No-frills tech news

Rivian Begins Production of More Affordable R2 Electric SUV

Rivian Automotive has begun building customer versions of its R2 sport utility vehicle at its plant in Normal, Ill., a milestone the electric vehicle maker described as the product of years of development that has taken the model from a splashy debut to the factory floor. The company revealed the R2 in March 2024 at a theater event in Laguna Beach, Calif., where the announcement generated considerable attention among electric vehicle enthusiasts eager for a Rivian at a lower price point than the brand’s existing trucks and large SUVs. Since then, engineers and designers have subjected the vehicle to an extensive testing regimen spanning some of the harshest environments in the country, from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the scorching desert heat of Arizona, refining the user interface, final design and driving dynamics along the way. Now, the camouflage-wrapped prototypes that have long populated the Normal facility are giving way to vehicles intended for paying customers. “We are really excited to be producing R2 for our customers,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s founder and chief executive. “The vehicle is incredible — it’s the result of all the hard work and dedication of the Rivian team.” The start of customer production signals that Rivian’s manufacturing and quality-verification processes for the model are substantially complete. Every weld, software system and interior material has been reviewed against the company’s internal standards, according to the company. Javier Varela, Rivian’s chief operating officer, said the R2 program represents a step forward in the company’s manufacturing efficiency and cost structure. “Building R2 represents a major advance in engineering excellence and manufacturing efficiency, driving meaningful improvements in cost and quality that position Rivian as a leader in the future of transportation,” he said. Rivian said the first vehicles are now undergoing final quality and validation checks and

How real-time technology is powering the next generation of digital experiences

How real-time technology is powering the next generation of digital experiences Real-time technology is enabling instant interaction with a whole new breed of digital products and services, reducing interaction time to near zero. Consumers can now enjoy the latest in live entertainment on-the-go and car buyers can research online whilst sitting in showrooms – Connected Consumer Products are changing the rules of the game and may be driving innovation across industries. In the UK, be it TVs, video games, mobile phones, gadgets, hi-fi systems, electronics or home entertainment products, digital technology is making an impact and may be driving development. Here industry experts share their views on real time and its growing impact. Why low-latency infrastructure is the foundation of modern digital life With the UK government’s investment in 5G digital infrastructure, low-latency connectivity is no longer a luxury reserved for those willing to pay a premium. Sectors once considered peripheral to mainstream tech adoption are now leading innovation: UK live casinos, for instance, have become proving grounds for low-latency streaming and real-time data synchronisation at scale, demonstrating how demanding consumer expectations drive engineering progress. This is a pattern that is playing out in the EV charging market as well, where real-time data from vehicles, grid operators and charging networks must synchronise instantly in order to support technical innovation driven by evolving consumer requirements. Smart charging requires millisecond level response. When a car owner turns up to charge at a public point, the network needs to authenticate, charge rate price and start session in near real time. Real time technology is a critical component of the EV infrastructure conversation. Connected vehicles and the rise of AI digital experiences Electric vehicles (EVs) in the modern era are not just modes of transport. They generate data that is processed in real time

Lotus Tech chief talks AI, Web3 in Hong Kong keynote

Lotus Technology (Lotus Tech) Chief Executive Qingfeng Feng has used a keynote address at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival to set out the EV maker’s thinking on how blockchain and artificial intelligence could support intelligent mobility. The speech covered connected vehicle ecosystems and the potential role of Web3 in long-term innovation. Lotus Tech said it is exploring applications such as blockchain-enabled data security and AI-driven intelligent driving and cockpit systems, within its existing focus on connected vehicle development. The company did not announce new products or partnerships at the event. The Hong Kong Web3 Festival is co-hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and HashKey Group. Across its previous three editions since 2023, the event has drawn more than 350 exhibitors and over 1,200 speakers. In a statement, Feng said: “With nearly eight decades of engineering and motorsport heritage, Lotus Tech sees intelligent mobility as a bridge between advanced technologies and everyday use. Web3 and AI are accelerating the industry’s shift toward more connected, intelligent vehicle ecosystems.” Daxue Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Lotus Tech, added: “The convergence of AI and Web3 presents opportunities for technology-driven efficiency and innovation across industries. For Lotus Tech, the focus is on disciplined exploration, strengthening core product competitiveness while evaluating how emerging technologies can support new services over time.” Source: Lotus Tech

Mobilisights, Xouba pair up on Spain road safety data

Connected vehicle data firm Mobilisights Connect has partnered with Spanish data analytics firm Xouba to provide road authorities in Spain with predictive safety, traffic management and infrastructure monitoring insights. The deal aims to embed connected vehicle intelligence into public authority workflows across the Spanish road network. Xouba will use Mobilisights Connect’s data to deliver use cases for Spanish road authorities. These include predictive safety models for high-risk zones, real-time mobility analysis, infrastructure monitoring and network health assessment tools to inform investment and maintenance decisions. Mobilisights Connect said the partnership shows how connected vehicle intelligence can bring tangible value to public authorities. The aim is to turn data into decisions that improve road safety, traffic flow and infrastructure investment, the company added. All data is handled under strict governance and privacy standards. Mobilisights Connect said its insights are derived from non-identifiable, anonymised and aggregated data, with no individual vehicle, driver or passenger identifiable. In a statement, Jose Valdecantos, Chief Executive of Xouba, said: “Mobilisights Connect provides a comprehensive view of real-world driving conditions across Spain. This collaboration allows us to deliver insights that were previously out of reach, combining scale, precision, and context to make road safety and infrastructure management truly data-driven.” Source: Stellantis

Bexar County Sheriff's Office to announce arrests <b>connected</b> to 'undercover operation'

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A former Bexar County firefighter was among five men arrested for sex crimes in an undercover operation Wednesday, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said. Joseph Littlefield, 34, was arrested for online solicitation of a minor. He was previously employed by Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 2, but Sheriff Javier Salazar said Littlefield was fired after he notified the fire chief of Littlefield’s actions Wednesday night. Littlefield is accused of sharing explicit messages and phone calls with an undercover deputy who posed as a minor. The former firefighter did not end up going to a hotel where he believed the teenage girl would be, but the sheriff’s office chose to arrest him anyway. “Enough of the offense had already occurred through conversations online and by telephone,” Salazar said during a news conference Thursday. “That gave us sufficient evidence to apply for a search and arrest warrant.” Salazar said his office also has reason to believe Littlefield is involved as a religious leader, such as “some sort of a pastor or youth minister.” While Littlefield did not attempt to meet the undercover deputy, two other men were arrested who did. Charles Richard Davis and Lorin Gisseman were also arrested on charges of suspected online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. Davis was also found to be in possession of material depicting sexual abuse of a minor. Salazar said these crimes took place in plain sight, occurring in multiple mainstream platforms, including gaming sites, social media and chatrooms. “All of them are susceptible to this sort of activity,” Salazar said. Davis, 42, traveled from Houston to a Bexar County hotel to meet what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Gisseman traveled from Comal County. Gisseman brought an elderly family member to visit the girl, whom Salazar

The Shift In Buyer Thinking: From Driving Experience To Overall Utility

Car buying today is no longer driven by a single factor, such as performance or design. Instead, buyers are increasingly looking at the overall utility a vehicle offers—how well it fits into their lifestyle, adapts to different situations, and delivers value beyond just driving. This shift is clearly visible when comparing modern vehicles like the Hyundai Verna and the Mahindra XUV 7XO. While sedans have traditionally been associated with driving experience, SUVs are now gaining attention for their versatility and broader usability. The Earlier Focus: Driving Experience First For years, buyers prioritised how a car felt on the road. Key considerations included: - Engine performance - Ride quality - Handling and stability Sedans like the Hyundai Verna were designed around this philosophy. With powerful engine options and a focus on smooth, stable driving, they delivered a refined experience that appealed to driving enthusiasts. This made them ideal for long highway drives and performance-focused users. The Shift Towards Utility Today, the focus has expanded. Buyers now evaluate cars based on: - Space and flexibility - Feature offerings - Ease of use in daily life - Adaptability to different road conditions This is where SUVs like the Mahindra XUV 7XO come into the picture. The XUV 7XO emphasizes three-row seating flexibility, advanced suspension systems, and a feature-rich cabin, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases—from daily commutes to family travel. This reflects a clear shift from “how it drives” to “what all it can do.” Multi-Purpose Usage is Driving Decisions Modern buyers expect one car to do everything. Typical usage now includes: - Daily office commutes - Weekend trips - Family outings - Long-distance travel SUVs are naturally better suited to handle these varied needs. Their higher seating, larger cabin space, and adaptable layouts make them more versatile. The

<b>Automotive</b> Electronics Market Surges with ADAS and Smart <b>Vehicle</b> Integration Forecast to 2033

Automotive Electronics Market Surges with ADAS and Smart Vehicle Integration Forecast to 2033 Automotive Electronics Market Growth Accelerates as Vehicles Become Software-Defined and ElectrifiedAutomotive electronics are transforming modern vehicles by enabling advanced safety systems, electrification, and intelligent connectivity, fundamentally reshaping the global automotive industry. From powertrain control to infotainment and autonomous driving technologies, electronics are now the backbone of next-generation mobility. Global demand for automotive electronics is witnessing strong and sustained growth as vehicles become increasingly digitized and software-driven. According to the latest market intelligence report by SkyQuest Technology, the Automotive Electronics Market size was valued at USD 265.96 Billion in 2024 and is poised to grow from USD 288.83 Billion in 2025 to USD 558.84 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period (2026-2033). This expansion reflects the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and connected car technologies worldwide. Get a Free Sample Report - https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/automotive-electronics-market What Are Automotive Electronics? Automotive electronics refer to electronic systems used in vehicles for various functions, including engine management, safety systems, driver assistance, communication, and entertainment. These systems integrate sensors, microcontrollers, semiconductors, and software to enhance vehicle performance, safety, and user experience. Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic control units (ECUs) to manage critical operations such as braking, steering, battery management in EVs, and real-time diagnostics. With the shift toward autonomous and connected vehicles, automotive electronics are evolving into complex, software-driven ecosystems that enable real-time data processing and decision-making. Key Market Drivers: Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Electrification The global transition toward electric mobility is a major driver of automotive electronics demand. EVs require sophisticated electronic components for battery management systems, power electronics, and energy optimization, significantly increasing electronic content per vehicle. Growing Adoption of ADAS and Safety Systems Increasing focus on road

Nokia wins at UPC against Chinese EV maker over <b>connected car</b> patents

Nokia wins at UPC against Chinese EV maker over connected car patents In a dispute concerning wireless tech, the Finnish firm convinced the Unified Patent Court that the parent company of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, was attempting to block Nokia from securing an injunction. Already registered? Login to your account If you don't have a login or your access has expired, you will need to purchase a subscription to gain access to this article, including all our online content. For more information on individual annual subscriptions for full paid access and corporate subscription options please contact us. To request a FREE 2-week trial subscription, please signup. NOTE - this can take up to 48hrs to be approved. For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk Editor's picks Editor's picks More articles Copyright © worldipreview.com 2024 | Headless Content Management with Blaze

SoundHound vs. Cerence: Which Voice AI Stock Has Stronger Potential?

SoundHound vs. Cerence: Which Voice AI Stock Has Stronger Potential? Voice artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most important software themes in 2026 as automakers, restaurants, enterprises and digital platforms look to improve customer engagement, automate workflows and create smarter user experiences. Two notable public companies in this space are SoundHound AI SOUN and Cerence CRNC, both of which specialize in conversational AI and voice-enabled solutions. While both companies operate in voice AI, their business models differ. SoundHound is expanding across automotive, restaurants, customer service and enterprise automation, while Cerence has historically been strongest in automotive voice assistants and connected car software. Both are now pushing deeper into generative AI and agentic AI, making the comparison timely for investors. Each stock has pulled back sharply year to date, but both have rebounded strongly over the past month. Investors may be wondering which offers the better risk-reward setup now. Let’s dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now. The Case for SoundHound Stock SoundHound has emerged as one of the more aggressive growth stories in AI software. The company reported 2025 revenue of $168.9 million, up 99% year over year, while fourth-quarter revenue climbed 59% to $55.1 million. Management said it closed a record number of enterprise deals in the quarter, highlighting strong demand across multiple verticals. What makes SoundHound compelling is diversification. The company is no longer just an automotive voice platform. It is winning business in restaurants, telecom, healthcare, retail, financial services and hospitality. It also continues expanding in auto with wins in Japan, Korea, Europe and other global markets. That broad reach reduces dependence on any one industry. Another key catalyst is the planned LivePerson acquisition. Management expects the combined business to create a $500

Cox <b>Automotive</b> to Acquire Fullpath, Bringing AI-Native Data and Marketing Infrastructure to ...

Agreement to acquire Fullpath adds Customer Data Platform, marketing automation, and AI capabilities to the Cox Automotive portfolio – giving dealers a unified platform to compete in an AI-driven retail environment. ATLANTA – April 23, 2026 – Cox Automotive today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Fullpath, a leading AI-powered Customer Data Platform (CDP) and marketing automation company serving the automotive retail industry, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close within 30 days. Upon close, the combination will bring together the industry’s most trusted dealer technology partner and one of automotive’s most advanced AI and data platforms – enabling dealers to unify their data, automate their marketing, and deliver personalized customer experiences at scale. Fullpath’s platform resolves shopper identity across years of CRM and DMS history into a single, actionable profile, delivering AI-driven campaigns with unmatched personalization, scale and efficiency with lead handling, and individual-level attribution from ad click to purchase. These capabilities directly complement Cox Automotive’s existing portfolio, which includes VinSolutions, Dealer.com, Autotrader, and Kelley Blue Book. “Dealers today are navigating the most competitive and technology-intensive environment in the history of this industry,” said Steve Rowley, President, Cox Automotive. “This agreement supercharges our data and AI advantages and brings our dealers the most advanced technology inside of our industry-leading connected retail platform. Fullpath gives dealers the AI and data infrastructure they need to compete, and it makes everything we already offer them smarter, faster, and more effective. This is the most significant capability investment we’ve made in years, and it reflects our long-term commitment to being the partner dealers can count on, now and in the future.” The acquisition accelerates the industry’s shift from manual, campaign-based marketing toward always-on, data-driven retailing. This combination creates an opportunity to connect Fullpath’s customer data

Musk Limits FSD Tesla Dreams while A.I. and Robotics Lift Revenue | auto <b>connected car</b> news

In a notable recalibration of one of the auto industry’s most ambitious technological promises, Elon Musk acknowledged this week that millions of existing Tesla vehicles will not achieve fully unsupervised self-driving capability, even as the company’s financial performance is increasingly buoyed by advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. The admission marks a shift in tone for Mr. Musk, who for years has suggested that Tesla’s fleet — equipped with cameras, onboard computing and over-the-air software updates — would eventually be able to drive itself without human intervention. That vision, often framed as a cornerstone of Tesla’s long-term value, has been central to investor enthusiasm and customer expectations alike. But speaking during a recent earnings discussion, Mr. Musk said that hardware limitations in earlier vehicle generations would prevent a substantial portion of Tesla’s global fleet from reaching what the company calls “unsupervised Full Self-Driving,” or FSD — a system that would allow cars to operate autonomously without driver oversight. “Some of the earlier hardware configurations simply won’t be sufficient,” Mr. Musk said, referring to vehicles equipped with previous versions of Tesla’s onboard computer and sensor suite. “We will continue to improve assisted driving features, but full autonomy without supervision will require our latest hardware.” The acknowledgment could have wide-reaching implications. Tesla has sold millions of vehicles worldwide with varying generations of its driver-assistance technology, many of whose owners purchased or subscribed to the company’s FSD package with the expectation of continual improvement. While Tesla has long included disclaimers that its systems require active driver supervision, Mr. Musk’s earlier statements had often suggested that a software breakthrough could eventually unlock full autonomy across the fleet. Analysts said the clarification may temper some of the more optimistic assumptions about Tesla’s ability to deploy a vast network of autonomous vehicles using its existing customer

If you weren't keen on <b>car</b> salespeople, wait until you try their AI replacements | <b>Auto</b> Express

If you weren't keen on car salespeople, wait until you try their AI replacements Phil McNamara ponders customer relationship management, where a virtual sales person will encourage you to splash the cash in the future Car dealerships have a reputation for being intimidating places, with sharky sales people that often get the upper hand in negotiations. So the prospect of Renault’s new cars having an in-built salesman sounds dreadful. Unsurprisingly, we’re not talking flesh and blood in an R5-branded hoodie, but a digital representative. “Our cars will interact with customers in a highly personalised and conversational way,” says Fabrice Cambolive, the boss of the Renault brand and, tellingly, the group’s chief customer officer. “They’ll give advice through the virtual voice in the car or through the app, to help with maintenance, upgrades and even renewal conditions.” Imagine your car telling you two years into a lease that a new model, with superior performance and a fresh design, was available for £299 a month. Or badgering you to upgrade to heated seats in winter. Welcome to the future of car industry CRM: customer relationship management. What’s Renault up to? As part of its new ‘FutuREady’ strategy, the French want to retain 80 per cent of car-related revenues in the group for the first 10 years of every car’s life. That means compelling servicing packages, over-the-air software features that tempt you to subscribe, and appealing trade-in prices (backed by strong residual values) to keep you – and your ‘value’ – within brand. Renault’s even talking about creating “digital twins for our cars and customers, boosted by AI analysis to improve customer loyalty and retain vehicles”. That way it can monetise the second and third resale of a car within its network. “OEMs are typically focused on sales and aftersales” and miss out

<b>Connected</b> fleets delivering better community outcomes

At the recent HERE Directions event in Melbourne, a presentation from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) provided a compelling case study on how modern fleet technology can serve more than one purpose. While emergency response fleets are traditionally viewed as tools for operational deployment, the NSW RFS example shows how connected vehicles can also become mobile communication hubs, data collection platforms, and community support assets. By integrating mapping, connectivity, and real-time intelligence, organisations can use their fleets to improve both operational effectiveness and service delivery to the communities they support. From fire trucks to connected service platforms The NSW RFS manages one of the largest emergency service fleets in Australia. The organisation has more than 70,000 members across 2,000 brigades, responsible for protecting around 700,000 square kilometres of New South Wales. Each year the service responds to more than 32,000 incidents, ranging from bushfires and grass fires to vehicle accidents, storms and search-and-rescue operations. Managing resources across such a vast area creates a major logistical challenge. Dispatch centres must determine which appliance is closest to an incident while considering road closures, weather, terrain and other operational risks. In the past, this process relied heavily on radio communications and manual reporting from crews. Today, connected vehicle technologies are transforming how this information is collected, shared and acted upon. The vehicle as a connectivity hub One of the most innovative concepts presented at the event was the idea of “vehicle as a node.” The NSW RFS is currently installing satellite connectivity across thousands of its operational vehicles using low-earth-orbit satellite technology. This initiative aims to equip the fleet with always-on connectivity, even in remote areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable. Each vehicle effectively becomes a mobile communications hub capable of supporting multiple functions: - Real-time mapping and

First Coast <b>Connect</b>: Back-in parking

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How an international theft ring used tech to steal 100+ <b>cars</b> in DC area

An international car theft ring stole more than 100 vehicles from the D.C. area using technology available for purchase online, prosecutors say. Federal and local law enforcement officials announced the indictment of six men who they say were shipping stolen cars to as far as Africa. Stream NBC4 newscasts for free right here, right now. “In the dead of night, crews strike the streets in Washington, D.C.; in Maryland and in Pennsylvania,” D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said. “And in seconds, they reprogram Corvettes, Camaros, Honda Civics. From there they are loaded onto shipping containers that are labeled furniture as opposed to cars because there will not be as much scrutiny. And then the shipping containers are sent across the ocean to Africa where they get top dollar on the black market. This is a sophisticated ring turning everyday cars into international cargo.” According to law enforcement, the car thieves targeted high-end sports cars and less expensive cars, mostly in Northwest D.C., and used a garage in Navy Yard to hold the cars before shipping them to sell as close as Maryland and Pennsylvania and as far away as Africa. Suspects swapped their license plates, obscured vehicle identification numbers and disabled security features, Pirro's office said. “So far, we've connected these suspects to 117 vehicle thefts that occurred in 2025 in the District,” interim D.C. Chief of Police Jeffery Carroll said. “To put that number in perspective, that would account for 20% of all the motor vehicle thefts in the city so far this year. We believe these suspects are connected to additional crimes and we're following up on many more cases.” A yearlong investigation found that ring members used devices allowing them to reprogram cars to accept blank key fobs. Pirro explained how easy it is for thieves to

UK assessing risks from Chinese electric <b>vehicles</b>

The Ministry of Defence is working with other government departments to understand and mitigate potential national security threats posed by Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles, including concerns about remote kill switch capabilities, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard confirmed in a parliamentary answer on 21 April. Asked by Labour MP Graeme Downie what assessment the department had made of the risks, Pollard said the MoD “takes the security of defence assets very seriously” and that “policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicles, not just electric vehicles or those manufactured in China”, adding that work was underway across the department to “ensure risks are appropriately managed in accordance with the needs of different communities.” A separate question asking when the Defence Secretary had last met his US and Australian counterparts to discuss the threat from Chinese-made connected vehicles drew a similarly cautious response, with Pollard confirming the Defence Secretary “speaks with his US and Australian counterparts regularly on a range of national security topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our nations” but declining to provide specific details of when the issue had been directly discussed. Allied governments have been moving to address the risks from Chinese connected vehicle technology at pace, with the US having introduced regulations requiring automakers to certify that core connected systems contain no Chinese-developed software from March 2026, as part of a broader framework that will extend to hardware-level restrictions from 2030, with the rules covering vehicle connectivity systems including telematics, cameras, GPS and automated driving systems. Australia has also faced calls from security analysts to take similar steps, though its government has so far stopped short of a ban, with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute among those arguing the country needs a more comprehensive approach to the risks

This hidden Android <b>Auto</b> setting finally fixed my connection lag

I love Android Auto. But I don't love it when it's slow, laggy, and stuttering. A touch of lag is often forgivable in most tech. An annoyance, sure, but not a deal-breaker. But when you're driving at high speeds, you need responses from your infotainment right at that very second, because you can only afford to take your eyes off the road for a moment. So when my Android Auto started stuttering and lagging, I knew I needed to fix it immediately. If you're experiencing the same problems, the problems I fixed may help ease your issues. My ultimate Android Auto setup for a distraction-free drive The minimalist's guide to Android Auto Chuck away those old cables and embrace wireless When I first experienced issues with my Android Auto, my first area to investigate was the cable I used to connect my phone to my car. It's easy to forget that not all cables are created equal. Some have more capacity than others and can handle more data as a result. If you're using a cable for Android Auto, make sure your cable is capable of handling it. Make sure it's not old and ragged, first. A worn-out cable probably isn't working as well as it once did, so give it a physical inspection. Then, try another cable and see if it works better. A shorter cable, around three to six feet or so, is better to ensure quick data transfer, and make sure it's a cable marked for power and data transfer. A charge-only cable won't work. My approach was to ditch the cable entirely, though. While some aren't fans of it, I've found wireless Android Auto to work extremely well. If your car supports it, then setting it up is as easy as pairing your phone to your