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Apple and BMW may resume car talks in the future

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Fresh word from the guys at Reuters has revealed a lot more about the Apple-BMW situation that we reported on last week.

According to “two sources familiar” with the matter, CEO Tim Cook did indeed visit BMW’s production facility in Leipzig, Germany last year. The reason being, apparently, was to “learn how it manufactures the i3 electric car”. Apple executives reportedly probed BMW board members on all matter of things, including tooling, production, and parts licensing.

“Apple executives were impressed with the fact that we abandoned traditional approaches to car making and started afresh,” a senior BMW source was reported as saying. “It chimed with the way they do things too.”

However, it seems talks hit a brick wall. It sounds like Apple wants to go at it alone, lone-wolf style.

“The dialogue ended without conclusion because Apple appears to want to explore developing a passenger car on its own,” the report said.

Meanwhile BMW was supposedly “cautious” about sharing “manufacturing know-how” with Apple because it doesn’t want to end up as a “mere supplier” to a software giant.

In other words, a deal isn’t on the cards. Although the report claims that “one of the sources said exploratory talks between senior managers may be revived at a later stage.” We’ll have to see, but a partnership would make sense. After all, Apple knows nothing about making cars while BMW could utilise Apple’s tech inside its own vehicles – a win-win situation on paper.

It’s worth noting that this wouldn’t be the first time BMW has dealt with Apple. Back in March, the company said it was working on connected car possibilities with Apple devices, and now you can use an Apple Watch to unlock an i3 or i8.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus renders leak

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We’re talking about the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus; two of the most anticipated phablets of 2015. And going from these new snaps, we’re sure as hell excited.

Courtesy of the notorious @Evleaks – a.k.a tech tipster Evan Blass – we’ve got our best look yet at the duo as they strut their stuff in a high-definition press render. And we’re loving them.

The Galaxy Note 5 seems to have borrowed the design from Galaxy S6 while the S6 Edge Plus appears to just be a larger (and probably more powerful) version of the smash-hit S6 Edge. Both phones have 5.7-inch screens, of 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution just like the S6.

The main difference between the two is that while the Note 5 has a flat screen, the S6 Edge Plus has one that curves at the sides, just like the S6 Edge.

If we were betting folk, we’d strongly put money on the phablet duo showing up at Samsung’s Unpacked event on August 13. We may well see the Samsung Gear A smartwatch tag along too.

Previous rumours suggest the Note 5 is the more powerful of the two, packing the new Samsung Exynos 7422 SoC, while the S6 Edge Plus will apparently use the Snapdragon 808 CPU. The latter is also expected to have a 16-megapixel main camera with OIS, 32GB storage and a 3000mAh battery.

Check out our S6 Edge deals

Google Glass 2: Coming to an office near you?

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Google Glass 2 is already being trialled and tested, according to The Wall Street Journal. The sequel to the original Google Glass – which is reportedly being aimed in industries such as health care, manufacturing and energy – is already said to be in the hands of several businesses.  

Specifically, a number of surgeons and field workers are apparently rocking the wearable computer, testing its ability in real-life situations. Using Google Glass in the workplace makes far more sense than out on the streets, as it can bypass many of the issues consumers had with the original – particularly privacy concerns sparked by its non-stop camera.

However, funnily enough, the report also claims Google wants to eventually release a consumer version too. Second time lucky, ay Google? It will be interesting to see if Google can capture the public’s attention this time around. A new design and improved features will be a good start.

WSJ's sources say that Google Glass 2, rather than being a full pair of specs, features "a button-and-hinge system to attach it to different glasses." The report also repeats previous rumours we’ve heard about a faster Intel processor and a beefier battery.

Google Glass 2 is also set to feature a "longer, thinner" display, able to be "moved vertically as well as horizontally," as well as being more rugged and water proof. Until we get confirmation, though, be sure to take these claims with a pinch of salt.

With the rumour mill hotting up, we want to know, what do you want to see from Google Glass 2? Let us know in the comments or at the T3 Facebook page.

There’s a chance your Nvidia Shield tablet may catch on fire

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That’s because the Android gaming slate has a tendency to catch on fire. According to Nvidia, there’s a serious issue with a certain type of battery that means the gaming slate is a “fire hazard”.

Nvidia is recalling every Shield tablet sold between July 2014 and July 2015. Although because the tablet first launched on July 29, 2014, it’s very likely that a large number of are going to be affected.

“Nvidia has determined the battery in these tablets can overheat and pose a fire hazard,” Nvidia explains. It continues: “Nvidia is asking customers to submit a claim for a replacement device.”

If you suspect you could be gaming on a ticking time-bomb, then here’s what you have to do. Firstly, Nvidia suggests you backup your data so it’s all safe and sound. The last thing you want is to lose hours worth of hard-earned progress.

Then, ironically, you must turn on the potentially dangerous slate and update to the latest software – which will be dated July 1, 2015, or newer – and then head to ‘About tablet’ in Settings.

Tap onto ‘Status’, and check the ‘Battery’ category. If it says B01, you’re safe and sound. However, if it says Y01, you better grab a fire extinguisher and say your goodbyes – it needs replacing.

To launch the recall application, you’ll just need to select the Y01 option. You must then head to Nvidia’s website, where you enter your contact details and the model serial number to be assessed for a replacement. If all checks out, it shouldn’t be too long before a new Shield reaches your doorstep.

Have you had overheating issues with your Nvidia Shield tablet or any other tech? Share your story in the comments or at the T3 Facebook page.

HP’s limited edition EliteBook Folio 1020 is the best-looking Windows 10 laptop yet

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HP’s original Folio 1020 was one of many notebooks modelled on the MacBook Air (i.e. aluminium-clad), but this incoming limited edition model, which is part of HP’s new portfolio of devices carrying the freshly launched Windows 10, successfully carves out its own distinct appearance.

The notebook’s black-and-copper colour scheme looks very tasty (and premium to boot), with a hinge that rivals Lenovo’s Yoga 3 Pro in the attractiveness stakes.

HP’s latest laptop isn’t all about appearances, though. It comes with Bang & Olufsen speakers for better sound quality than your average laptop’s sound system, which you will doubtless appreciate when watching a movie on the go.

HP also notes that the limited edition EliteBook Folio 1020 comes with dual-array microphones and noise cancelling software to better take advantage of Cortana, the digital assistant Microsoft has brought to the desktop with Windows 10 (there’s also an HD webcam on board, too).

Pricing hasn’t yet been confirmed, but it’s a fair guess this model will weigh in costing a bit more than the original Folio 1020. HP has promised it will share more details on the price tag prior to the launch of this machine, which will be out this autumn.

Like this? Then check out our review of Apple’s 12-inch MacBook