Articles tagged with "software-update"
Rivian owners will soon be able to access vehicle controls using their Apple Watch
Rivian is launching a new Apple Watch companion app next week that allows owners to control key vehicle functions directly from their watch, enhancing convenience for its tech-savvy, outdoors-oriented customers. The app enables users to lock and unlock doors, vent windows, and trigger the vehicle alarm, with more advanced features such as adjusting the temperature and setting a target battery charge via the watch’s digital crown. Users can also customize four quick controls for easy access. However, first-generation R1T trucks and R1S SUVs have limited functionality, allowing only locking and unlocking through manual app interaction, while second-generation R1 vehicles offer automatic unlocking when the driver approaches with a digital key set up. This Apple Watch integration is part of a broader Rivian mobile app update focused on improving vehicle performance and accessibility. Notable enhancements include a “kneel mode” that lowers the vehicle an additional inch, the ability to switch drive modes without disengaging advanced driver assistance systems, and a new cold weather indicator that visually shows
IoTelectric-vehiclessmart-watch-integrationvehicle-controlsbattery-managementsoftware-updateRivianWaymo probed by National Transportation Safety Board over illegal school bus behavior
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into Waymo following more than 20 incidents in Austin, Texas, where its autonomous robotaxis were observed illegally passing stopped school buses during student loading and unloading. This marks the first NTSB probe into Waymo, complementing an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that began in October. Despite a software recall issued by Waymo in December to address the issue, the problem persists, prompting the Austin Independent School District to request a suspension of Waymo’s operations during school bus pickup and drop-off times. The NTSB’s investigation aims to identify root causes and will produce a preliminary report within 30 days, with a more comprehensive final report expected in 12 to 24 months. Waymo, which recently expanded its robotaxi service to Miami alongside existing operations in several major U.S. cities, maintains that it safely navigates thousands of school bus encounters weekly without collisions and believes its
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymotransportation-safetyNTSB-investigationsoftware-updaterobotaxiWaymo explains why its robotaxis got stuck during the SF blackout
Waymo experienced significant delays with its robotaxis during a widespread power outage in San Francisco, as many vehicles became stuck at intersections with disabled traffic lights. The company explained that its self-driving system treats non-functioning stoplights as four-way stops, mirroring human driving behavior. However, the vehicles frequently requested “confirmation checks” from Waymo’s fleet response team to verify their actions, a safety feature designed for smaller outages. The surge in these requests during the large-scale blackout caused congestion and delays, as documented in viral videos. In response, Waymo is rolling out a software update to enhance the robotaxis’ ability to navigate disabled traffic lights more decisively by incorporating specific regional power outage context into their decision-making. The update aims to reduce reliance on confirmation checks and improve emergency response protocols based on lessons learned from the event. Despite the challenges, Waymo noted that its fleet successfully navigated over 7,000 dark signals during the outage, highlighting the complexity of deploying autonomous vehicles in unpredictable real
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymosoftware-updatetraffic-managementpower-outageApple’s blood oxygen monitoring returns to its latest Apple Watches
Apple has reintroduced its Blood Oxygen monitoring feature on select Apple Watch models—Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra—through a redesigned approach that complies with a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban. Instead of measuring blood oxygen levels directly on the watch, the updated feature calculates the data on the paired iPhone, with results accessible via the Respiratory section of the Health app. This change follows a recent U.S. Customs ruling allowing Apple to import watches with this modified functionality, but it only applies to devices sold after the ITC ban took effect in early 2024. Existing models and units sold outside the U.S. remain unaffected. The ITC ban originated from a legal dispute with medical device maker Masimo, which accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximetry patents after failed collaboration talks. In 2023, Masimo won the import ban at the ITC, forcing Apple to remove the original blood oxygen feature. Apple has
IoTwearable-technologyhealth-monitoringApple-Watchblood-oxygen-sensormedical-devicessoftware-updateADAC tests ID.3 for 99K miles, battery still holds 91% capacity
After undergoing a rigorous 99,000-mile (160,000 km) endurance test by ADAC over four years, Volkswagen’s ID.3 Pro S electric hatchback demonstrated exceptional battery durability and overall reliability. The vehicle’s 77 kWh battery retained 91% of its original capacity, significantly surpassing VW’s 70% warranty threshold. ADAC subjected the ID.3 to harsh real-world conditions including frequent fast charging (over 40% of sessions), leaving the battery fully charged for extended periods, freezing temperatures, and long highway drives. Despite this aggressive usage, the battery showed minimal degradation, instilling confidence in the long-term viability of VW’s electric platform. The test also highlighted the benefits of a major software update that increased DC fast-charging speeds from around 125 kW to over 160 kW, improved range and efficiency—especially in cold weather—and introduced smarter route planning and battery management. Impressively, the ID.3 completed nearly 400 km in subzero
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyfast-chargingVolkswagen-ID.3battery-degradationsoftware-updateThe Huge Waymo Recall That Wasn’t
robotWaymoautomated-drivingsoftware-updaterobotaxiself-driving-vehiclestransportationWaymo recalls 1,200 robotaxis following low-speed collisions with gates and chains
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxissoftware-updatetransportationsafety