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A new era for CarPlay begins

(Image credit: Top Gear/YouTube)

Apple has finally started rolling outCarPlay 2. However, the company calls its updated infotainment system CarPlay Ultra.

The new CarPlay Ultra starts with Aston Martin, but other brands, such as Kia and Hyundai, are on board. CarPlay Ultra is integrated deeply into the car, including instrument clusters, and gives you control over everything from the climate system to the radio.

“Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, and will be available for existing models that feature the brand’s next-generation infotainment system through a software update in the coming weeks,” said Apple in apress release.

New Apple CarPlay Ultra: Apple Just Took Over Your Car!

Unlike the current version of CarPlay, the new one is integrated deeply into the car, which Apple says allows it to “deliver the best of iPhone and the best of the car.” That means it’s not as simple as just putting out a software update to bring CarPlay Ultra to existing vehicles, and it’ll be limited to new cars that add the feature.

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So far, Apple says, “Many other automakers around the world are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to drivers, including newly committed brands Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.”

Here’s all the new stuff coming to Apple CarPlay Ultra.

Apple CarPlay Ultra — what’s new?

The biggest thing that changes with CarPlay Ultra compared to the currentApple CarPlayis that it integrates into more systems within the vehicle.

With it, you can use onscreen controls, buttons and Siri to control car functions like radio and climate (which would previously have been done outside of CarPlay through the car’s built-in operating system).

Additionally, CarPlay Ultra integrates into the instrument cluster. Apple says it offers “dynamic and beautiful options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more, bringing a consistent look and feel to the entire driving experience.”

Things like maps and media can show right in the cluster, which could help drivers keep focus on the road and not theirinfotainment system.

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Unlike CarPlay as we know it now, the Ultra will let automakers customize the look and feel to match their design aesthetic.

Otherwise, you can still use your iPhone apps in CarPlay Ultra to play your favorite music and podcasts, get navigation, and so on. The features available haven’t changed much, but how it integrates with the car is a big difference that should bring us closer to theApple Carwe never received.

Vehicle manufacturers supporting CarPlay Ultra

• Land Rover
• Lincoln
• Audi
• Volvo
• Honda
• Nissan
• Ford
• Porsche
• Jaguar
• Acura
• Polestar
• Infiniti
• Renault
• Kia
• Genesis
• Hyundai
• Aston Martin

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It’s worth noting that Mercedes was previously on board but has since ditched Apple’s infotainment system. It’s been a long time since Apple announced these brands, so other brands could have jumped ship.

Users can now say “Hey, Copilot” to their Windows 11 PC to use Microsoft’s generative AI bot.

(Image credit: Getty Images | Anadolu)

Microsoft’sCopilotapp, at least for those on the Windows Insider program, became even easier to use today. You can now summon the AI simply by saying, “Hey, Copilot.” This feature is reminiscent of Windows 10’s “Hey, Cortana,” which did something similar.

Don’t worry—the feature is off by default, and you must go into Copilot’s settings to enable it.

The new ability is in addition toCopilot Vision, which rolled out to Insiders in early April, and “memory abilities,” announced atMicrosoft’s 50th anniversary.

The feature works as you’d expect: Without touching your keyboard or mouse, you can say “Hey, Copilot,” and a small interactive microphone will appear near the bottom of your screen via the Floating UI.

The Floating UI graphics match what happens on Android or iOS when you set Copilot as your default assistant, which is a nice touch.

Users can alsohold the ALT+Space keys on their keyboardsfor two seconds, which serves the same purpose as the wake word, allowing voice interaction, but without voice summoning.

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A screenshot of the new Floating UI for Copilot after using the new wake word feature.(Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Announced on the Windows Blog, the new feature is available to those onthe Windows Insider program, including the Release Preview channel (where we got it).

Users must go to theMicrosoft Storein Windows 11, check for updates, and download the latest Copilot app,version 1.25051.10.0 and higher.

Heading into Copilot’s settings and under Voice mode, there should be a new toggle for “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’ to start a conversation.”

The new wake-word feature works well on our test rig. Even though the Floating UI is just a microphone, text versions of the conversations are saved to the main Copilot app’s list of past conversations for later reading (or user deletion).

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Under Copilot’s settings for the Windows 11 app will be a new ‘wake word’ feature, which is off by default.(Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Privacy is key for Copilot

Microsoft notes that your data/voice/recordings are not sent to the cloud when using Hey, Copilot, e.g., when the computer is “listening” for the wake word to kick in. Instead, a rolling buffer (10-second audio memory) listens for the wake word, but those 10 seconds are never recorded, stored on your PC, or sent to the cloud.

However, as you’d expect, once the AI kicks in after you wake it, your audio clips are sent to the cloud for processing (but not recorded or stored on your PC). Again, your audio is not used or saved by Microsoft unless you opt-in to share your data for model training, which can be found in Copilot’s settings under Privacy > Copilot Service Settings.

The feature also doesn’t work if your PC is off or locked, and it is currently only trained in English; broader support will come later.

You can read more about how the feature works, privacy,and more on the Windows Blog.

The company highlights a few new tests on the way for its Labs experience.

What you need to know

• Fitbit Labs announced the upcoming beginning of the Medical Record Navigator test, which leverages Gemini for lab report summaries.
• The Symptom Checker test will let users describe what’s wrong and receive assistance, while Unusual Trends monitors sudden changes in your baseline.
• Fitbit Labs’ previous test was the Sleep Schedule experiment, which gives users surveys throughout the day to optimize their sleep.

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Fitbit is detailing an expansion of its experimental card for interested users, which involves a brighter spotlight on your health.

Detailed in ablog post, Fitbit Labs is introducing three new tests for interested users. The first is called “Medical Record Navigator,” which leveragesGeminifor “clear health summaries.” Fitbit says this feature can turn your “complicated lab reports” into more understandable overviews. Gemini is the key player here, condensing all that information, so you know where you stand.

Fitbit states it will also link users to “educational resources” about the data returned.

The post states the Medical Record Navigator will roll into the Labs experience in the mobile app “later this week.” Users will be able to sign up/enroll and begin “securely uploading” their lab reports into Fitbit’s navigator.

The second and third tests almost go hand-in-hand, with the first stated to be the “Symptom Checker” experiment. Through this, Fitbit says users can “describe” what they’re feeling, like if they’re head hurts. The company says the app “may” ask you some follow-up questions to better understand what’s wrong.

The provided answers will be analyzed so the app can deliver potential reasons behind why you feel bad. This test is slated to begin “in the coming weeks.”

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Fitbit Labs, furthering health awareness

The final upcoming test is “Unusual Trends.” This one is more of a background, watchful eye on your health. Fitbit states that once you’ve enrolled, Unusual Trends will figure out “what’s normal for you.” After that, it will continue to monitor your health data for changes that could signal something that requires your attention.

Fitbit says you’ll be alerted if your data begins to “trend away from your baseline.” The post adds that certain changes could be indicative of sickness or stress. Either way, if something falls out of the norm, you’ll (ideally) know about it.

Like the Symptom Checker, Fitbit Labs’ Unusual Trends is set to arrive in the coming weeks.

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Another significant Fitbit Labs addition was introduced in March, as the app gave testersthe Sleep Schedule experiment. In short, the feature’s purpose is to help users get an optimal amount of sleep, especially if you’ve been feeling tired. Sleep Schedule will feed multiple surveys throughout the day, from morning to afternoon and evening. The surveys will help the app understand what might be impacting your sleep, like noise, light, or perhaps the time you’re going to bed.

As always, users can find current Fitbit Labs tests in the “You” and “Today” tabs. Users can participate or hop onto the waitlist.

Learn when to apply an IS mode to enhance quality, and when to turn it off to save sharp pixels

You may have heard the term IS mode, and noticed specifically designed buttons for it on your camera lens, but what do these modes actually do?

IS stands forimage stabilization, and when it comes to improving the sharpness of your shots it is of great importance. However, using it in the wrong situation can backfire and actually make your photos look blurry!

There are different types of image stabilization, and their names can vary depending on your camera or lens brand. For simplicity, I’ll talk about the two main types as follows: in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and lens-based optical image stabilization (OIS).

Image stabilization is designed to level out or reduce camera shake, which can lead to blurry shots in windy situations, when you’re shooting with longer focal lengths and zooms, or when using slower shutter speeds.

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In-body image stabilization (IBIS) on cameras typically compensates for 5-axis movement (X, Y, pitch, yaw and roll) while in-lens optical image stabilization (OIS) offers pitch and yaw correction. Some systems offers synchronized IS, which uses both systems in conjunction(Image credit: OM System)

When you’re shooting handheld, ensure that your stabilization system is activated – especially when you’re working with heavytelephoto lenses. This will help compensate for any additional movement, as it can be quite difficult to operate a camera smoothly with these weightier optics.

While they might be a bit pricier, lenses with OIS can really pay off – especially for capturing fast-moving subjects like motorsport action. Some first-party lenses feature OIS that can work in conjunction with the camera’s IBIS to maximize stabilization and image performance.

But here’s the key point: typically when using heavy zooms and long lenses, you would shoot from a tripod. But when working with a tripod, keeping stabilization turned on mightnotgive you the sharpest image!

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If you are shooting from a tripod, turn these features off. If you leave them on, some cameras and lenses will try to compensate for movements that aren’t happening – which can introduce the very vibrations and blurriness you’re trying to prevent. Some cameras even have a special tripod mode to help with this.

Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky” button has been a familiar part of its homepage since the launch of the search engine 27 years ago, but the company could be about to ditch it.

The web giant is currently testing with select users how to integrate its AI chatbot into its homepage. One option is to replace the “lucky” button with one that reads “AI Mode.” Selecting AI Mode leads to a more conversational interaction regarding your search, eliminating the need to sift through a long list of search results. Google announced the featureearlier this month.

Let’s just remind ourselves about what the I’m Feeling Lucky button does, as there’s a chance that you rarely, if ever, use it. In a nutshell, it bypasses the results on desktop search, taking you directly to the webpage that most closely matches your query. 

There’s not much data on how many people ever hit the “lucky” button, though back in 2007, former Google executive Marissa Mayer estimated that 1% of all Google searches went through it. But with more people searching on mobile (where the button is absent) or performing searches via the address box on desktop, it’s likely that even fewer people select the button these days.  

Google is also considering putting the AI Mode tab at the right end of the search box, which, if fully implemented, would allow the lucky button to live another day. 

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It’s not the first time that the lucky button has come under threat. In 2010, the company launched Google Instant, a feature that displayed search results in real time as users typed their queries, with the aim of making searches faster and more intuitive. While the button remained in place, it was covered by the results that cascaded over it as the user typed. Google ditched Instant in 2017, with the ‘lucky’ button once again clearly visible for everyone.

This time, however, the threat seems more serious. Can Google’s I’m Feeling Lucky button survive the ever-expanding tentacles of AI? Watch this space.