electric vehicle Archives

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Always Have Installed

Gemini AI in Android Auto introduces new features to enhance the driving experience, dependent on the installed applications. Key recommended apps include: - AntennaPod: A podcast app that offers millions of podcasts, imports libraries from various sources, and features playback controls, queue management, and user privacy with an ad-free, open-source model. - Fuelio: An app for monitoring fuel consumption, mileage, and costs for various vehicle types, providing insights into fuel efficiency and vehicle-related expenses, with a straightforward interface for logging data. - PlugShare: An app for locating electric charging stations, featuring over 70,000 listings, trip planning capabilities, community-driven information, and filters for speed and plug types. - SpotHero: A digital marketplace for finding and reserving parking in major cities, allowing users to compare prices and amenities, view bookings, and receive navigation assistance. - TuneIn Radio: An entertainment app offering access to over 120,000 live radio stations, podcasts, and music stations, with a user-friendly interface and an option for an ad-free Premium subscription. The selected apps are free to use, address real-world challenges, and have received positive feedback, averaging ratings above 4.3 in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

VESC Tool For Android

The VESC Tool is a mobile application developed by Benjamin Vedder for configuring VESC-based hardware via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or WiFi. It has a rating of 4.2 stars from over 10,000 users. The app allows users to stream live data, update firmware, log data, and perform other tasks to enhance electric skateboard performance. The app's package ID is vedder.vesctool, its file size varies with the device, and it requires a compatible Android version. The price is USD 3.99, and it is rated for everyone. Additional resources are available on the official VESC Project website, and compatible modules for BLE or WiFi connectivity can be found through VESC Labs.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Be Using

Android Auto allows drivers to engage with smartphone functions like calls, music, and messages through voice commands and touch controls. It supports third-party applications to enhance the user experience. Notable apps include: - Fuelio: Monitors fuel expenses, maintenance logs, and mileage, providing insights into fuel consumption and costs, and features a crowdsourced fuel price database. - Gaia GPS: Offers offline maps for outdoor activities, allowing users to explore points of interest and access vital information like weather conditions. - Weather & Radar: Provides animated weather radar, wind speed checks, hurricane updates, and natural disaster alerts for effective trip planning. - AntennaPod: A podcast management platform that allows users to import podcasts, create playlists, and adjust playback speed, available for free and ad-free. - PlugShare: Helps electric vehicle users find charging stations and plan optimized routes to avoid running low on battery. These apps are free to download, with optional paid features, and have been tested for real-world effectiveness.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Rivian partners with Google Maps for enhanced EV navigation experience

Rivian has introduced a new navigation system that integrates Google Maps technology, specifically designed for Rivian vehicles. This system includes real-time traffic updates, detailed place information, accurate range estimates, and charging scores tailored for electric vehicle users. It offers features such as real-time rerouting, satellite imagery, and comprehensive location information. The mobile app complements the in-car navigation by allowing users to view range estimates, share destinations, and explore new place photos and descriptions. Charging stops are curated based on individual preferences and compatibility with various networks, including the Rivian Adventure Network and Tesla Superchargers. Rivian's charging score system evaluates stations based on real-time data for reliability. The navigation system features a refreshed map aesthetic that highlights natural landscapes and improved visual clarity, while the app provides additional functionalities like destination sharing and incident reports.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Trending tickers: The latest investor updates on Microsoft, Pfizer, Foxconn, CATL and Vodafone

Microsoft unveiled a vision for AI agents at its annual Build conference, highlighting their potential to operate across various contexts and enhance productivity. The company announced the availability of Grok 3, an AI model from Elon Musk's xAI, on its Azure AI Foundry marketplace. Microsoft shares closed up 1% on Monday. Pfizer entered an exclusive licensing agreement with 3SBio for an experimental cancer treatment, SSGJ-707, with an upfront payment of 4 million and potential additional payments of up to .8 billion. Following the announcement, shares of 3SBio surged over 32%. Foxconn plans to invest nearly .5 billion in its Indian operations, acquiring shares in Yuzhan Technology India as Apple shifts some iPhone assembly from China to India. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) shares rose 16.4% in its market debut, raising billion in the largest IPO of the year. Vodafone reported a full-year operating loss of €411 million, down from a €3.67 billion profit the previous year, attributed to non-cash impairment charges. Despite this, Vodafone launched a €2 billion share buyback program, leading to a 1.6% increase in its shares.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2024

Timescale expands open source vector database capabilities for PostgreSQL

Timescale is enhancing its open-source database platform with AI capabilities, focusing on time series database technology built on PostgreSQL. The company has introduced the pgai Vectorizer developer tool, allowing users to create and synchronize embeddings within the database, facilitating generative AI applications. Timescale's vector capabilities were advanced with the pgvectorscale and pgai initiatives launched earlier this year. The integration of time series and vector data is seen as a significant trend, with organizations increasingly leveraging both functionalities. The pgai Vectorizer simplifies embedding management using SQL commands and supports the testing and deployment of AI models. Timescale's pgvectorscale extension aims to improve performance and scalability compared to the existing pgvector extension. Both the pgai Vectorizer and pgvectorscale will remain open-source, contributing to a growing community of users. The company plans to expand its AI strategy beyond Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to include agentic AI for vector database operations.

AppWizard

September 26, 2024

Samsung adds Hive smart thermostat control to SmartThings home hub app

Users of the SmartThings app can remotely control thermostats and automate connected appliances to optimize electricity usage during peak hours as part of British Gas’ PeakSave scheme, which offers discounts for reducing energy consumption during high-demand periods. The app will intelligently adjust appliance operating modes, allowing users to benefit from times when electricity is cheaper due to renewable energy availability. Samsung is expanding its collaboration with Tesla in the UK, enabling Tesla electric vehicle owners and those with Powerwall batteries, Solar Inverters, or Wall Connectors to manage their devices through the SmartThings app. Samsung's chief customer officer emphasized the need for enhanced energy consumption controls as winter approaches, while Hive's managing director expressed excitement about the partnership aimed at promoting a greener future for customers.

Tech Optimizer

September 19, 2024

Works complete on large logistics warehouse in Poyle Industrial Estate

Panattoni has completed an 80,000 square foot warehouse for last-mile deliveries near Heathrow Airport. The project, developed on a speculative basis, received planning consent from Slough Council in December and construction began in February. The facility, named Panattoni Poyle 80, is located in the Poyle Industrial Estate and spans approximately 12,000 square meters. It is a net-zero carbon development with a BREEAM rating of 'Excellent' and an energy efficiency rating of 'A'. Key features include a 50-meter service yard, five loading dock doors, two ground-level access doors, a height of 12.5 meters, and 37 parking spots with 20% equipped for electric vehicle charging. The warehouse is strategically positioned near junction 14 of the M25, providing access to Heathrow Airport, making it attractive for businesses in e-commerce and distribution. Letting agents for the facility are DTRE and ACRE Capital Real Estate.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Android Auto app design limits raise regulatory flags

Google has faced regulatory scrutiny in the European Union regarding its Android Auto application templates, which have been criticized for favoring its own navigation services over third-party apps. The Italian app JuicePass, designed for electric vehicle charging, encountered difficulties launching on Android Auto due to these restrictive templates, leading to legal challenges and a 2021 penalty against Google. The EU Court Advocate General has suggested that Google's practices may breach competition rules. Although Google has started to relax some restrictions on Android Auto apps, JuicePass remains unavailable, with Google initially citing security concerns for its absence.