Toyota unveils autonomous vehicle platform

Toyota revealed its second autonomous vehicle platform from the Toyota Research Institute (TRI). The Lexus LS 600hL is mounted with cameras, radar and lidar sensors for gathering realtime information and maintaining the car's pace.

Toyota is using thethe platform to develop a driver assist suite and a level 4 and 5 autonomous system:

• Chauffeur refers to the always deployed, fully autonomous system classified by SAE as unrestricted Level 5 autonomy and Level 4 restricted and geo-fenced operation.

• Guardian is a high-level driver assist system, constantly monitoring the driving environment inside and outside the vehicle, ready to alert the driver of potential dangers and stepping in when needed to assist in crash avoidance.

Toyota hasn’t released a clear timeline for when it plans on bringing full autonomy to market, but most companies are aiming for 2020-2021.

Source: Electrek

1 million Mercedes-Benz vehicles recalled due to potential fire hazard

Mercedes-benz just recalled 1 million vehicles globally due to 51 fires. The German company said no injuries or deaths were reported relating to the vehicles that it will begin recalling in the U.S. market in July when parts become available. 

The recall affects newer models, including those from the 2017 model year.

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Sony PS VR Aim gun controller to debut in May alongside VR shooting game ‘Farpoint’

A new accessory for the Sony PlayStation VR will be making its debut in May to coincide with the launch of a new virtual reality shooting game called Farpoint. Sony developed the Aim gun controller with Farpoint’s indie developer Impulse Gear. The controller has a cable-free design and tracking sphere to make it easier for you to move around while you have the PS VR on. It also has a thumbstick and trigger so you can control the entire game there. But it isn’t essential if you want to play the game. A regular controller will still work with Farpoint. The Aim itself is expected to work with future PS VR titles.

The game is described as a free movement game, which is supposedly unusual for VR games. It takes place in a “hostile alien world” and it being an “unnerving space adventure.” When the game comes out on May 16^th, the Aim controller will be bundled with it.

Source: Road to VR

Google adds auto white balance to Photos app

Google has been consistently updating its Photos app to give a better experience for its users. This time, a simple tweak shows up to emphasize that idea. The Android version of the app gets an auto white balance feature. iOS users will also be getting the feature but at a later date. It’ll be useful for those who don’t want the full-blown auto feature that tweaks all the settings within the app. At the same time, Google has a number of tips you can use to get the best out of the Photos app.