Tag Archives: smart

Opinion

Matt Prior: a dislike for subscription-enabled features

In my opinion, Smart has always been the more approachable side of Mercedes-Benz.

Although I believed that the original small City Coupé two-seater was a better concept in theory than in reality, I still admired the idea and the ingenuity behind it.

If everyone drove lightweight Smarts instead of bulky SUVs, the world would have been grateful and we would have had more fun on the roads.

Above all, I appreciated the friendly atmosphere that Smart exuded. While other Mercedes models were serious and practical, Smart, which was initially a collaboration between Mercedes and Swatch known for its trendy watches, had a funky and accessible appeal. Even when it lost its charm, it remained forward-thinking and transitioned into an all-electric brand in 2019.

Now, there is a possibility that Smart, despite its merger with Mercedes and Geely to become a compact SUV manufacturer, will continue to lead in terms of trends. However, this time it involves a rather concerning trend…

The Smart #1, like most new cars, can receive software updates over-the-air. In the future, early customers may find that their car’s touchscreen can suddenly mirror their phone through a free download.

Subsequently, another update will be released, but Smart UK has not decided on how it will handle it yet.

The #1 model currently has a heated steering wheel, but its functionality has not been activated. When the time comes, it could either be a surprise addition or, more alarmingly, customers might be required to pay for it, either permanently, as a one-off payment, or as a subscription service where you pay for it in winter but not in summer.

News

This Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE Went For $20,000 USD

This Paul Smart Edition Ducati from 2006, known as the Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE, was recently sold for $19,250 USD. What makes this sale unique is that it is one of only 2,000 examples ever built by Ducati. This motorcycle was created to commemorate Paul Smart’s victory at Imola in 1972, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. There was another similar model with only two miles on it that sold for $42,500 USD.

Surprisingly, the Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE listed on Bring a Trailer had close to 20,000 miles on it. This is rare considering the limited production and prestige of this bike. It is refreshing to see an owner who actually rode and enjoyed this machine. Ducati motorcycles are known for their exceptional riding experience, and the previous owners made sure to put the miles on it.


19,000-Mile 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE

8 Photos

This bike has approximately 19,000 miles on it. The previous owner purchased it in 2023. Although the seller only rode about 100 miles before selling it on Bring a Trailer, the bike seems well-maintained. It received an oil change and battery replacement in January 2023, had the valves adjusted in 2015, and had the brake fluid flushed and replaced under its last owner. The timing belts were also changed in June 2023.

The Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE is equipped with a powerful 992cc Desmodromic L-twin engine and a six-speed transmission. It features a silver exterior paint finish over a green trellis frame and comes with Marelli electronic fuel injection, Termignoni mufflers, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brake discs, and alloy rims with wire spokes.

Considering its mileage, this bike does show signs of wear. However, it still comes with all the original manufacturer-provided literature, three keys, and the bike’s original tool kit.

The final sale price for this motorcycle was just under $20,000. Although it may seem like a high price for a bike with a significant number of miles, it is still a valuable and coveted motorcycle.

Cars, Technology

How To Remove Apps on Apple CarPlay

If you want to have more control over your CarPlay menu even when you’re not in your car, Apple has made it possible for you to uninstall apps. However, it may not be clear where to start, especially since there is no dedicated CarPlay app pre-installed on your phone. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Select the General menu, then tap on the CarPlay menu.
  3. From the provided menu, tap on the name of your car and then hit Customize.
  4. To remove unwanted apps from the CarPlay menu, tap on the red minus symbol located to the left of the app’s name, and then click on the Remove button.

If an app does not have a red minus symbol next to it, it means that it cannot be removed from CarPlay. The next time you connect your iPhone to your car and start it, the app you deleted will no longer be displayed on the CarPlay screen.

If you change your mind, you can restore these apps at any time using the same process mentioned above. Additionally, you can also rearrange the order of the apps on your CarPlay display by tapping and dragging them using the three-line symbol on the right. Now that you know how to remove apps from CarPlay, you may want to explore nine other CarPlay tricks.

Technology

Understanding Kindle Unlimited Membership: Is it Worth the Cost?

Kindle Unlimited is a service that can be accessed on Kindle e-readers and smart devices with the Kindle app. Subscribers pay $11.99 per month and gain unlimited access to over a million ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines in the Kindle store. Once signed up, users can borrow and read as many ebooks as they want from the available catalog without any due dates. However, there is a limit of 20 books borrowed at a time, requiring users to return one book if they wish to borrow another. This limit does not apply to magazines.

It’s important to understand that Kindle Unlimited is separate from Amazon Prime, meaning it is not included with Prime membership. Additionally, Amazon offers a subscription to Audible, their audiobook subsidiary, starting at $7.95 per month.

The more expensive Audible Premium Plus subscription costs $14.95 per month and includes free access to titles in the Audible Plus library, discounts on select best-sellers, and a credit system allowing subscribers to claim one free title each month (Prime members receive two free titles with an Audible Premium Plus subscription). While Kindle Unlimited offers books and magazines, Audible is exclusively an audio service, though there is some overlap in content between the two subscriptions.

Gaming, Technology

Using Bluetooth Earbuds with the PS5: A Guide

When it comes to smart TVs, compatibility and connectivity are key. Fortunately, linking your Bluetooth headset or earbuds to your smart TV is a fairly simple process. Just like the PS4, the PS5 offers a similar method. Here’s how:

Make sure your audio device is in pairing mode, which means it’s visible to other Bluetooth-enabled systems. Then, access the Bluetooth menu in your TV’s settings. Your TV should be able to detect the device you want to connect and pair them together.

Once paired, go to your TV’s audio settings and ensure that the sound output is set to your earbuds or headset instead of the TV’s speakers or any other audio device you may use. This way, the audio will directly play through your chosen device. The great thing is that you can still join party chat with your friends using the microphone on the DualSense controller.

While this method is a convenient option for using Bluetooth audio with the PS5, there is another alternative for those who don’t have a compatible smart TV.

News, Technology

BMW’s New Smart Glasses: Enhancing Safety and Comfort for Motorcycle Riders

BMW has introduced the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses to provide motorcycle riders with a range of smart and connected features. These glasses can be paired with smartphones via Bluetooth using a dedicated app. The projection position can also be adjusted according to the rider’s preference. With two size options available (medium and large), the glasses are designed to fit various helmet sizes and face shapes. BMW claims that these glasses are comfortable for long durations, providing nose pads in different sizes for optimal comfort for all riders.

In addition to their technological features, the smart glasses come with two sets of lenses: a tinted lens and an 85% transparent lens, both incorporating a certified UVA/UVB filter. To ensure clear vision, the RX adapter allows for vision adjustments of up to 4.5 diopters. The Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are powered by a lithium-ion battery that offers up to ten hours of operation. The battery can be recharged using a supplied USB-C cable.

Although BMW has introduced the smart glasses at the BMW Motorrad Days event in Berlin, they are expected to be available to consumers before the end of 2023, as stated in their official release. The global availability details are not provided at this time, but the recommended retail price for the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses is 690 euros ($750).

Volkswagen

Transformation of Mobility in Astypalea: The Future of Sustainable Transportation

The Greek island of Astypalea is serving as a test bed for sustainable, smart mobility initiatives. The Volkswagen Group and the Hellenic Republic have partnered to slowly transform the island’s transportation system to include e-mobility, digital mobility solutions, and green energy. The initial results are promising. The digital mobility solutions, such as the ASTYBUS ride sharing service, show positive acceptance rates with 25% of the island’s population taking advantage of the service. In the last year alone, the service has completed over 200,000 customer kilometers. Electrification of the transportation system is also making strides. Almost all of the new cars registered on Astypalea are now fully electric.

The Volkswagen Group is investing its knowledge and expertise in mobility to help Astypalea achieve its goals. Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Ducati, and SEAT MÓ have all provided vehicles to support the project. The transformation of Astypalea’s mobility sector is nearly complete. This includes the implementation of a public charging infrastructure, a special subsidy scheme for private customers and companies, the electrification of authority vehicles (such as police and airport vehicles), as well as mobility services such as ASTYBUS and astyGO. The number of electric vehicles on the small island has gone from zero to 84 in a short period of time.

ASTYBUS, the ride-sharing service, displace the limited traditional bus line that was the only means of local transportation on Astypalea. Unlike the bus line, ASTYBUS operates all year round, connecting many more places on the island. Depending on the season, up to five vehicles are used for this service. With astyGO, customers can rent electric cars from Volkswagen, e-scooters from SEAT MÓ, and e-bikes from Ducati. Users can easily book these vehicles through their smartphones by using the integrated astyMOVE app.

Maik Stephan, Head of Business Development of the Volkswagen Group, has commented “Over the next two decades, we will see many of the changes that make up the Astypalea project in other regions of Europe as well. Particularly impressive is the people’s change in mood from initial skepticism to great approval. This shows that rapid transformation is possible if companies, politicians, and society work together.”

Green Energy: 3 Megawatt Solar Park

The next phase of the project includes the renovation of the energy system, with a gradual switch towards locally produced renewable energy. The smaller existing solar plants currently power parts of the island’s electrical fleet with renewable energy. The construction of a hybrid power system is the next milestone in the project. This system is set to begin operating in 2024 and will consist of a 3.5-megawatt solar park and battery storage system. This park will provide 100% of the island’s energy needs for e-mobility transportation and 60% of its general energy needs. The Greece-first tender for this energy project has just recently closed.

By 2026, the island aims to have an energy system that covers around 80% of the total energy demand. Previously, Astypalea relied mainly on diesel generators to generate electricity that emitted up to 5,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Accompanying Scientific Study

An accompanying scientific study shows that people on the island overwhelmingly support the transformation – with 80% of the island residents having a positive view of e-mobility and mobility services. This signifies a significant improvement compared to the first survey taken at the beginning of the project in 2021, proving that providing relevant information about new technologies and services is crucial. Particularly impressive, the flexible and affordable ASTYBUS ride-sharing service is rated with a remarkable 97% approval. The study took place in two phases: in the winter of 2022-2023 and the summer of 2021, with a total of 211 and 221 people participating. Scientists from the University of the Aegean (Greece) and the University of Strathclyde (Scotland) will evaluate the project over several years.

Sustainability in the Volkswagen Group

Sustainability is among the 10 strategic fields of action that the Volkswagen Group is significantly prioritizing under the leadership of CEO Oliver Blume. This is evident in their emphasis on e-mobility and their ramp-up plans for all of the Group’s brands. In 2021, Volkswagen also strengthened their CO2 targets in production and intends to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 50% by 2030.