Tag Archives: location

Smartphones

Your Android Is About To Serve Google’s Device Tracking Network: Here’s How To Opt-Out

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Find My Device has all the time been ready to make use of location and web companies to place your Android telephones on the map, which you should use to trace, ring, lock, or manufacturing unit reset the gadget. The newest replace allows using Bluetooth on close by Android telephones to scan and ship the situation of a misplaced gadget. This additionally works for equipment like earphones and tracker tags which might be suitable with Google’s Fast Pair service.

While this sounds implausible for somebody who may need misplaced their cellphone, the very nature of this function implies that your personal units take part on this digital handshake to change places with different telephones within the Find My Device community. As far as privateness considerations go, this utility is end-to-end encrypted, and may solely be deciphered by your password-protected Android gadget — not even Google can pry into this info. 

However, with rising instances of economic fraud and privateness breaches, particularly instances the place one ought to begin removing personal data from the internet — throwing in additional trackable knowledge is not good progress. Luckily, you do not have to conform and share your location with different telephones within the Find My Device community. 

Technology

5 Of The Best Places You Can Buy Ryobi Tools Online

Everyone is aware of Walmart. For many people, it is our go-to location for any variety of merchandise, together with meals, cleansing provides, garments, and even budget-friendly energy instruments. You will not see Ryobi instruments on the cabinets of a Walmart retailer, not even a Walmart Supercenter, however you’ll find a reasonably complete collection of Ryobi units on the Walmart web site. While its stock is much less intensive than the official Ryobi web site and Home Depot, Walmart is a good choice to test earlier than making your buy — the corporate even gives free delivery with speeds that rival these of Amazon.

Concerning worth tags, two out of the three instruments we in contrast had been cheaper on Walmart’s web site than the official Ryobi retailer. That’s to not say that you will at all times discover a higher deal from Walmart, but it surely’s actually price checking the superstore’s web site earlier than you make a purchase order. Doing so might yield an awesome deal and vital financial savings.

Wearables

5 Of The Highest Rated Smart Collars To Keep Track Of Your Dog

The Halo Collar 3 has three varieties of monitoring options: location, exercise, and security. In its newest iteration, Halo makes use of AI-powered GPS, real-time monitoring, and all provider monitoring, which connects to the strongest sign worldwide. However, its 24-hour battery life could be limiting for some paw dad and mom.

With Halo’s digital fence function, you may set geofences your pet is allowed to roam. Once the tracker detects it has left the fenced space, the sensible collar will do two issues: ship your cell phone an alert and emit sounds, vibrations, or static suggestions by way of your canine’s collar. The Halo Collar 3 is available in two sizes: small (11–15 inches) and medium/massive (15–30 inches). Because of this, it isn’t essentially an excellent canine collar for puppies or smaller breeds. In reality, Halo even shares that its system is confirmed for canine over 5 months outdated and over 20 kilos.

The Halo Collar 3 retails for $699 in 4 colours: sunburst, graphite, orchid, and ivory. Additionally, you will additionally must issue within the extra value of its membership plan, which is required to maintain the collar lively. If you pay yearly, Halo plans begin for as little as $5.09 per 30 days. In partnership with canine behaviorist Cesar Millan, Halo provides a patented coaching program with its plans. However, for those who want to use extra superior options like exercise stories, companion reductions, and unique occasions with specialists, you might wish to get a higher-tiered plan.

Smartphones

The iPhone Safari Change You Can Make If You Don’t Like Where The Address Bar Is

If you’re thinking of changing Safari’s address bar location, it’s worth considering that leaving it at the bottom allows you to swipe between tabs, which can be quite convenient. However, if you still want to change it, here’s how to do so on iOS 17:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
  3. Find the Tabs section.
  4. Tap Single Tab to move the address bar to the top.

If you change your mind, you can always go back to that section and tap Tab Bar.

For iPhone users with iOS 16, the steps will be slightly different:

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Tap the AA button on the address bar to reveal an options menu.
  3. Choose Show Top Address Bar.

Once again, if you change your mind, simply tap the AA button on the address bar and select Show Bottom Tab Bar to revert to the tab bar at the bottom and disable the top address bar.

BMW

New Designworks studio in Shanghai: Inspiration for new design ideas from China, for China – and the world.

Munich/Shanghai. The BMW Group’s Designworks innovation studio has a new location in the West Bund district of China’s economic hub of Shanghai. In West Bund, the city’s flourishing arts, culture and business district, the design team has their finger on the pulse, enabling them to develop new design ideas for both the BMW Group and other clients.

Studio opening accompanied by Art & Design talk with Cao Fei and Jessica Zhang.
The official inauguration of the new studio will take place during the West Bund Art & Design Fair Shanghai, which runs from 9-12 November 2023. As a long-standing partner, BMW Group will present the talk “Art & Design: Co-Creation x Technology”. Participants will include multimedia artist Cao Fei, director of the Today Art Museum Beijing, Jessica Zhang, and head of Designworks, Holger Hampf. During the panel discussion, emerging talents Liu Xin and Fei Jun will also present their BMW inspired collaboration evolving around hyper-emotive technology experiences.

The BMW Group talk is part of the official West Bund Art & Design debate series and will take place on Friday, 10 November 2023, from 5-6 p.m. in the West Bund Dome.

Impactful collaboration and global idea-sharing at R&D centre
At the new site in West Bund, which is surrounded by countless cultural institutions, about 50 creatives find an exceptionally creative working environment. At the same time, they are in constant contact with the BMW Group design team at corporate headquarters and the other Designworks studios in Munich and Los Angeles. “With the Designworks studio in Shanghai, we are turning the eyes and ears of the BMW Group towards Asia,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Here, we can create ground-breaking innovations that are not only important for the Chinese market, but also benefit products in the global market as a whole.” The aim is to create human-centred design innovations to meet the specific needs of customers in China and across the wider Asian region. The new Designworks studio is an integral part of the BMW Group’s Research and Development Centre in Shanghai. Pooling design and development expertise at one location speeds up and improves interdisciplinary exchange throughout the entire product creation process: from the early phases of design, all the way to production.

Insights into culture, tradition and customer wants in China.
Through Designworks Shanghai, the BMW Group gains valuable knowledge of the country’s culture and tradition. The studio provides assessments of the latest social, design-relevant phenomena and people’s changing needs, with regard to aesthetics, lifestyle and technology. “The market for car design in China has been growing disproportionately and at a breathtaking pace for several years. We are positioning ourselves to reflect this: Our Designworks team in Asia has also developed rapidly over the past ten years,” said Holger Hampf, head of Designworks. “Together with the studios in Munich and Los Angeles, Designworks is in an ideal position to constantly inspire the BMW Group and our external clients with innovative new ideas,” Hampf continued.

Design innovations for China and the BMW Group worldwide.
The influence of the design studio in China is also recognisable in the model variant of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan developed exclusively for the Chinese market. For the first time, the new BMW 5 Series for China not only comes with a longer wheelbase, creating a more spacious rear compartment, but also with proportions that are specifically designed with Chinese customers in mind. Its profile is reminiscent of a Gran Coupé. Exclusive design elements also give the vehicle a luxurious, thoroughly modern character and a strong presence. Key design elements will also be developed locally at Designworks for the future models of the NEUE KLASSE in China.

The question of how future customers define premium quality is of particular significance to the BMW Group. The “Designworkers” are gaining specific insights into the Asian region and translating them into concrete product ideas. In the field of colour and material design, the team is combining traditional craftsmanship with visionary materials to create a new and sustainable interpretation of quality at the highest level. For example, in cooperation with BMW Group Design and local Chinese tech startups, Designworks is reinterpreting traditional Chinese handicrafts such as ZhangRong velvet, Song brocade and lacquer with contemporary aesthetics for possible use in series production. Sustainable processes paired with natural and recycled materials are creating a new sense of wellbeing due to novel optical and haptic impressions.

Creative output from Designworks Shanghai is also valuable for the BMW Group’s digital experience: from visualisation of BMW IPA (Intelligent Personal Assistant), to the creation of the all new MINI digital companion, “SPIKE” and special Festival Modes– artistic animations played on the Control Display of current BMW models to celebrate special occasions.

Inspiration through cross-industry partnerships.
As at other Designworks locations, the creative minds at the Shanghai studio do not work exclusively for the BMW Group and its brands. They are also commissioned, in parallel, by a large number of clients from other industries. This gives Designworks a unique outside-in perspective that enables it to enrich BMW Group design time and again with inspiring and innovative design ideas.

In collaboration with CRRC, the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, the Designworks team in Shanghai designed both the exterior and interior of a new generation of high-speed trains. Designworks also recently developed the future positioning and product design for Chinese e-bike manufacturer Yadea. For luxury kitchen manufacturer Fotile, the team created an end-to-end customer experience for their smart-home household appliances.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus
Press spokesperson, Designworks
Telephone: +49-160-96 31 3773
Email: Michaela.Martinus@bmwgroup.com

Steven Woerns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Prof Thomas Girst
Head of Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49-89 382 24753
Email: Thomas.Girst@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmw.de

About Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group’s innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. The “Architects of Future” focus on mobility, product and digital life design, as well as strategic design consulting.

The formerly independent creative studio was taken over by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as a driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients from a wide range of industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries. The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.

BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, both in the arts, music & sound, architecture, as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMW-Group-Culture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroupculture/
@BMWGroupCulture
#BMWGroupCulture
#drivenbydiversity

Smartphones

5 Hidden Messaging Features You’ll Want To Use In iOS 17

Before you leave the company of loved ones, you can send them your location via the Find My feature, which is quickly accessible through the new expandable menu. Once you do, the Apple Maps snippet containing your current whereabouts will appear right in the conversation, and will update in real-time if you start moving. You can also share a pin at a specific destination if you are planning to meet somewhere. On the recipient’s end, they will be able to look up directions and get to where you are, if needed.

The most crucial update to Messages is undoubtedly the Check In feature, which provides a little more functionality in terms of keeping your people aware of your travel progress. Compared to location-sharing, which your trusted contacts will need to manually check within their Messages thread with you, Check In automatically sends location updates and notifications when you’ve arrived at your planned destination, or if you’ve encountered a delay en route. 

Depending on which data-sharing option you choose, your friends may receive pertinent information about more than just your current location. You can also share your iPhone’s battery level, network connectivity, and the last time you unlocked your mobile device if you don’t successfully complete a Check In.

Internet

How to Prevent Random Requests for Your Location on Google Maps

If someone manages to request your location on Google Maps, it means they either guessed your Gmail address or found it on one of your social media accounts. In any case, it’s a good idea to review all the places online where you may have shared your Google email address or the phone number linked to Google Maps. Consider removing these details from public view or using a different email address and phone number if you can’t avoid sharing your contact information. Alternatively, if possible, adjust your account settings to only allow approved connections to view your accounts and personal information.

It’s important to note that only people who share their location with you should have the ability to request your location. If you receive an email notification requesting access to your whereabouts, you should also receive a notification email informing you that the person has shared their location with you. They will need to show you their email address and profile photo. Although these two things can be falsified, you can at least verify with friends and family that the accounts indeed belong to them and are not fake.

Cars

The Must-See Gas Station That’s Taking Over Social Media (And Why Its Worth The Visit)

Compared to a typical gas station you’d find in a town or along a highway, a Buc-ee’s location is positively gigantic. In fact, the Buc-ee’s store in Sevierville, Louisiana, actually holds the current world record for the World’s Largest Convenience Store at a whopping 74,707 square feet. Not all of them are that big, of course, but they’re certainly not small.

@shawnthefoodsheep

Have you ever been to Buc-ee’s? this chain of legendary gas stations is a must see if you have a road trip in the United States. #bucees #roadtrip #texas #texascheck

♬ Wii – Mii Channel – Super Guitar Bros

Buc-ee’s features just about everything you could possibly want, need, or spontaneously crave while out on the road, especially if it’s snacks. It not only has shelves upon shelves of made-on-the-premises snacks, but entire hot service counters for tasty meals, including sandwiches, kolaches, and more. There’s also a dessert counter specializing in fudge, candied nuts, and banana pudding. One of the brand’s most famous snacks is the Beaver Nuggets — caramel-coated corn puffs.

Buc-ee’s doesn’t only offer food, though. The locations also features enormous gift shops, packed to the gills with branded merchandise. Souvenirs come with the eponymous big beaver emblazoned. This includes shirts, hats, plushies, keychains, dog toys, and birthday party supplies, to name a few.

Whenever you’re in the southern States, visit Buc-ee’s for a fun time, even if it’s just to witness the splendor and use the bathroom. The flagship store actually won an award in 2012 for the cleanest restrooms in the U.S.!

BMW

New battery testing centre: BMW Group investing over 100 million euros in Wackersdorf site by 2026

+++ Site Manager Christoph Peters: “BMW Group’s Wackersdorf location to become a major facilitator for the shift to electromobility” +++ Building as symbol of Wackersdorf site’s electric future +++ 

Wackersdorf. To demonstrate its strong commitment to the Wackersdorf location in Upper Palatinate and as part of its ongoing e-mobility expansion, BMW Group is investing approximately 100 million euros by 2026 in a new battery testing centre at the existing site. By mid-2024, the first high-voltage batteries for BMW Group models will begin regular operation at the centre for early-stage development testing, before production even starts.

“The BMW Group’s Wackersdorf location will be a major facilitator for the shift towards electromobility,” said Site Manager Christoph Peters, who also mentioned that the new battery testing centre will further strengthen the foundation of the BMW Group site in Wackersdorf. He added, “In addition to supplying our overseas plants, cockpit production, and door production for Rolls-Royce models starting in 2024, this will be Wackersdorf’s fourth main area of activity. This enhances the future sustainability of our site.”

The investment will primarily focus on advanced test bench technology and necessary upgrades to the building infrastructure. Hall 80, currently under renovation, will house the testing centre. Originally built in the 1980s for a reprocessing facility, the building will now signify the plant’s electric future.

The construction work is already in progress, including the installation of a new floor slab. The first section of the centre, featuring “battery testers” that resemble large refrigerators externally but are equipped with cutting-edge technology inside, will be operational by mid-2024. These testers will evaluate battery cells’ electrical performance during charging and discharging under various conditions. This enables simulation of usage scenarios before the vehicles are even on the road. Initially, parallel testing of several hundred battery cells will be possible, with the testing capacity eventually reaching several thousand.

Starting from 2025, the testing centre will also be responsible for validating BMW Group’s battery-electric vehicles prior to their official launch and ensuring premium quality. This includes subjecting batteries to vibration and shock tests using specialized equipment known as “shakers.” Additionally, endurance tests can simulate complex driving patterns and charging/discharging cycles. Such tests are crucial for electric vehicle type approvals, and the BMW Group is establishing its own capacity with the new battery testing centre in Wackersdorf due to limited availability in the market.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications
Dominik Hämmerl, Communications Wackersdorf
Cell phone: +49 151 6060 3889, Email: Dominik.Haemmerl@bmw.de 

Saskia Graser, acting head of Communications Regensburg and Wackersdorf
Cell phone: +49 151 6040 3232, Email: Saskia.Graser@bmw.de

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

Email: presse@bmw.de

 

BMW Group Plants Regensburg and Wackersdorf
For decades, the BMW Group has been considered a leader in production technology and operational excellence in vehicle manufacturing, including at its Regensburg and Wackersdorf locations.
The BMW Group vehicle plant in Regensburg has been operational since 1986 and is one of over 30 BMW Group production facilities worldwide. Each workday, up to 1,000 BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, and BMW X2 models are produced at the Regensburg plant and delivered to customers globally. The facility can flexibly manufacture different types of drive trains on a single production line, including internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models.
In the vicinity of the vehicle plant, high-voltage batteries for electric models are produced at the electric component production facility, which opened at Leibnizstrasse in 2021.
Regensburg’s BMW Innovation Park also includes Wackersdorf. Originally built as a nuclear reprocessing facility, the 55-hectare campus now houses cockpit production and parts supply for overseas plants. In addition to being the largest employer, Innovation Park Wackersdorf accommodates several other companies, employing approximately 2,500 people.
The Regensburg and Wackersdorf locations in eastern Bavaria collectively employ approximately 9,000 people, including more than 300 apprentices.

www.bmwgroup-werke.com/regensburg/de.html