AirCar prototype completes its first inter-city flight

The term flying car is a bit of a misnomer. In order to meet regulatory guidelines, many of the vehicles currently in development are more like manned drones or vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOL). But, a prototype that just achieved a major milestone actually fits the flying car description. 

A Slovakian company known as Klein Vision recently completed its inaugural inter-city flight between the Nitra and Bratislava airports. At the end of the 35-minute journey, the vehicle's inventor, professor Stefan Klein, clicked a button to tuck in its wings and drove the car home straight from the tarmac.

The company has been working on its hybrid aircraft for more than 30 years. With 142 successful landings and over 40 hours of test flights under its belt, Klein is convinced that his third prototype is ready to leap past the concept stage. As part of its latest breakthrough, the two-seater AirCar reached a cruising speed of 170km/h, slightly below the max 190km/h. Klein says the car has flown at 8200 ft and achieved steep 45 degree turns as part of its maneuverability testing. Unlike VTOL vehicles, the AirCar requires a runway for takeoff and landing.

The current prototype is equipped with a 160HP BMW engine with a fixed-propeller and a ballistic parachute. Klein has even bigger plans for its follow-up. He claims the 300HP pre-production model will receive the CS-23 aircraft certification for normal, utility, aerobatic and commuter aeroplanes from European aviation regulators, along with an M1 road permit.

In reality, getting there could still prove a challenge. The company will have to tread a fine line between a light aircraft and a more substantial vehicle with health and safety precautions built-in. However, there are signs that regulators are coming round to the idea of flying cars. In the US, the Federal Aviation Authority recently granted Terrafugia's roadable airplane a special certificate in the light sport category (S-LSA), making it legal for flight.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/3y71iO7

Amazon reportedly pressuring suppliers for a discounted stake in their businesses

Amazon has reportedly struck dozens of deals with suppliers to buy stakes in their companies, potentially at lower rates. It has scooped up warrants for at least a dozen publicly traded companies and more than 75 private businesses, according to The Wall Street Journal. Amazon's stakes and potential stakes in those organizations is worth billions of dollars.

Warrants work in a similar way to stock options. Holders of warrants can buy shares at a fixed price during a certain period. If the share price rises during that time, the warrant holder can swoop in and buy a stake in the company at a below-market rate.

Amazon is said to have warrant deals with Kohl's, aircraft-leasing companies, call center businesses and hydrogen fuel cell suppliers, among others. Some of the deals have made Amazon one of the top shareholders in the respective companies, according to the report. In several cases, the ecommerce giant has the right to board seats and an option to outbid any acquisition offers.

Leaders at some of the companies suggested they couldn't turn down Amazon's proposals, else they could risk losing a big contract to a competitor. Some chalked up Amazon's demands as the price of doing business.

Amazon told the WSJ that warrant agreements are part of less than one percent of the deals it agrees with suppliers. In some cases, the warrants are connected to certain thresholds. They often don't come into effect until Amazon purchases a certain level of goods or services.

We've seen some other evidence of this strategy in action. Last week, Amazon ordered 1,000 autonomous driving systems from Plus, a company that develops such tech for self-driving trucks. It also has the option to buy up to a 20 percent stake in the startup.

Amazon has reportedly been engaging in this practice over the last decade or so, and it's said to have ramped up its efforts to secure warrants over the past few years. However, with Amazon facing deepening antitrust scrutiny, regulators may not look favorably on a report that suggests Amazon is pressuring companies into accepting terms that could require them to sell stakes at below-market rates.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/2SxWUbO

Save $70 on this distraction-free portable writing device

It’s hard to stay focused while writing on your laptop, tablet or phone, and it’s easy to see why. Notifications constantly pop up on your screen, while the internet and games are just a few clicks away. If you’re an avid writer, it would be worthwhile to invest in a device that limits your distractions without obstructing your workflow. That’s where Freewrite Traveler can help.

Successfully funded on Indiegogo, the Traveler is a portable writing tool that doesn’t just block out distractions; it eliminates them outright, giving you a reliable way to stay focused on your work. Right now, you can add the Freewrite Traveler to your home office setup or everyday carry for $429 when you use coupon code FREEWRITE20 for $20 off.

With the Traveler, you get both the portability of a small tablet and the comfortable typing experience of a full laptop. That’s because it uses a full-sized keyboard with scissor switches for a satisfying tactile response without sacrificing its slim silhouette. You can even choose more than 30 keyboard layouts including QWERTY, AZERTY, DVORAK and more.

This handheld writing device is lightweight, too — just shy of two pounds — not to mention compact at just 11.3 inches at its thickest point. You’ll also find that the E Ink display doesn’t wash out under direct sunlight or reflect any glare. In fact, the display is easier on your eyes than the backlighting from traditional laptops, which emit harmful blue light. Finally, if you were to use the Freewrite Traveler for half an hour a day, every day, the battery would easily last you up to four weeks.

The goal behind the Freewrite Traveler is to give writers a tool that allows them to work with no opportunities for distraction. To that end, it doesn’t feature a browser or email app. You won’t have to worry about space for files on the device either; it contains enough internal storage to hold over one million pages. The Freewrite Traveler does come with WiFi enabled, but it’s only there to seamlessly back up your drafts to the cloud.

Zone in on your work distraction-free with the Freewrite Traveler Portable Writing Tool. It’s on sale right now for $449, or $50 off, but you can save an additional $20 when you use FREEWRITE20 at checkout.

Prices subject to change.

Engadget is teaming up with StackSocial to bring you deals on the latest headphones, gadgets, tech toys, and tutorials. This post does not constitute editorial endorsement, and we earn a portion of all sales. If you have any questions about the products you see here or previous purchases, please contact StackSocial support here.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/3h64e8e

Omaze's latest sweepstakes offers the chance to win $20,000 towards a gaming PC

If you missed Omaze's last PC giveaway, you have another opportunity to enter a new one now. The company is holding a sweepstakes through September 18 in which you can enter to win $20,000 towards a gaming PC — or any PC you want, really.

Enter to win at Omaze

As with most Omaze sweepstakes, this one is free to enter but you can choose to buy additional entries and those proceeds will go to charity. Funds from this giveaway go to Schools on Wheels, which provides free tutoring and mentoring services to children experiencing homelessness across Southern California. You can also use the code RADNESS150 at checkout to get 150 bonus entries through July 2.

If you're unfamiliar with Omaze, it's a site that raises money for charities through giveaways and experiences. Although you don't have to spend money to enter giveaways like this, you'll increase your chances of winning if you spend a few bucks on extra entries. You can read more about how the allocation of funds works by reading the "Fundraising Transparency" section at the bottom of the giveaway page.

Pricing and availability is subject to change. No donation or payment necessary to enter or win this sweepstakes.See official rules on Omaze.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/3dqCj0a

Apple intros country-specific Watch bands and faces ahead of the Olympics

Apple is once again releasing special edition Watch bands to mark the summer Olympics, but this time you won't have to travel to the games (not that you likely can) to get one. The company has launched an Apple Watch International Collection of 22 Sport Loops that should help you cheer your team as it chases medals in Tokyo. There's a US band (below), to no one's surprise, but you'll also find straps for countries as wide-ranging as Australia, Greece (it did start the Olympics, after all), Japan and South Africa.

No, you won't have to go to the trouble of creating a custom watch face. The packaging takes advantage of App Clips to help you download a matching Stripes face. You can also download them from Apple's website if there's another country you want to support.

Apple

The International Collection bands are available solely through Apple and sell for $49 in both 40mm and 44mm sizes. Apple characterizes them as "limited-edition," although it didn't say how long they'll be available (we've asked for clarification). It's safe to say you'll want to get yours quickly if you're interested. This is a rare chance to buy an official nation-themed Apple Watch band without having to pay a premium for one on an auction site.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/3AdhrTW

Dell’s $200 4K webcam uses a low-light Sony sensor

Working from home has further compounded the shortcomings of built-in laptop cameras. Most machines ship with a 720p or 1080p snapper, meaning you have to purchase a separate webcam if you want higher quality video — or resort to using a compatible action cam or DSLR, if you own one. Well, now you have another 4K webcam to choose from to spruce up those video calls, virtual events or livestreams. Dell is releasing the $200 UltraSharp Webcam that's capable of recording 4K footage at up to 30 frames per second.

Like the similarly priced Razer Kiyo Pro, Dell's 8.3 megapixel camera also features a Sony Starvis sensor (only this one is 4K) normally used in surveillance cams. The tech promises to deliver true-to-life results even in low light conditions, while an optional HDR mode works to balance out colors in brighter settings.

Dell

Dell has also added a few features that should make the webcam more versatile for live streamers and conference callers. You can choose between three preset fields of view: The default 90-degree shot to show more of your background, a 78-degree view that moves slightly closer to you and a 65-degree narrow angle for close-ups of your face. 

There's also 5x digital zoom and an AI auto framing feature that keeps you centered in the frame even when you move around. The latter is already available on numerous smart displays and video chat devices, including Amazon's Echo Show 10 and Facebook'sPortal range, and even the latest iPad Pro.

A more prevalent webcam feature included here is the privacy shutter cap, which lets you snap the cover over the lens when you want to remain hidden. Plus, you can magnetically attach the cap behind the webcam so you don't misplace it. Dell's camera is also certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which means it's been tested to prove it plays nice with those video chat services. Like the older 4K Brio, it also supports Windows Hello authentication. The UltraSharp Webcam is available worldwide now.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/35XGpsG

Alexa can help your kids read stories

As good as it is to read with your kids, you might not always be there when they want to open a book. Amazon thinks it can fill in that gap, though. It just rolled out a long-teased Reading Sidekick feature that uses an Echo Kids device to help your kids read aloud on their own time. Children just have to tell Alexa "let's read" to take turns reading supported books, whether they're digital or physical. Your young ones won't always have to wait for you, in other words.

You'll need a Kids+ subscription to use the Sidekick, although you'll at least have your choice of books. Over 700 titles will be available for kids aged 6 to 9, and Amazon is promising "hundreds more" every month.

Appropriately, Amazon is simultaneously rolling out Alexa Voice Profiles for Kids. Set them up for your children (as many as four) and they'll get parental controls, kid-appropriate responses as well personalized Alexa skills, games and media. Not everyone will have Voice Profiles for Kids right away, but they should be available to everyone by July 2nd.

Before you ask: yes, Amazon is aware that parents and teachers should be involved in reading whenever possible. It's not suggesting that you use a smart speaker as a substitute for reading at bedtime. Reading Sidekick is meant to fill in the gaps and encourage kids to read aloud more often — you don't have to worry quite so much if a business trip keeps you away from home.

from https://ift.tt/1tUdcCk https://ift.tt/3doAgd2