Facebook Messenger gets the dislike button we’ve been waiting for

The dislike button something a lot of Facebook users have been asking for but it isn’t coming to the main app, instead it shows up on Messenger. The social media giant is testing out reactions with a small group of users. And aside from including the usual reactions you can do for Facebook posts, there’s also the thumbs up and thumbs down (a.k.a. dislike) options. However, Facebook says this is more of a “no” button than dislike.

Reactions option can be activated when you hover over messages sent in a thread. You can tap the emoji button and select the reaction you want to make. This shows what statement you are reacting, too, which will come in handy if you’re in a group thread and delayed responses cause confusion about the conversation. It is similar to Slack’s Emoji Reactions and the recently-added Tapback emoji on iMessage.

Source: Tech Crunch

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