transportation | Mobiles365

Tim Cook refused a meeting to discuss Apple’s acquisition of Tesla, claims Elon Musk

Posted on December 22, 2020December 22, 2020 by Nadeem Sarwar

So, the recent Reuters report detailing Apple’s plans to start the passenger of its passenger car by 2024 has sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Such was the excitement that Apple’s stock reached a new high after the report broke. As per the report, Apple’s plan center around a new battery design that is more space-efficient and is also radically, while also boosting the vehicle range on a single charge. If an Apple-branded electric car becomes a reality, its biggest rival will be Tesla (duh). But it appears that Elon Musk wanted to sell Tesla to Apple, but Tim Cook refused to participate in the meeting where an acquisition deal could be discussed. Or so claims Elon Musk!

During the darkest days of the Model 3 program, I reached out to Tim Cook to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla (for 1/10 of our current value). He refused to take the meeting.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 22, 2020

Just imagine Apple owning Tesla

“During the darkest days of the Model 3 program, I reached out to Tim Cook to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla (for 1/10 of our current value). He refused to take the meeting,” Musk tweeted. The Tesla chief is referring to the stressful spell that started in 2017 and lasted well into the next year where the company was going through a serious cash crunch. Tesla also reported a net loss of $2.24 billion in 2017 and also its biggest quarterly loss ever amounting to $771 million. The Model 3 quality issues were under intense scrutiny, with one Bloomberg report even claiming that Tesla was burning through half a million dollars every hour.

At that rate, Tesla was expected to tap out by the month of August in 2018 after running out of cash. Exacerbated by investor worries, many called it a catastrophe from a return-on-investment-capital perspective. And above all that was the well-documented production hell, reports of bad working conditions and layoffs to cut costs. Putting all that in perspective, it is astonishing that Tesla is now the world’s most valuable automobile company, its shares are at an all-time high, and owner Elon Musk is now the second richest person in the world.

The 'What If' scenario here is wild!

Tesla’s 2017 woes aside, it is hard to imagine the ‘what if’ scenario here. What if Apple acquired Tesla? What if Apple could leverage all of Tesla’s technology and the eccentric leadership of Elon Musk to augment the in-house self-driving technology and used it all to accelerate its own passenger vehicle ambitions codenamed Project Titan? Irrespective of what the future would’ve been, Tesla is apparently in a far better state right now – possibly better than what Apple would’ve done with it – and Elon Musk is much richer now as the CEO of Tesla rather than becoming the head of Apple’s newly acquired car division in a ‘what if’ reality.

Or maybe, this tweet is just another one of Elon Musk’s wild social media antics? We’ll let you be the judge of it all!

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Apple might finally start building its own car in 2024, claims bombshell Reuters report

Posted on December 22, 2020December 22, 2020 by Nadeem Sarwar

The rumors of Apple working on its own passenger vehicle date all the way back to 2014, with many reports claiming that the ambitious initiative is internally called Project Titan. Since then, the car project has reportedly been put on the back burner in favor of developing self-driving car technology that will likely be licensed to other carmakers. Now, a new report from Reuters claims that Apple’s car plans are back on track and that the company is ‘targeting 2024 to produce a passenger vehicle that could include its own breakthrough battery technology.‘

A new battery design that is radically cheaper and more efficient

At the core of Apple’s passenger vehicle plans is a new battery design that is claimed to be more space-efficient, offers an increase in vehicle range, and also happens to be ‘radically’ cheap. Apple plans to use a unique “monocell” design that bulks up the individual cells in the battery and frees up space inside the battery pack by eliminating pouches and modules that hold battery materials,” the report adds citing a source familiar with the new developments.

Aple is also experimenting with Tesla's 'million mile battery tech'

The company is also experimenting with an alternative source of chemical power for its batteries called LFP (lithium iron phosphate) that is claimed to be much better at thermal management by reducing overheating risk and is, therefore, safer than the Li-ion batteries found inside electric vehicles from the likes of Tesla. But Apple is not the only player here. As per a CNBC report, Tesla is also working on a battery technology that substitutes the Li-ion core in favor of Lithium Iron Phosphate material. This technology is also likely the backbone of Tesla’s “million mile battery” goal.

However, nothing is written in stone yet. The Reuters report adds that ‘pandemic-related delays could push the start of production into 2025 or beyond.’ Apple has reportedly got in touch with suppliers to source parts for systems such as the LiDAR sensor. As for actual production, Apple will likely outsource it to manufacturing partners, but there will be a lot of supply chain challenges because cars are made up of way more parts than an iPhone or MacBook – and crossing that hurdle would be the biggest challenge for Apple.

Challenges galore

Plus, inking a deal with a manufacturing partner will require bulk orders that could ensure a steady production for at least a year or two, another big piece of the puzzle that Apple has to solve being a new entrant in the domain. Of course, there will be a lot of fanfare and Apple might actually surprise everyone with a great product, but selling a thousand-dollar iPhone is easier than convincing people to shell out fifty or sixty times that amount on a first-generation car from a company with no experience or goodwill in the automobile industry.

Apple might go back to developing self-driving tech

There is also a chance that Apple could wind down its passenger vehicle ambitions (again) and will focus its resources on self-driving systems that will be outsourced to other carmakers. “And there is still a chance Apple will decide to reduce the scope of its efforts to an autonomous driving system that would be integrated with a car made by a traditional automaker, rather than the iPhone maker selling an Apple-branded car, one of the people added,” the report adds.

Wait, it might even happen in 2021?

Another report from Taiwan’s Economic Daily News (via Macrumors) claims that Apple’s own car might debut as early as next year in September. Apple’s supply chain partners have reportedly scaled up the production of components drastically as the car’s debut plans have been pushed two years ahead. The report also adds that Apple has already tested prototype of its passenger vehicle in California. We advise processing this report with a heavy dose of skepticism. Prolific Apple leakster Jon Prosser also claims that this is not happening in 2021.

…not
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) December 21, 2020

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Moovit arrives on AppGallery as HUAWEI’s app repository continues swift growth

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by Nadeem Sarwar

HUAWEI has continued to expand its in-house app repository – the AppGallery – at a brisk pace recently, thanks to partnerships with big names and offering lucrative incentives to developers. Months after adding three big names in the navigation apps domain – TomTom GO, Bolt and HERE Maps – to the AppGallery, HUAWEI has now brought Moovit to its very own app storefront. As of now, the Moovit app is available to download from the AppGallery on HUAWEI and Honor-branded smartphones. Additionally, HUAWEI is also offering a customized experience of Moovit’s services right inside the HUAWEI browser.

Talking about the app itself, Moovit’s mobility services have a userbase of over 850 million people across 106 countries. The app presents itself as a one-stop-shop for all your urban mobility needs, offering users information such as bus and train timings, guiding them via maps, real-time transport schedules, live navigation, and service disruption alerts among others. Whether you’re taking a train or plane to ride a scooter for some part of the journey, the multi-modal navigation system in the Moovit app is there to help you.

Here’s what Wang Heng, Vice President, Global Partnerships and Eco-Development at Huawei Consumer Business Group (CEE and Nordics), said about the arrival of Moovit app on the AppGallery:

As the leading urban mobility app, Moovit is a fantastic addition to the AppGallery and fully inclusive so everyone can use transport with confidence. Even amid the constantly shifting situation due to current safety measures, our customers can enjoy superior wayfinding wherever they happen to be.

A few of the features that will prove to be particularly helpful include real-time arrival updates, get-off alerts, bike docking station info and the ability to download maps as a PDF for offline viewing. Moovit claims to be the No. 1 mobility app in the world, and with such a wide userbase under its wings, there certainly is some truth to back that claim. Moovit, which is now owned by Intel following an acquisition earlier this year, continuously finds itself on lists about the best transit and mobility apps. And to make sure that the app passes on its benefits to as many users as possible, it will be available in 45 languages.

With the arrival of Moovit, AppGallery makes yet another case as a viable app repository that users can rely on, without missing out too much. A few weeks ago at the annual HUAWEI Developers Conference 2020, the Chinese giant announced that AppGallery now serves over 490 million users in more than 170 countries, and that app downloads reached 261 billion in the first half of 2020. Back then, HUAWEI reiterated that the top priority for AppGalery is to serve the diverse needs of users in different regions and offering them quality app services.

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Apple Pay is now accepted in every Manhattan subway station and bus

Posted on September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 by Samuel Martinez

We have recently witnessed the launch of new Apple devices. The “Time Flies” event took place earlier today, and it was used to announce the new Apple Watch Series 6, the Apple Watch SE, a new iPad Air powered by the new Apple A14 Bionic chip, and the 8th generation iPad. However, that is not the only great thing announced by Apple today, as we now find out that its virtual wallet service, Apple Pay, can now be used to pay for your subway or bus in Manhattan.

Starting today, Apple Pay users can use their iPhones or their Apple Watch to pay for tickets to move around Manhattan on a Bus or in a subway. Contactless payment support has been added to every subway station and to every bus on the Island, and it will reach the rest of New York by the end of 2020. A New York Metro Transportation authority revealed this information, so it is more than official.

Now, Apple Pay users won’t be the only ones who will be able to use this new contactless payment option, as Google Pay and Samsung pay users will also be able to pay their tickets by holding their phones or smartwatches near the payment readers. OMNY contactless fare payment readers will be available at all 151 subway stations and in more than 800 buses that move on the Island. iPhones, Apple Watches, and even wearables from Fitbit can be used in this new service, as well as tap-to-pay credit and debit cards.

“All 472 New York subway stations are set to have the OMNY system by the end of the year. They’ve so far been added to Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, with Queens and Brooklyn stations to come next.”

This new payment method will replace the New York MetroCard, which will come as a relief to many users who hate the yellow plastic card user exclusively on New York transit since back in 2003. These cards feature a magnetic stripe that stops working from time to time, forcing users to swipe their cards repeatedly at turnstiles. This would also lead to delays when entering a station. Plus, users have to add money to MetroCards or purchase new ones, and the lines at terminals to do so can get to be pretty long.

Contactless payments are expected to end the MetroCard nightmare, as all users have to do, is wave their devices near a turnstile to pay. This also translates to no: more lines, no more delays, no MetroCard to keep track of, and most importantly, no more riders missing a train while waiting in line to reload a transit card. Now, don’t get rid of your MetroCard just yet, as you will still be able to use it until 2023, and yes, cash payments will remain available.

Source CNET

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HUAWEI HMS Core is driving transport and navigation advancements

Posted on September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by Prakhar Khanna

HUAWEI’s HDC 2020 is introducing several new developments and improvements. The latest one comes in the form of transport and navigation. HUAWEI says the transportation industry is undergoing a transformation as it’s globalizing. HUAWEI is working with developers in AppGallery to make the apps seamless for transportation suppliers and the end-user. The company is using its Location kit, Nearby kit, ML kit, Scan kit, and Awareness kit to facilitate the development of apps in the transportation sector.

The machine learning capabilities are helping create an interactive transportation experience with the help of language translation service in 19 different languages. Hence, helping international. As for developers, by partnering with HUAWEI, they have exclusive offers to further promote their apps, including different gifting opportunities, says the company. AppGallery also offers inclusion in recommendation cards.

Further, more and more global ride sharing and transportation sectors are listing with AppGallery. Recently, TomTom made its debut on the platform. Now, the company has announced that it will provide a 6-month free subscription for TomTom to AppGallery users in Germany, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Spain, UK, Belgium, Ireland, and Switzerland. Further, Bolt, a ride-sharing app in Europe and Africa saw an increase of 136 times in European and Africa downloads from week 1 to week 13.

The largest player in the Singapore taxi industry, ComfrotDelGro, which has over 41,600 vehicles across bus, rail, taxis, and cars is also on AppGallery. HUAWEI says that the Singapore company held multiple rounds of joint marketing with AppGallery and saw a 270% growth of new downloads. Plus, Emirates, one of the world’s best-known airlines, has held several rounds of joint marketing with HUAWEI across several markets globally, including China. It is also available on AppGallery and the app provides real-time flight status via HUAWEI Assistant’s on-device smart cards, Skywards membership card integration with HUAWEI wallet.

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Google adds COVID-19 info about destinations to travel searches

Posted on August 14, 2020August 14, 2020 by Prakhar Khanna

While the pandemic is still far from over, several countries around the world are begining to reopen this summer. After staying home for about more than five months, it looks like people want to go on vacations. Google says it is seeing more searches for places to go on vacation. Hence, it is adding a few updates to its travel searches.

Google is adding information about travel resuming in a specific destination on Google Search. The users will see the percentage of open hotels with availability and flights operating at the city or county level based on Google Flights and Hotels data from the previous week. Links to additional local resources, including the number of COVID-19 cases, are provided as well. The feature will roll out within a week.

The company is making it easier for you to find hotels and vacation rentals with refundable rates. Search for a hotel, and later this month a vacation rental, on google.com/travel and filter to see only rooms or properties with free cancellation policies. You can tap on a specific listing to see more details.

Source: Google

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Lyfts commits to go all-electric by 2030

Posted on June 17, 2020June 17, 2020 by Nadeem Sarwar

Lyft has today announced that its entire fleet will consist of electric vehicles by the year 2030, inching towards its goal of zero emissions. The ride-hailing company says that going all-electric will help it avoid dumping millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, while also reducing gasoline consumption over the span of the next decade.

“Success breeds success, and if we do this right, it creates a path for others. If other rideshare and delivery companies, automakers and rental car companies make this shift, it can be the catalyst for transforming transportation as a whole,” Lyft co-founder and president, John Zimmer, noted in a press release.

Lyft vehicles serving across the Express Drive rental car partner program, consumer rental mode, autonomous program, and even the personal cars of drivers registered on the platform will go electric in the next ten years. The company is banking on the long-term economic benefits offered by EVs to achieve its target and is also joining the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative moving forward.

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