Tech-News
Huawei Carrier Congress 2021 begins in Bangladesh
Huawei Technologies Bangladesh has started a special event titled "Huawei Carrier Congress 2021" with industry stakeholders from home and abroad to exchange views about technology trends and business solutions.
Inspired by the theme "Lighting up the Future," the event will shed light on issues related to intelligent networks, digital operations and maintenance, the foundation for digital services, and 5GtoB.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar virtually inaugurated the event on Thursday and it will continue until the end of May.
The telecom operators, partners, regulators, think tanks, academia, from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are expected to join this event in the next few days virtually and physically, maintaining health guidelines.
Huawei Global Public Affairs Vice-President Edward Zhou said, "The congress will be showcasing almost all the latest solutions and ways of digital transformation around the globe and intensify the growth opportunity of ICT in Bangladesh. It can work as a bridge for collaborative and common understanding among the regulator, operators, and other business industry players."
Also Read Huawei unveils smart car components
Chinese telecom giant Huawei will be showcasing the latest innovations from their research and development for knowledge sharing. With this demonstration, the industry players will be well aware of the potential ICT inclusions to different industries and how those inclusions can be beneficial in the socio-economic aspect. The congress will also discuss innovations in the telecom sector.
Mustafa Jabbar said at the event: "The rapid march of Bangladesh towards comprehensive digital transformation is very encouraging and satisfying indeed. An event like today will also contribute a lot as it will inspire us to think out of the box and explore ideas necessary to cope with an intelligent world awaiting us soon."
BTRC Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder, said: "Huawei has organised this congress as a common platform to facilitate the exchange of knowledge among national and international organisations and individuals. This arrangement has a great potential to amplify the digital growth of Bangladesh by broadening the thinking process of everyone."
Edward Zhou said: "As a localised global provider of ICT infrastructure, we will be helping industries expand by transcending the boundaries of their business and exploring new horizons, especially when it comes to digital innovation, to help digitize industries and improve people's lives for a smarter, faster, and more inclusive tomorrow about by the digital transformation here."
Also read: Huawei to invest $220 million in cloud ecosystem for 2021
Huawei Technologies Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Zhang Zhengjun said, "This year, in Bangladesh, we commit to keep investment in talent cultivation and joint solution innovation with partners."
"There is an old saying: 'If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together. So let's stay together, and win together," he added.
iPhone Eid mega deal in G&G
Gadget and Gear (G&G), the authorised Apple reseller has launched a month-long Eid campaign on iPhone purchase.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitre, customers of iPhone from G&G will have a chance to win a bunch of gifts under the Eid mega deal campaign, said a news release on Wednesday.
G&G customers can win an existing line of gift including Macbook Air, Apple Watch, Apple Airpod Pro, Apple MagSafe and cashback up to 10 thousand taka with every iPhone Purchase.
Read Apple introduces iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max with 5G
G&G managing director Nure Alam Shimu said, “Gadget & Gear is Apple authorised reseller since 2017 and we’re having the country's largest tech-focused retail chain with 20 outlets. We want to make this EID special for our customers, so with the purchase of every iPhone they can win sure shot gift from G&G.”
“In addition, customers can get up to 18 month EMI facility for buying iPhone with one year official warranty. We encourage customers to buy authorised iPhone to avoid any hassle in the coming days,” he said.
To avail the offer, customers need to send SMS to 26969 numbers and return SMS customers will get gift confirmation, according to the official.
Read 3 features we miss about older iPhones
VIVO working to develop AI, 5G integration technologies: David Li
Vivo, a leading global smartphone brand, has been growing at a steady rate despite the pandemic, which shows its dedication towards providing superior products and services to its customers.
“vivo established its smartphone manufacturing plant in Narayanganj near Dhaka in 2019, with Bangladesh locals being the majority in the factory as employees. With this assembly, we assemble and produce approximately 30 lakh units of smartphones annually”, David Li, Product Director of vivo Bangladesh said.
“We are very proud of our work here, and we hope to continue our contribution to the country’s economy through this plant.”, he added.
Also read:Vivo brings new smartphone 'V19'
Bangladesh is a very important market, vivo has introduced top-notch product ranges that received a phenomenal response from the youth of Bangladesh, Li said.
“We have a presence in more than 30 countries across the globe. In Bangladesh, our operations began in 2017 with the introduction of the V7+ from the V series. Currently, we have an enriching portfolio of vivo handsets in the country, including products like X60 Pro, V20, V20 SE, Y51, Y20 (2021), Y20G, Y12s and Y1s.”, he stated.
“We have gradually carved a niche for ourselves and become one of the top smartphone brands in the nation by launching a range of innovative and feature-rich variants of smartphones in different series. These include the Y and V series designed to fit the Bangladeshi youth's evolving lifestyle needs and preferences.”, he added.
How widely are these products available?
vivo has a strong presence in Bangladesh, with over 5,500 retail stores and 20 service centres across the country. “We are now working towards extending our offline customer support network from 20 to 40 centres.”, Li said in an interview.
“In addition, we have been dedicatedly working to provide superior service remotely to our customers in times of pandemic-induced lockdowns and travel restrictions. We are also offering contactless query management support via online platforms, which is operational for 9 hours a day at present, and will soon be a 24/7 service.”, he said.
“vivo is committed to bringing the best-in-class smartphones to Bangladesh. We introduced several notable ‘firsts’, global innovations, and exemplary technologies, starting with the world’s first dual pop-up selfie camera to our signature in-display fingerprint scanning technology.”, Li added.
vivo is also proactively working to develop 5G technologies in the upcoming years as the deep integration of AI and 5G is the way to go for smartphone development in this era. Recently, vivo announced the launch of a new smartphone operating system called OriginOS at the 2020 Developer Conference, he said.
Also read:Sale of flagship phone Vivo V20 begins
While 5G has just started large-scale commercialization worldwide, the industry’s research and exploration of 6G is also on our agenda.
“We launched the ‘vivo Service Day’ initiative, which occurs every 3rd Thursday of the month. With this, we aim to provide our customers with seamless after-sales service at all of the 20 authorized vivo service centres across Bangladesh.”, Li said.
“We are overwhelmed with the encouraging response received from our customers after announcing this initiative. Our customer engagement for accessories sales has increased by 18.9% compared to any normal day.”, he added.
On the Service day, users can enjoy free services like protective film installation and software upgrade at zero cost. Additionally, they will also get a 10% discount on the purchase of accessories like original chargers, data cables, and earphones.
“At vivo, we keep consumers at the heart of everything we do and we are dedicatedly working to provide our customers with the best-in-class experience through enhanced customer services keeping in mind all the safety rules.”, Li said.
“We are determined to keep continuing this. With our superior after-sales services and a strong innovation-focused approach, we think growth is the natural way forward for us.”, he added.
realme C25 review- A high-performing phone with TUV certification
realme is known for providing high specs phones at a low price, and they are adding a new product to one of the most budget-friendly series for the youth. realme C series provides quality phones within a low budget, and they are at it again with their new C25 phone, which punches above the price tag. This time realme made a giant move with the best possible quality on the planet; they have got the TÜV Rheinland quality certification. Besides, it also offers many other incredible features that can increase skyward the demand for this smartphone. Let’s check out what realme has in their bucket.
realme C25- TÜV Rheinland Quality Certification
Every time realme hits the market with a new product line, they always surprise the customer with something new, and C25 is not different. C25 achieved quality certification from TÜV Rheinland. Many of us may not be aware of the TÜV Rheinland certification. So, let us enlighten you briefly about the certification. “TUV Rheinland Certificates certify the safety standard compliance and qualifications of products, management systems, manufacturing processes, and personnel.” It is clear that TUV Rheinland ensures the quality of a product, and passing the TUV tests means there should be no reasonable doubt about the quality of a product.
Also read:realme 8 – Trendy design, best choice for this Eid
TÜV Rheinland and realme jointly researched to create a set of standards for smartphones to measure the quality. Hence, they came up with TÜV Rheinland Smartphone High Reliability Certification after eight months of research and tests that can serve the industry standard for the smartphone.
The TÜV Rheinland Smartphone High Reliability Certification process includes 23 major tests with ten daily use test criteria. The tests consist but are not limited to drop, wear, tear; tests for the seven extreme environments such as extreme humidity temperature, super extreme temperature, button life, voltage fluctuation, static electricity, air pressure; next, six-component reliability test cases. However, many of the test cases are done on the initial 3-year life cycle of a smartphone. realme has passed all the ‘TÜV Rheinland Smartphone High Reliability Certification’ tests with a high percentage. And C25 becomes the only entry-level phone that pursues quality, resistance, and endurance.
Read realme 8 Pro Full Review: 108MP prime camera with superb photographic features
Camera
realme C25 comes with a 48MP AI triple camera, which is the first-ever C series with that camera resolution. Eventually, the camera quality made it superior in the C series. The f/1.8 massive aperture helps to take a clear and bright image even in a slightly dark place. The 2MP macro lens gives the opportunity to snap outstanding macro photography along with ultimate vivid details. Besides, the 2MP B&H lens boosts the artistic effect to take portraits. It also comes with an 8MP selfie camera alongside the AI beautification feature, portrait, and HDR mode. So, selfie lovers can take incredible selfies with a tap. The super nightscape mode provides clarity to the night shots. Further, the ultra macro mode helps to capture larger than life details.
Also read realme to launch 8 Pro, arrange exhibition with photos taken ...
Helio G70 processor
realme C25 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G70 processor that ensures faster performance with the help of the Cortex A75 structure. The MediaTek gaming technology with the 12nm octa-core CPU enhances the stability even in the low network latency and provides a reliable experience. Hence, C25 can be the savior for the young generations who want to run mid-to-heavy apps with high-quality games.
Battery and Charging
realme C25 comes with a giant 6000mAh battery, which can keep your phone alive for all day, even if you use it for hours continuously. So, you can get yourself lost in watching a video or playing games. According to the realme Lab test, C25 can stay in standby mode for 47 days after charging the full battery.
If you are unable to provide some juice to your battery while it is dying, you can start the Super Power Saving Mode, which can keep your phone alive for a few hours. For example, a 5% battery in power saving mode will allow the phone 56.18 standby hours and 1.93 hours of WhatsApp chatting.
Furthermore, the 18W quick charging facility with a 9V/2A adapter can charge your realme C25 in a flash.
Read POCO X3 Pro full review: The best midrange flagship killer
Design and Display
realme C25 comes with a large 16.5cm 6.5'') display with 88.7%. screen-to-body ratio. The large display helps to enjoy the picture and video viewing experience with ease. It weighs 209g which falls under a reasonable weight category with this sized phone. Besides, the new realme C phone adopts a 450+ curved geometric design, which makes the phone appealing and colorful.
Memory
The realme C25 offers two memory variants, 4GB RAM and 64 GB internal memory, 4GB RAM, and 128 GB internal memory. Besides, it also offers an external memory slot, and you can expand the storage up to 256GB through MicroSD Slot. It has a 3-card slot that provides 2 slots for sims and one slot for the MicroSD card. Although you can add up to 256 SD cards, it is advisable to use the lesser memory card if needed.
Read Asus ROG Phone 5 Review: Is it the ultimate gaming smartphone
Other Features
However, realme C25 is based on realme UI 2.0, which gives you immense opportunity to customize the phone according to your choices. Besides, the icon and theme customization with dark mode & deep-sea privacy mode, etc., can give you an amazing experience. On top of that, a built-in app hiding and locking feature can get you a unique user experience. The dual music mode enhances and optimizes the audio experience.
realme C25 comes with an AIoT ecosystem, which allows to manage the AIoT devices through the phone. Besides, C25 introduces a new “Sleep Capsule” feature to lock the phone for a predetermined time and enjoy your sleep.
The instant fingerprint sensor makes your phone most secured. The new technology makes the fingerprint unlock feature work better and unlocks the phone faster.
Read Lenovo legion duel 2 Gaming Smartphone Review
realme C25 Price in Bangladesh
The 4GB+64GB version priced at BDT13,990 and the 4GB+128GB offered at BDT 14,990. However, this price range is considerably cheaper than its competitor.
Having tons of features at a cheap price, realme c25 makes everyone’s dream come true, especially for the young generations.
Top Job Searching apps in Bangladesh
Once upon a time, the only means for the job search in Bangladesh was the daily or weekly newspaper. There have been times that the job seekers needed to wait all week to get the weekly job searching newspaper. However, with the advancement of information and technology, job searching has become more accessible online. There are numerous job searching apps where you can find the job of your choice in Bangladesh. Moreover, nowadays, many organizations issue recruitment notices online instead of newspapers or other offline means. With that note, let’s find out some of the top job searching apps in Bangladesh.
Best Bangladeshi Job Searching Apps in 2021
BDJob
Bdjobs.com Ltd is a pioneer of the online job portal in Bangladesh. They used to provide their service via their website. With the invention of smartphones and to comply with the trend, BDJobs introduced their mobile apps. On BDJobs apps, you will get identical features just like its website.
According to BDJobs claiming, more than 3,000 valid jobs are now placed almost every day at BDJob, which you can find through the apps. Through the BDJobs apps, you can stay up-to-date with the newly posted jobs.
Besides, you can apply to the jobs directly from your phone by creating a profile or your BDJobs.com account. Some of the unique features you will get, personalized dashboard, instant notification, follow employers, filter the job posting, search jobs with keywords, create and edit resume, etc. You can download the apps both on Android and iOS devices.
Read Top health apps for online doctor consultation services in Bangladesh
LinkedIn
Though LinkedIn is not a Bangladeshi site, you can find a job from there too. LinkedIn is one of the most trusted networks for professionals worldwide, which offer job post features for employers. With the LinkedIn app, you can apply to any matched job through your LinkedIn profile.
The LinkedIn job search feature can get you the desired jobs in a few taps on your phone screen. Alongside the job searching, you can connect with millions of professionals and grow your professional network. Some endearing features of LinkedIn are job search & recruiting, job finder, business news, and social network. It is available on any type of device regardless of the operating system.
Read Best Food Delivery Apps in Bangladesh in 2021
Kormo Jobs by Google
Kormo Jobs is one of the growing job searching apps in Bangladesh. Kormo is an initiative from google itself. It mainly focuses on entry-level jobs, with guidance towards the job interviews. Besides, you can get the customized job recommendations from the verified employers considering your interest, location, and qualifications. You can easily create and download a free digital resume within a few minutes.
Once you create the profile, you can get access to all the available jobs that suits you. Besides, you can get real-time updates on your job application. Kormo Jobs focuses on retail, logistics, hospitality, and the services industry. However, Kormo is available on android devices only. But you can get access to the website through your iPhone.
Read Best Ride-Sharing Apps in Bangladesh
Job Circular
Job Circular android app collects all the job recruitments post from all the daily newspapers and different sources. After that, they post those in the app. Besides, you will get all notices regarding different competitive examinations, including the schedule and results.
You will also get updates on various weekly job magazines in the application alongside helpful information in preparation for the recruitment exam. Other core features of the app are notification of new and important job news, categorize the notifications, search based on job category, reminders before the application deadlines, and more.
Read How to Earn Money from Facebook
Jobs BD
It collects government job circulars from different government websites and magazines as well as private job circulars from different private websites and showcases them in the apps for the users. You will find the circulars of government and private jobs in Bangladesh in the form of regular updates.
So, whoever is looking for a government job or relevant private job, Jobs BD might come in handy. Using this app is simple and fun for news users. You will find the most important buttons on the home page and can easily get the information by touching the useful buttons. Furthermore, you can easily download specific circulars by touching on the text Download / Download.
Read How to Earn Money from YouTube Channel
BD All Govt & Bank Jobs App
This application is a great source to find government jobs and bank jobs for free of cost. It collects all the related data from various sources and puts them in the app. Using the app, you can save or print the job circular. So, this can be your one-stop solution to find numerous jobs. However, BD All Govt & Bank Jobs App is available only for android phones and tablets.
BDALLJob
The latest information on all types of jobs and job tests, schedules, and results can be found in the Bdalljob app. The app filters the jobs in a variety of ways and provides the opportunity to download a job in HD image or PDF.
Besides, every time the app posts a new job, you will get a notification. In the job category, you will find all the job news of banks, various ministries, Bangladesh Railway, BCS, and non-cadre. In the private jobs category, you will find bank jobs and jobs of all non-government organizations. On top of that, you will also get all job-related exams, schedules, and notices in the notice category. You can download the app on your android devices only.
Read How to Earn Money from Instagram
Job Circular App
This is an essential Android app for job seekers who are searching for authentic jobs from different sources. Along with the job searching feature, you will get different admission test results and test-related notices. The app also has an age calculator to find out the age for a job. Besides, you will find a lot of necessary information in the study button for job preparation. There is a one-click download facility in the app.
Bottom Line
Apart from these job searching apps, Facebook is also a useful source to search for a job. Facebook has a job posting and job searching section in their app. However, it is not popular yet in Bangladesh. For now, you may rely on the 8 apps we have mentioned here in this article.
Read Work from Home, Earn and Be Your Own Boss
Top health apps for online doctor consultation services in Bangladesh
In this current COVID-19 pandemic, getting out has become completely unsafe. Therefore, it has become more difficult to seek medical care in a hospital or doctor's chamber. However, even in this condition, other diseases besides corona have not stopped. To address this situation, different health apps come forward to provide doctor consultation services online based on digital technology so that everyone can get the necessary health care in a safe and easy way at home. Now, anyone from all over the country can take the advice of an experienced doctor from any part of the country at any convenient time for their health-related needs through the mobile app. Following are the top health apps for online doctor consultation services in Bangladesh.
Best Bangladeshi health apps in 2021
Tonic
Tonic is a top-notch healthcare information and service in Bangladesh from Grameenphone that offers its service via website and mobile app. Tonic service is available 24/7 and you can get the service through the app or by calling at 20000 from any number. Besides, you can also get the live video consultation service if required. Furthermore, you can even chat with the doctors via the Tonic mobile app. It is a kind of insurance service and comes with different packages starting from Tk. 50/month to Tk. 310/month. With the tonic service, you can get up to 50% discount at more than 250 hospitals in Bangladesh. The tonic mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Praava Health
Praava aims to provide an excellent patient experience online and offline. Further, they work as a one-stop solution for healthcare, doctors and quality diagnostics, and more. They offer doctors from almost all the medical fields. Which you can access through the website and apps from your android or iOS devices. Praava offers Bangladesh’s first Molecular Cancer Diagnostics laboratory. However, all the offerings are available for the members which start from around Tk. 3,300/ year. However, they have different plans for the video consultation service that starts from Tk. 1,600/ 3 months for 4 family members. Furthermore, Praava offers a corporate plan which can be cheaper depending on the deals.
Read Online Pharmacy: Where to Buy Medicine in Dhaka during Coronavirus Home Quarantine
QuickMed
QuickMed came out as a telemedicine platform, which also provides service online through their fast website and mobile apps available on Android and iOS. QuickMed offers a variety of services such as online appointments, video consultations, electronic health records, and E-prescription. Apart from the doctor's booking, you can get priority in the nearest diagnostic center if you have their membership. QuickMed has a wide range of specialists including, Gynecology, Psychiatry, Skin & VD, Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, and Medicine. However, all the test details and prescription information is accessible by the patients online.
Doctor Dekhao
Doctor Dekhao offers health care in a single tap via their Android and iOS apps. The process is simple, you need to download the app on your phone and then create an account within few taps. After that, you can make an appointment from the list of doctors and specialists and get the consultation via video calling. Besides, if you need to consult a doctor urgently, you may apply for an instant appointment. As soon as you are done with the video consultancy, you will get the e-prescription right into your app. On top of that Doctor, Dekhao offers medicine reminders as well as store your medical reports. It comes with ten different packages starting from Tk. 100. Another best feature of Doctor Dekhao is having the service 24/7.
Shebaghar
Through the Shebaghar online doctor consultation app, you will get to access 316 doctors in different categories. You can book a doctor via the Shebaghar website or even from their Android and iOS apps. The doctor’s consultancy fees may vary according to the department and their experience. You will get to see the price on the list. The good thing about Shebaghar is that you will find a doctor for all kinds of diseases. However, the doctor complies with a permanent slot to attend to the patients via video call.
Read How to Use Ridesharing Vehicles Safely during COVID19 Pandemic
Bdcare
Unlike other online consultation services, Bdcare offers its service via Android apps as well as via the website. Whether you want to access the doctor via website or apps, patient registration is required. However, the doctor’s consultation fee may vary in certain factors, but you will get access at a reasonable price which starts from Tk. 300. The online appointment at Bdcare will cost you less money than the physical appointment. Besides, the patients will have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions for free for two days after the consultancy. Bdcare also offers health checkups to its clients from Tk. 4,480 to Tk. 7,520. However, the price may vary depending on their offers and promotions.
TeleMedi
TeleMedi has a diverse service for their clients which includes online doctor consultation and doctors are available from different districts. Like all the online doctor consultancy services, TeliMedi also requires registering prior to taking the service. Besides, the service is available via iOS and Android devices. TeliMedi follows the three simple steps to provide the service. You will need to find a doctor then check the doctor’s profile to know if it fits with your problems. Next, make the payment and book a visit with your desired doctor Apart from the doctor booking service, TeleMedi also offers ambulance, pathological tests, and pharmacy services.
Read Best Ride-Sharing Apps in Bangladesh
MedicsBD
It is just another online doctor consultation service provider that connects you with a doctor from a different background. Currently, they are offering services via website only. However, MedicsBD will bring out the mobile apps soon. But their website is accessible through the phone’s briers. On top of this, they also provide service for the students and nurses.
Bottom Line
With the increasing accessibility of the internet and smartphones, doctors have become available at our fingertips. You may check any of these 8 websites and apps to get your desired doctor. However, you should also do some research on the doctors before setting up an appointment.
Read Best Food Delivery Apps in Bangladesh in 2021
Consumer Reports tricks Tesla to drive with no one at wheel
Consumer Reports said Thursday it was able to easily trick a Tesla into driving in the car’s Autopilot mode with no one at the wheel.
Its test came just days after a Tesla crashed in Texas, killing the two men in the car. Authorities say neither of the men were in the driver’s seat at the time of the crash.
Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated system can keep a car centered in its lane, keep a distance from cars in front of it, and can even change lanes on its own with a driver’s consent. But Tesla has said the driver must be ready to intervene at all times.
Also read: Scrutiny of Tesla crash a sign that regulation may be coming
Consumer Reports said that during several trips on its closed tracks with an empty driver’s seat, its Tesla Model Y automatically steered along painted lane lines without acknowledging that nobody was at the controls. The Tesla that crashed outside of Houston over the weekend was a Model S, but also had an Autopilot function.
“In our evaluation, the system not only failed to make sure the driver was paying attention, but it also couldn’t tell if there was a driver there at all,” said Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ senior director of auto testing, who conducted the experiment. “Tesla is falling behind other automakers like GM and Ford that, on models with advanced driver assist systems, use technology to make sure the driver is looking at the road.”
Tesla, which is based in Palo Alto, California, and has disbanded its press office, did not immediately respond to inquiries about Consumer Reports’ assertions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are in the early stages of an investigation into the Texas crash. Local authorities said one man was found in the passenger seat, while another was in the back. The car veered off the road, crashed into a tree and burst into flames, authorities said.
Investigators should be able to determine whether the Tesla’s Autopilot system was in use.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter Monday that data logs “recovered so far” show Autopilot wasn’t turned on in the Texas crash, and “Full Self-Driving” was not purchased for the vehicle. He did not respond to reporters’ questions posted on Twitter.
In the past, NHTSA, which has authority to regulate automakers and seek recalls for defective vehicles, has taken a hands-off approach to regulating partial and fully automated systems for fear of hindering development of promising new features.
But since March, the agency has stepped up inquiries into Tesla, dispatching teams to three crashes. It has investigated 28 Tesla crashes in the past few years, but thus far has relied on voluntary safety compliance from auto and tech companies.
Also read: NTSB: Tesla Autopilot, distracted driver caused fatal crash
Also on Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. and Edward Markey, D-Mass., asked federal officials to conduct a thorough investigation of the Texas crash and make recommendations for improving automated driving.
In the Consumer Reports test, Fisher said he engaged Autopilot while the car was in motion on the track, then set the speed dial to zero to stop it. Fisher then affixed a small, weighted chain on the steering wheel to simulate the weight of a driver’s hand. He then slid over into the front passenger seat where he was able to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle.
“The car drove up and down the half-mile lane of our track, repeatedly, never noting that no one was in the driver’s seat, never noting that there was no one touching the steering wheel, never noting there was no weight on the seat,” Fisher said. “It was a bit frightening when we realized how easy it was to defeat the safeguards, which we proved were clearly insufficient.”
Consumer Reports noted the test was performed on its closed track and that “under no circumstances should anyone try” to duplicate it.
“Let me be clear: Anyone who uses Autopilot on the road without someone in the driver seat is putting themselves and others in imminent danger,” Fisher said.
Also read: NTSB releases details in 2 crashes involving Tesla Autopilot
Huawei unveils smart car components
Chinese tech giant Huawei has launched its next-generation intelligent car components and solutions including 4D imaging radar.
These products are designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) – building advanced intelligent vehicles – and enable the Chinese automotive industry to upgrade their technology and become a pioneer of new energy and autonomous driving, the company said at Shanghai Auto Show 2021.
Also read: Huawei plans to roll out 6G by 2030
The tech giant is considering innovative automotive components as its long-term strategic opportunity and will continue to channel more investments into this field, particularly into the development of autonomous driving software, to build an advanced independent driving system.
This year, Huawei will form a team of over 5,000 people working in the research and development of intelligent automotive components, and its investment in this field will be $1 billion.
Read Huawei to disclose steady business performance in 2020
Walton brings new smart fridge with IoT, AI functionalities
Walton has launched a new smart fridge that can be controlled through a mobile app; a Wi-Fi module has been added to the home appliance's control board as an Internet of things (IoT) device.
The customer will have to install a special app called "Walton Smart Appliances" on their phone, and then, they can control the settings of the home appliance from anywhere, Engineer Abdul Malek Sikder, in charge of Walton Fridge (Research and Development) Refrigeration-Electronics Department, said.
Read Walton launches new models of all-in-one computers
He also added that the smart fridge has artificial intelligence (AI) based 3D matrix speed optimisation technology that ensures maximum cooling effect considering optimum power consumption.
Also, the IoT based "6A9" model fridge is more than 50% energy-efficient as it uses intelligent inverter technology and its price has been set at Tk 80,900, Walton said in a media statement.
Read Walton launches 2 new 2nd generation compressors
The fridge's intelligent germ termination ioniser system automatically destroys any bacteria and viruses on the surface of the food, Engineer Md Shohel Rana, who is in charge of Walton Smart Refrigerator's Structural Design, said.
The other sophisticated features include door alarm, child lock, human detector, digital display, 3D matrix speed optimisation human detector, he added.
Read Walton offers big discounts on online purchases
Scrutiny of Tesla crash a sign that regulation may be coming
The fiery crash of a Tesla near Houston with no one behind the wheel is drawing scrutiny from two federal agencies that could bring new regulation of electronic systems that take on some driving tasks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Natioanal Transportation Safety board said Monday they would send teams to investigate the Saturday night crash on a residential road that killed two men in a Tesla Model S.
Local authorities said one man was found in the passenger seat, while another was in the back. They’re issuing search warrants in the probe, which will determine whether the Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated system was in use. Autopilot can keep a car centered in its lane, keep a distance from cars in front of it, and can even change lanes automatically in some circumstances.
On Twitter Monday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote that data logs “recovered so far” show Autopilot wasn’t turned on, and “Full Self-Driving” was not purchased for the vehicle. He didn’t answer reporters’ questions posed on Twitter.
Also read: NTSB: Tesla Autopilot, distracted driver caused fatal crash
In the past, NHTSA, which has authority to regulate automakers and seek recalls for defective vehicles, has taken a hands-off approach to regulating partial and fully automated systems for fear of hindering development of promising new features.
But since March, the agency has stepped up inquiries into Teslas, dispatching teams to three crashes. It has investigated 28 Tesla crashes in the past few years, but thus far has relied on voluntary safety compliance from auto and tech companies.
“With a new administration in place, we’re reviewing regulations around autonomous vehicles,” the agency said last month.
Agency critics say regulations — especially of Tesla — are long overdue as the automated systems keep creeping toward being fully autonomous. At present, though, there are no specific regulations and no fully self-driving systems available for sale to consumers in the U.S.
At issue is whether Musk has over-sold the capability of his systems by using the name Autopilot or telling customers that “Full Self-Driving” will be available this year.
“Elon’s been totally irresponsible,” said Alain Kornhauser, faculty chair of autonomous vehicle engineering at Princeton University. Musk, he said, has sold the dream that the cars can drive themselves even though in the fine print Tesla says they’re not ready. “It’s not a game. This is serious stuff.”
Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations office, also did not respond to requests for comment Monday. Its stock fell 3.4% in the face of publicity about the crash.
In December, before former President Donald Trump left office, NHTSA sought public comment on regulations. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, whose department included NHTSA, said the proposal would address safety “without hampering innovation in development of automated driving systems.”
Also read: NTSB releases details in 2 crashes involving Tesla Autopilot
But her replacement under President Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, indicated before Congress that change might be coming.
“I would suggest that the policy framework in the U.S. has not really caught up with the technology platforms,” he said last month. “So we intend to pay a lot of attention for that and do everything we can within our authorities,” he said, adding that the agency may work with Congress on the issue.
Tesla has had serious problems with Autopilot, which has been involved in several fatal crashes where it failed to stop for tractor-trailers crossing in front of it, stopped emergency vehicles, or a highway barrier. The NTSB, which can only issue recommendations, asked that NHTSA and Tesla limit the system to roads on which the system can safely operate, and that Tesla install a more robust system to monitor drivers to make sure they’re paying attention. Neither Tesla nor the agency took action, drawing criticism and blame for one of the crashes from the NTSB.
Missy Cummings, an electrical and computer engineering professor at Duke University who studies automated vehicles, said the Texas crash is a watershed moment for NHTSA.
She’s not optimistic the agency will do anything substantial, but hopes the crash will bring change. “Tesla has had such a free pass for so long,” she said.
Frank Borris, a former head of NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation who now runs a safety consulting business, said the agency is in a tough position because of a slow, outdated regulatory process that can’t keep up with fast-developing technology.
The systems holds great promise to improve safety, Borris said. But it’s also working with “what is an antiquated regulatory rule promulgating process which can take years.”
Investigators in the Houston-area case haven’t determined how fast the Tesla was driving at the time of the crash, but Harris County Precinct Four Constable Mark Herman said it was a high speed. He would not say if there was evidence that anyone tampered with Tesla’s system to monitor the driver, which detects force from hands on the wheel. The system will issue warnings and eventually shut the car down if it doesn’t detect hands. But critics say Tesla’s system is easy to fool and can take as long as a minute to shut down.
The company has said in the past that drivers using Autopilot and the company’s “Full Self-Driving Capability” system must be ready to intervene at any time, and that neither system can drive the cars itself.
On Sunday, Musk tweeted that the company had released a safety report from the first quarter showing that Tesla with Autopilot has nearly a 10 times lower chance of crashing than the average vehicle with a human piloting it.
But Kelly Funkhouser, head of connected and automated vehicle testing for Consumer Reports, said Tesla’s numbers have been inaccurate in the past and are difficult to verify without underlying data.
“You just have to take their word for it,” Funkhouser said, adding that Tesla doesn’t say how many times the system failed but didn’t crash, or when a driver failed to take over.
Funkhouser said it’s time for the government to step in, set performance standards and draw a line between partially automated systems that require drivers to intervene and systems that can drive themselves.
“There is no metric, there is no yes or no, black or white,” she said. She fears that Tesla is asserting that it’s not a testing autonomous vehicles or putting self-driving cars on the road, while “getting away with using the general population of Tesla owners as guinea pigs to test the system.”