Hyperloop One demos high-speed propulsion system

Imagine commuting from Ottawa to Toronto at the rate of 400 miles an hour. With any luck similar distances will be covered in mere minutes instead of hours if Hyperloop One's plans come to fruition. Hyperloop will use frictionless high-speed propulsion to enable human and cargo transport between cities that are hours away by plane in a fast, safe and energy efficient manner. 

The above test showcased propulsion and involved a 1,500 pound luge,  a series of magnets (called stators) were switched on to push the luge faster and faster, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 60 in 1.1 seconds with the ability to get up to 400 miles per hour. While many believed Hyperloop One to be years away from completion, it looks like things could happen faster than many had expected.

Apple makes foray into ride-sharing business with $1 billion investment in China's Didi Chuxing

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Under pressure to find new revenue streams and segments to secure its continued success, Apple Inc. has invested $1 billion in China's largest Uber competitor Didi Chuxing. In a statement, CEO Tim Cook said that the investment allows Apple a chance to learn more about certain segments of the Chinese market, while it will also deliver a strong return.

“We are making the investment for a number of strategic reasons, including a chance to learn more about certain segments of the China market,” Cook said. “Of course, we believe it will deliver a strong return for our invested capital over time as well."

Apple has long been rumoured to be working on an electric car, it has amassed a large number of engineers from various automotive companies and even recently hired former Tesla VP of Engineering Chris Porritt for 'a special car project'. While Apple has been known to pour billions into R&D and even explore various products that never come to market (but the result of their research proves valuable enought to emerge elsewhere), there's a strong chance the Didi Chuxing investment can have a direct correlation to future Apple plans.

Didi Chuxing is referred to as “China’s Uber” by many. It allows users to request vehicles and taxis via their smartphone, much like Uber, which is its largest competitor in China. China is a key market for Apple and Apple's future growth. The company suffered a few blows in the country when its Books and Movies service was pulled offline due to government regulation. Apple also lost the iPhone trademark in China to a leather manufacturer.

Apple's latest results revealed a 13% drop in revenue on slower iPhone sales. Sales in China had plunged by 26%.

Source: 9to5Mac

EA SPORTS UFC 2 Introduces competitive gaming experience

Electronic Arts today announced the launch of Live Event Competitions, a brand new competitive experience in EA SPORTS  UFC 2 Live Events mode. Starting Saturday, May 14, fans around the world can play the qualifiers in the Live Event Competition to start fighting for their chance to earn Ultimate Team rewards and a trip to compete at the live finals coinciding with UFC Fan Expo, part of the 5th Annual UFC International Fight Week, and UFC® 200: CORMIER vs. JONES 2 in Las Vegas. The winner of the grand final match, taking place on Friday, July 8 at the UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas, will receive $10,000 USD and walk away with the belt as the EA SPORTS UFC 2 World Champion.

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Google makes Android N preview available for developers

While we expect Google to feature Android N extensively during Google I/O, developers and intrepid enthusiasts now have the opportunity to try and get up close and personal with the latest, greatest new Android OS. Open for Nexus devices, the Android N preview images are easily installable directly on supported devices. If you have a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Pixel C or a Nexus Player and are okay with potentially glitchy or unfinished software, you can go ahead and give the developer preview.

Source: Phandroid