Apple delaying HomePod release until 2018

Apple is postponing the release of its HomePod smart speaker until 2018. The company, which showcased the HomePod along with the iMac Pro during this year's WWDC (World Wide Developer's Conference) is the company's answer to Amazon's Echo and Google Home, speakers that integrate smart assistant technology.

“We can't wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple's breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers,” an Apple spokesperson said. “We'll start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018.

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Tesla's new Roadster is the quickest supercar

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Only a company like Tesla can make semi trucks an exciting platform again. The unveiling of the new high-performance (o-60 MPH in 5 seconds by itself or with a trailer). Tesla's new semi trucks obliterate the acceleration of current diesel trucks and even do a better job of pulling loads up hills. The Tesla semi trucks have a 500 mile range at maximum weight at highway speeds (worse case scenario, according to Elon Musk). 

The Tesla semi has a better drag coefficient than the Bugatti Chiron supercar. Tesla designed the trucks to be aerodynamic, has a way to close the drag of whatever containers are being pulled. The Tesla Semis have independent suspension as well as four motors to better disperse the load. Tesla really put serious thought on redesigning the semi truck and has even considered charging (a semi can charge up to 400 miles in 30 minutes, ideal for truck stop breaks). Because the chargers are solar powered Tesla chargers, they are basically running on sunlight (well, mostly).

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Facebook tries to lure video creators with new app

Hoping to attract more video creators to switch over to its platform, Facebook has rebranded its Facebook Mentions app into what we now know as Facebook Creator. The app brings tools for video streaming, messaging across some of Facebook’s platforms, and updating Stories. When used for Facebook Live, the app will let its users create custom intros and outros. Users can also add interactive stickers, custom video frames, take and edit photos for posting on Facebook Stories and other platforms. The Verge points out that it isn’t clear yet if it supports Instagram, too, which it should.

Aside from that, the app consolidates inbox for comments on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger—which is similar to what Pages Manager does, too. Facebook Creator also offers analytics for those who want to see how their content is doing. The app is already available for iOS users and as usual those on Android need to wait as it’ll be arriving in the “coming months.”

Some Google Store-bought Pixel 2 devices seem to have locked-down bootloaders

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Aside from getting stock Android, one of the major considerations people buy Pixel devices is the ability to unlock bootloaders. This is important for those who like to tinker with their devices and install different ROMs, kernels, and the like. For Google devices you can usually unlock bootloaders through the “OEM unlocking” toggle in developer options. The Verizon models sold in the US has this option blanked out. And now it seems some of the Pixel 2 units (not the Pixel 2 XL) sold through Google’s own Store don’t have the option either. Android Authority theorizes that Google might have accidentally sold Verizon models instead of unlocked ones.

If this has affected you and you want it remedied, there is already a Google Issue Tracker page for it. And apparently Google’s engineering teams are “investigating the issue.” To help bring more attention to it and to your specific case, you can report the problem and contact customer support.