Apple CarPlay gets icon boost, EV charging upgrade in iOS 18.4

Image: MacRumors

Apple's recent iOS 18.4 update quietly introduced notable enhancements to CarPlay, offering users with larger infotainment screens an expanded icon layout and improved electric vehicle routing.

MacRumors discovered that iOS 18.4 now displays three rows of app icons on CarPlay for vehicles with larger displays, up from the standard two. This allows for quicker access to more apps, reducing driver distraction. However, this feature appears limited to cars with larger screens, such as the 14-inch display found in the Toyota Tundra and is not visible on smaller displays like the 9-inch screen in a Honda Civic.

Click to read more ...

Mercedes-Benz unifies EV, ICE designs

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is unifying the design of its electric and combustion engine vehicles, a move mirroring BMW's strategy. This "coherent design language" across the lineup aims to boost flagging electric vehicle sales by moving away from distinct EV styling, like the polarizing EQS. Despite a previous EV-only pledge, Mercedes will launch 19 new combustion models alongside 17 EVs by 2027, acknowledging current market demand.  

This shift comes as Mercedes faces declining earnings and plans significant cost cuts. New models this year include the CLA (available as both EV and internal combustion engine), electric GLC and C-Class, and a facelifted S-Class. Mercedes will continue offering a range of engines, including V12s, and will shift some production to lower-cost regions.

SOURCE: 1 + 2

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup - 8/25 - 8/31

HMD's Barbie flip phone is official

Meta reportedly scraps high-end Apple Vision Pro competitor

Google acknowledges Pixel 9 Pro XL wireless charging issues, working on fix

Apple shares 'Glowtime' event date, iPhone 16 lineup to take centre stage

EA to release a 'MySims: Cozy Bundle' on the Switch

'Civilization VII' is coming to a Switch near you

Capcom to launch a new classic fighting game compilation

'Castlevania' trilogy and more are hitting the Switch

'Sea of Stars' DLC "Throes of the Watchmaker" unveiled

'Yakuza Kiwami' to make its long-awaited debut on the Nintendo Switch

Dyson launches Airwrap i.d., its first Bluetooth-connected hair tool

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France

Get extra items with the 'Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Day One Edition'

Volkswagen's Golf EV might come out earlier than expected

Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance and GTX (Photo: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen's partnership with Rivian might bring the much-anticipated electric VW Golf to market sooner than expected. The German carmaker will reportedly launch the Golf EV to market in 2029, or even sooner, as its first electric vehicle based on its software-define Scalable Systems Platform.

Volkswagen expects its new joint venture with Rivian to pay dividends. It plans to invest up to US$5 billion, with US$3 billion going to Rivian and $2 billion going into the venture. According to reports, it will upgrade Volkswagen's Modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform to MEB+ in 2026. These moves can help ensure the Golf EV comes out sooner.

Click to read more ...