Apple to expand digital car key feature to more brands

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Apple wants you to ditch your car keys. The world's third-largest company announced it's expanding the Apple Wallet car key support to include even more automakers. That means more drivers will soon be able to lock, unlock, and even start their cars directly from their iPhones.
And some drivers will be able to ditch their clunky keys and fobs. Apple first launched digital car keys in 2020, but until now, the feature was limited to a handful of high-end vehicles from specific brands.
Acura, Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC are joining the lineup in the US, bringing the total number of global partner brands to 13, Apple said on Monday at its Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC.
Until now, the feature was only in cars produced by luxury automakers like Volvo, Genesis, Rivian, Audi, and BMW — and only in some of their products. Hyundai and Kia were the only budget-friendly options in the original rollout.
Apple didn't say exactly when the feature will be available in new cars, only saying the launch was coming 'soon.' A representative didn't immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
It's a move that continues Apple's slow but deliberate push into the auto industry. Between 2014 and 2024, the company spent billions attempting to develop an Apple Car, codenamed 'Project Titan .' But after 10 years in the lab, Apple cancelled the project last year .
Instead, the tech giant has poured millions of dollars into developing its popular phone-mirroring system that projects apps and widgets onto car screens, called Apple CarPlay. The investment shows the tech giant is clearly interested in becoming the digital interface for the modern vehicle.
Apple also unveiled a new look and feel for soon-to-launch CarPlay updates. The company teased a redesigned version of the system with its controversial Liquid Glass aesthetic, interactive tiles, and new standby widgets that keep things like clocks and calendar events visible while the car idles.
Not every automaker is on board with Apple's vision for the dashboard. The CarPlay update has faced a surprising amount of resistance in the automotive sector. General Motors — which owns Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC — has already started phasing out Apple CarPlay in its new electric vehicles.
Instead of mirroring your iPhone, GM's EVs now run on Ultifi, its in-house software platform. The company has poured millions into developing the system as part of a broader strategy to control the user experience — and the valuable data that comes with it.
And GM isn't alone. Some of the biggest names in the EV world, including Tesla and Rivian , have never supported CarPlay. These automakers are betting that drivers will adapt to native systems that are more tightly integrated with the car itself.

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NBC News

22 minutes ago

• NBC News

I've tested over 50 wireless earbuds — here are the best for fitness, noise-cancelling and more

I'm using wireless earbuds constantly. I'm tuning out noise on the subway to listen to a podcast. I'm taking calls at work. I'm listening to music while I work out. I always have a pair in my bag or my pocket. But there are so many options on the market, making it hard to know which is best for you and your needs. As NBC Select's tech reporter, I test earbuds on an almost monthly basis. Below are some of the best of the best for all kinds of activities and budgets. How I test wireless earbuds I try new earbuds all the time, incorporating them into my daily routine. That means office work, video calls, subway commutes, outdoor runs, indoor gym time and watching videos on my phone, tablet or laptop. While using earbuds, I pay close attention to the following: Comfort: A pair of earbuds is only useful if you feel comfortable wearing them for hours at a time. I wore earbuds for upwards of 3 hours to get a feel for long-term comfort. I also tried different-sized ear tips to find my ideal fit. Everyone's ears are a little different. If the earbuds don't fit comfortably right out the box, try different eartips to get a more comfortable fit. Noise cancellation: I used each pair of earbuds for my office commute on the NYC subway. I also used them in-office to block out background noise and conversations. Sound quality: I listened to the same music playlist with each pair of earbuds to identify differences in sound quality and instrumentation. Ease of use: When trying earbuds, I used the on-ear controls to take calls, play media and more. I also downloaded each brand's mobile app, noting how easy it was to use and the utility offered. Some earbuds let you connect to multiple devices at the same time, this is called Bluetooth multipoint — I tried this feature with my phone, tablet and laptop when available. Battery life: I tried each pair of earbuds for at least a week. Throughout that period, I paid attention to how many times I needed to charge them. The best wireless earbuds After trying out dozens of earbuds, my top picks came from brands like Apple, Google, Beats, Bose and Shokz. If you own an iPhone, these are the earbuds to get. They are comfortable, have excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They are also good for basically any activity you throw at them including outdoor runs and workouts. With noise cancellation turned on, chatter and music at the gym fade instantly, in my experience. With transparency mode on, I can hear my surroundings very clearly, perfect for running outdoors. AirPods Pro 2 also includes four ear tip sizes in the box, more than most brands, which can help you get a more comfortable fit for your ears. The buds also have great on-ear controls, including a swipe on the ear stem to control volume. If all of this sounds good to you, but you can't stand rubber eartips clogging your ears, consider Apple AirPods 4 ANC instead. They have similarly great sound and call quality, but leave your ears more open because they don't have rubber eartips. However, this does mean the noise cancellation is less effective than AirPods Pro 2, in my experience. Anyone with an Android phone looking for one pair of do-it-all earbuds should consider these latest Google Pixel buds. The new design has a mini wing-tip stabilizer in each ear that fits snugly and makes them stable and secure for workouts. 'They are comfortable and don't hurt the inside of my ear within an hour of wearing them,' says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get fully featured earbuds — these have active noise canceling, transparency mode, Bluetooth multipoint and wireless charging, all for under $100. They are comfortable, sound surprisingly good and can compete with earbuds that are much pricier. The only downside is noise cancellation — it's okay, but isn't very useful against plane, train and car noise. The Liberty 4 NC is not the brand's latest model, and while I would love to recommend the newer Anker Soundcore Liberty 5, which are excellent, they are $130, which I don't consider 'budget.' These are some of the most affordable wireless earbuds that still deliver a steady Bluetooth connection, surprisingly good sound quality and a convenient charging case. The earbuds and case have a combined battery life of around 32 hours, and the case has a cable built-in for convenient recharging. If you purchase the earbuds from the brand's website, you can choose from 13 bright and earth-tone colorways. They don't have active noise canceling or transparency modes, and the app is a little lackluster, but these are fair trade-offs for such a low price. If your top priority is blocking out background noise like the hum of a plane cabin, rattling train cars and water cooler talk, these earbuds are for you. They have the best noise cancellation of any earbud I've tried, full stop. Plus they sound amazing, with detailed instrumentation in music and clear audio in TV shows and movies. They are big earbuds, though — I don't find them particularly comfortable for fitness and exercise. They are also pricey at $300. If you're willing to sacrifice a little noise cancelling power, consider the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds as a more affordable runner-up. The Beats Fit Pro have been one of my go-to workout headphones for years and remain a favorite after all this time. The wing-tip design creates a secure fit that never faltered during runs, bike rides or gym time. But unlike full ear-hook earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro case is just small enough to be pocketable. Both earbuds have physical button controls that are easy to use, even when I am wearing thick gloves during a winter run. You can press either button to stop, start and skip songs, and holding the button changes between noise cancellation and transparency mode. The Beats Fit Pro pairs easily with my iPhone and I have a similar experience on Android using the Beats mobile app. The Beats Fit Pro are dated, though. They originally launched in 2021, and are due for an upgrade. Open earbuds rest on the outside of your ear instead of going inside of your ear canal. I use them on bike rides while NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson uses them for runs and races like the New York City Marathon — it makes it easier to hear nearby cars, bikes and pedestrians. While I'm partial to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, I admit that the more versatile option for everyday use is the Shokz OpenFit 2. They are small and comfortable, have great sound quality (for open earbuds) and fit in a relatively pocketable charging case. But, like with any pair of open earbuds, don't expect them to block any noisy neighbors while working out at the gym. A newer offshoot of open earbuds is clip-on earbuds. These earbuds wrap around your outer ear like an ear cuff, leaving your ear canal open and the top of your ears free for things like glasses and hats. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are some of the best clip-on earbuds I've tried (with a price tag to match). They don't look very secure at a glance, but after multiple 5Ks and 15 plus mile bike rides, they are some of the most secure open earbuds you can get. They are also comfortable, lightweight and unobtrusive — I wore them for a full day and forgot they were on my ears multiple times. Clip-on earbuds don't have the best sound quality — the speakers are further away from your ears. While audio quality on the Ultra Open Earbuds is good, call quality isn't great. You can learn more in my Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review. , JLab Flex Open or Soundpeats Pop Clip earbuds instead — they are all much cheaper, but have a similar shape and size to the Ultra Open. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the most secure workout headphones I've ever tested. The earhook design and general fit take a minute to set into your ear, but once they're settled, they are rock solid and don't budge no matter what I am doing. The earbuds have noise cancellation and transparency modes, on ear media and volume controls, a wireless charging case and work well on both iPhone and Android devices. They also have built-in heart rate sensors in each earbud, and while a little finicky to sync, they are nice to have if you don't already use a fitness tracker or smart ring. You can read more in my Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review. My previous earhook pick, the JBL Endurance Peak 3, is still a great option if you are looking for something simple, secure and less pricey. Best cheap earhook: For $30, I was surprised by the quality of these earbuds. They have a large ear hook design that wraps around the back of your ears — I found them to be tight and comfortable, but not so snug that I couldn't hear traffic noise or other runners around me. Plus they have a transparency mode and customizable settings through the JLab app. I think these are best as a second pair of earbuds you use specifically for working out or going for a run. You can be a little more carefree with a $30 pair of earbuds than a $300 pair. How to shop for wireless earbuds There are hundreds of wireless earbuds on the market. Some can look almost identical, but they can vary wildly in features and price. Below are a few factors to keep in mind while shopping for a new pair. Operating System (iPhone and Android) Not all wireless earbuds play nice with both Apple and Android devices. If you use Apple AirPods on an Android device, for example, most of their features will be difficult or impossible to use. Earbuds that work well on both platforms tend to have useful standalone apps that can help control noise cancellation, audio equalization and more. Automated noise canceling and transparency Noise canceling and transparency modes are both useful features that add versatility to any pair of earbuds. Noise canceling blocks outside sound, while transparency mode lets sound in so you can better hear the noise around you, a useful safety feature for activities like outdoor running. Cheaper earbuds (under $100) may have one or both built-in, but generally don't perform as well as pricier options. (under $250). Water and dust resistance Water and dust resistance is indicated by an earbud's IP (ingress protection) rating. IP ratings are denoted with two numbers, for example, IP55. The first digit represents intrusion protection against dust and debris. The second digit denotes moisture protection. If you want to wear your earbuds in wet and rainy conditions, get a pair with a higher IP rating, they are less likely to malfunction in bad weather. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on fitness trackers, running shoes and cameras. I try new earbuds and headphones constantly, and spoke with other NBC Select team members about their experience with earbuds they use and have used previously.

Reuters

27 minutes ago

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$177 million AT&T data breach settlement wins US court approval

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Geeky Gadgets

30 minutes ago

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Lymow One: The Boundary-Free Robot Mower That Finally Tackles Real Lawns

If you've ever tried a robot mower only to pull it out, dusty and defeated, you're not alone. Most legacy models hobble around with boundary wires, low wheels, and shaky navigation. Enter the Lymow One—a wire-free powerhouse built to take on slopes, obstacles, and sprawling lawns. It's already pulled in over $7 million on Kickstarter, and for good reason. Watch this video on YouTube. Pro-Grade Cuts, No Compromises Lymow One's front-mounted cutting deck isn't just for show—it's engineered for serious mowing performance. At the core is the LYCUT system, a dual-blade setup spinning at 6000 RPM, paired with a high-speed centrifugal fan to keep clippings from clumping. Need a precise cut? You can dial in the mowing height from 1.2 to 4 inches to match your lawn's exact vibe. 9× More Efficient Than Typical Robotic Mowers While most robotic mowers crawl around at a snail's pace, Lymow One covers serious ground. With a 16-inch cutting width and up to 3.3 ft/s mowing speed, it can mow up to 0.57 acres on a single charge—the same job that takes other bots all day. While most robotic mowers crawl around at a snail's pace, Lymow One covers serious ground. With a 16-inch cutting width and up to 3.3 ft/s mowing speed, it can mow up to 0.57 acres on a single charge—the same job that takes other bots all day. Adapts to Any Grass From tall fescue to thick St. Augustine, Lymow One doesn't flinch. Its 6000 RPM rotary blades slice through even tough or overgrown patches, and it handles fallen fruit, pinecones, and twigs without jamming or stalling. From tall fescue to thick St. Augustine, Lymow One doesn't flinch. Its 6000 RPM rotary blades slice through even tough or overgrown patches, and it handles fallen fruit, pinecones, and twigs without jamming or stalling. Real Mulching for a Healthier Lawn Lymow One doesn't just cut—it feeds your lawn. The mulching blades finely chop clippings into nutrient-rich bits, while a 27 mph centrifugal fan disperses them evenly and prevents clogging. That means healthier growth, cleaner finishes, and less post-mow mess. Tank Tracks for Terrain Mastery Let's be real—most lawns aren't pristine golf courses. Slopes, roots, and soft spots are part of the deal. Lymow One's rugged tracked drive system tackles slopes up to 45° (100%)—the steepest of any robot mower on the market. With 2 inches of ground clearance, it powers through uneven terrain, twigs, and bumps without getting stuck. If your yard has hills, dips, or areas that stay squishy after rain, this is the mower that keeps going while others spin their wheels. Smarter Navigation That Doesn't Get Lost Lymow One isn't just smart—it's situationally aware. While most robotic mowers struggle in complex environments, Lymow One combines multiple navigation systems to stay on course, avoid trouble, and deliver consistent results. Reliable Navigation The RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) system gives Lymow One centimeter-level GPS precision in open areas, while VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) takes over near trees, fences, or buildings where GPS alone can't cut it. The result? Flawless pathing, even in complex, cluttered lawns. The RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) system gives Lymow One centimeter-level GPS precision in open areas, while VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) takes over near trees, fences, or buildings where GPS alone can't cut it. The result? Flawless pathing, even in complex, cluttered lawns. AI-Powered Obstacle Avoidance Equipped with advanced depth estimation algorithm and semantic AI vision, Lymow One accurately identifies common lawn obstacles—such as toys, pets, sprinklers, and garden furniture—allowing it to navigate safely and efficiently without requiring constant user intervention. Equipped with advanced depth estimation algorithm and semantic AI vision, Lymow One accurately identifies common lawn obstacles—such as toys, pets, sprinklers, and garden furniture—allowing it to navigate safely and efficiently without requiring constant user intervention. Full App Control from Anywhere With the Lymow app, everything you need is right at your fingertips. Schedule mow times, manage zones, set no-go areas, adjust cutting height, and monitor progress—all from your phone. If the mower leaves its geo-fenced area, you'll get instant alerts and can remotely lock the device if someone tries to take it off your property. Built Rugged for the Long Haul Lymow One is built for serious use, not just sunny weekends. It features a die-cast aluminum frame optimized with FEM engineering, IPX6 waterproofing, and a 300W intelligent brushless motor that dynamically adjusts for performance and longevity. It's powered by a LiFePO₄ battery—the gold standard in safety and longevity—capable of over 2,000 recharge cycles in lab tests. Translation? This mower is in it for the long game. Advanced Safety Features That Just Make Sense Lymow One is designed to mow smart—and stop smarter. Its multi-layered safety system ensures peace of mind on every run: Sees and Reacts Intelligently AI vision with semantic recognition and depth sensing helps Lymow One identify objects and avoid trouble, while ultrasonic sensors and a responsive bumper prevent collisions before they happen. AI vision with semantic recognition and depth sensing helps Lymow One identify objects and avoid trouble, while ultrasonic sensors and a responsive bumper prevent collisions before they happen. Stops Instantly When It Should . Off-ground detection halts the blades the moment the deck lifts, and a physical emergency stop button brings everything to a stop in under a second. . Off-ground detection halts the blades the moment the deck lifts, and a physical emergency stop button brings everything to a stop in under a second. Protects Itself and Your Yard A durable blade fender shields the mower from rocks, branches, and lawn debris, ensuring safer cuts and longer-lasting performance. Lymow One Key Specs Feature Spec Navigation RTK + VSLAM Coverage Up to 0.57 acres per charge Runtime Up to 3 hours on a single charge Slope Handling Up to 45° (100%) Cutting Height Adjustable from 1.2 to 4 inches Cutting Width 16 inches Blade Speed 6000 RPM Motor Power 300W rated, 1200W peak output Map Storage Up to 15 acres Final Geeky Take The Lymow One is a thrilling leap forward in robotic mowing, where smart tech meets uncompromised cutting performance and rugged design. With tank-like traction, AI-powered vision, centimeter-level RTK navigation, and serious mowing muscle, it's hands-down the most capable machine we've seen for homeowners with large lawns, tough terrain, or finicky grass. That said, if you're looking for something rock-solid and 100% polished, you might want to wait for more user reviews post-shipping. As with any next-gen gear, early adopters could run into setup quirks or firmware hiccups. But if you're the kind of user who gets excited about high-tech problem-solvers and tricky mowing conditions, Lymow One might just be your dream machine. It's currently available for pre-order on Lymow's official website with an $800 launch discount, and is expected to ship in July and August depending on the region. Grab yours here! Filed Under: Gadgets News, Guides, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.