BMW, Mercedes end self-driving car collaboration

Image courtesy of BMW and Mercedes

It looks like we won't be seeing what self-driving vehicle BMW and Mercedes could've developed together. The two automakers have called quits on their ongoing partnership to develop automated driving technology. BMW and Mercedes say the split is "mutual and amicable." They are open to renewing the partnership in the future.

According to a joint statement, the decision was reached after considering several factors. One is that developing a shared autonomous vehicle platform became a more complex and expensive undertaking than they expected. Another is the agreement delayed how quickly they can have joint discussions between their in-house experts as well as communicate with suppliers regarding product roadmaps.

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Disney+ no longer offers free trial period

Disney+ is rescinding its free seven-day trial, which it has offered since the streaming service launched in November 2019. It's standard practice for streaming services to offer free trials, but Disney believes its offerings are enough to ask subscribers to pay from the get-go. A Disney spokeswoman told CNET, "The service was set at an attractive price-to-value proposition that we believe delivers a compelling entertainment offering on its own."

This development happens as Disney+ is set to debut the Broadway recording of the hit musical, Hamilton. Perhaps it hopes to draw in new paying subscribers with this move. CNET noted that the company stopped advertising its free trial weeks ago, but the change took place this week. Disney+ costs $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year in Canada.

'Cyberpunk 2077' PS4 version will be compatible with PS5 at launch

When Cyberpunk 2077 does eventually launch, you don't have to worry about whether it can work on the next-generation PlayStation 5. CD Projekt Red confirmed the PlayStation 4 version of the game will "work on PS5 on launch day." The game developer previously confirmed that the game will support Microsoft's Smart Delivery system, which means the Xbox One version will work on the Xbox Series X from the get-go. CD Projekt Red pushed back the release of this action-adventure role-playing game from September to November 19, saying that it needed to make sure the game works well before launch day.

Those who buy the PS4 or Xbox One versions of Cyberpunk 2077 will get a free upgrade to a version of the game that's optimized for the next-gen consoles, and players can take "full advantage of the next-gen hardware." Unfortunately, CD Projekt Red couldn't confirm whether this upgrade will roll out in the coming year. 

Source: Engadget

Apple launches Mac in-store trade-in program in Canada

We've heard reports earlier this month about Apple introducing an in-store trade-in for Mac devices. And now, the company has officially launched this program in Canada and the United States. This is the first time the company is extending its in-store trade-in program to the Mac. But it has long since allowed customers to swap in other products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch at its retail stores. Before this, Mac trade-ins were limited online, meaning you had to mail in your old Mac to Apple and wait for the company to send you an Apple Store Gift Card or credit towards your new purchase. 

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noticed a change in the wording on Apple's Trade In webpage that said that Mac trade-ins were only available online. It now mentions that you can trade-in your devices online or at Apple Stores. But with COVID-19 restrictions, some Apple Stores remain closed or offer limited services. It might be best to check if you can get your device traded-in.

Source: 9to5Mac