Toyota’s AI initiatives now headed by former Google exec

Toyota has gotten itself a capable individual to head its artificial intelligence initiatives. James Kuffner, the former head of robotics and one of the key executives of Google’s driverless car efforts, is now head of Toyota’s US-based AI research lab. Kuffner believes Toyota’s business down the line could one day be concentrated or at least mainly work with robots. Toyota is promising US$1 billion in funding for the lab in its first five years, showing just how important this initiative is for the carmaker.

Toyota takes a different approach to how Google wants AI-assisted driving to work. Toyota believes humans should stay at the wheel for a longer transition period as they are aided in increasing degree by automation. The company aims to create vehicles and machines that can help its ageing population, such as finding ways to increase car access for the elderly and handicap as well as create new forms of mobility indoors.

Source: Financial Times

CES 2016: HTC shares details on 2nd-gen developer edition Vive Pre VR system

HTC updates its virtual reality system, the Vive, with a new Vive Pre developer edition. This 2^nd-generation VR headset has a new look to it, which promises a more ergonomic experience, and a new front-facing camera. It comes with new room-scaling technology, too, to help bring in real-life objects and elements into the virtual world. The company sent out an additional 7,000 units to developers to help improve its VR ecosystem before it officially launches in April.

Source: Droid Life

CES 2016: Huawei intros MediaPad M2 tablet and GX8 phone

Huawei just unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show floor two new devices: a new tablet as well as an affordable new smartphone.

The MediaPad M2 tablet comes with a 10-inch IPS display (1,900 x 1,200 resolution) and is powered by a 2GHz Kirin 930 octa-core processor, 2GB or 3GB of RAM, and 16GB or 64GB internal storage with microSD expansion. It also has a 13-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front shooter as well as a sizable 6,660mAh battery. Its 7.35mm thick, full-metal body is made with aluminum alloy.Huawei boasts that this tablet’s four speakers carry an Intelligent Power Amplifier, Clari-fi Audio Restoration and SWS 2.0 Surround Sound courtesy of Harman/Kardon.

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CES 2016: Fitbit looks to pick a fight with smartwatches with new Blaze wearable

Fitbit has all but dominated the wearable health tracking game and has largely stayed away from going full smartwatch with devices that could co-exist with smartwatches or even analog timepieces. The new Fitbit Blaze revealed at CES 2016 is a departure from the companys original ethos. This looks like a smartwatch and could quickly be mistaken for a Samsung Gear device.

Priced at CAD $249.00, the Fitbit Blaze has a large colour touchscreen, a pulse monitor, all day activity and sleep tracking, music control capabilities, plus basic call, text and calendar alerts. Fitbit Blaze also has a fashion angle with various materials and coloured straps. With companion apps available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone, Fitbit Blaze is as cross platform as they come, it is supposedly compatible with over 200 devices.

Source: Fitbit