debunked: Why You Don’t Have To Worry About Your Headphones

The myth of the headphone dent can be easily debunked, but the online uproar surrounding it brings attention to a larger problem. With the rise of various social networks and different levels of content moderation, spreading misinformation online has become easier than ever before.

A recent study from the University of Southern California found that network algorithms are more responsible for promoting inaccurate news or facts on social media platforms than actual users. While the exact reasons for this phenomenon are still uncertain, the study discovered that platforms often encourage users to develop habits of sharing information in order to gain more attention to their profiles. On the other hand, the moderation and fact-checking systems are not as appealing, resulting in a greater incentivization of misinformation.

Although this issue appears to be prevalent across social media in general, some researchers are particularly concerned about TikTok’s role in spreading misinformation. An investigation by NewsGuard revealed that over 20 percent of news-related TikTok videos, ranging from five seconds to ten minutes in length, contain some level of misinformation. Another study from the University of Illinois outlines the tactics used to spread false information, such as misspelled hashtags. It also suggests that the fast-paced video format of TikTok allows users to consume more content within a short period of time, potentially leading to an algorithm filled with misinformation. While the panic surrounding the permanent headphone dent is relatively minor as a case of misinformation, it raises broader questions about the current state of information distribution online.

Car review

Mazda 2

The new Mazda 2 may not impress in terms of cabin space compared to its wider and more practical rivals. However, what catches the eye is its stylish interior design that is imaginative and attention to detail. The dashboard stands out with its space-conscious architecture and well-integrated features such as unbroken horizontal lines, corralled switchgear, and periscoped instrument cluster.

While the input device for the multimedia system could be positioned more ideally for usability, the ergonomic complaints are minimal. The seating position is slightly higher than desired, but within the norm for the segment. The front cabin feels spacious with 20mm of additional elbow room, even with two adults on board. The rear space, however, is not the most generous for taller passengers compared to cars like the Fiat 500 or Seat Ibiza.

The boot has a decent capacity of 280 liters, although its aperture width could be improved.

Multimedia system

The infotainment touchscreen is neatly placed on the dashboard, and the good news is that you won’t have to touch it while driving. Mazda has provided a rotary input device and physical shortcut buttons for easy control. The touchscreen is deactivated when the car is in motion, which some testers found convenient, while others found it cumbersome to navigate Apple CarPlay using the rotary controller.

Although the Mazda 2 was launched before the existence of CarPlay and Android Auto, both have been added later on. CarPlay works wirelessly, while Android Auto requires a cable. The default interface provided by Mazda may feel a bit dated in 2023, but it is still user-friendly.