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Apple reportedly wants to base its electric car on the BMW i3

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That’s according to German publication Manager Magazin (via 9to5Mac). Their ‘sources’ claim that Apple has kicked off negotiations to use the BMW i3 as a basis for its own electric car.

Apparently the iPhone 6 maker is very interested in the i3’s carbon fiber body. The report states that Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives from Cupertino HQ have already visited BMW’s production facility in Leipzig, Germany to take a look around and see if a deal can be met.

While the i3 hasn’t been the smash-hit BMW probably expected or nearly as ground-breaking as Tesla’s electric cars, its carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body shell has made it the most energy efficient vehicle sold in the US.

Along with i8, the i3 has helped BMW sell a higher percentage of plug-in vehicles in the States than any other car maker, so it’s not hard to see the appeal it’s had for Apple.

The i3 isn’t hugely impressive on a technical level – especially compared to what Tesla has accomplished – but it is cheaper than one of Elon Musk’s rides. We’ve previously heard that Apple will being car production in 2020, so it’s got loads of time to develop the tech to go with it.

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.

As of yet, the i3 deal isn’t confirmed. The report says negotiations began last autumn, but were broken off and recently revisited. We’ll be sure to keep our ears to the ground for updates. 

BlackBerry may be forced to stop making phones

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BlackBerry has had a rough time of late, and it’s all down to money – or the lack of it rather. While it’s planning a comeback this year, CEO John Chen says the Canadian firm might have to get out of the smartphone game all together if the money doesn’t start rolling in soon.

“At a certain point in time, the economics take over,” explained the CEO.

The Bloomberg report reads: “If the current state continues for a long ‘long time’ and drags down the company’s shareholders and balance sheet, it wouldn’t be right to keep going.”

We can’t say we’re too surprised. After all, BlackBerry’s fall from grace has been well documented. When Chen joined the company, the company’s share of the smartphone market had slumped to less than one per cent, but sadly even his efforts have failed to make the required impact.

In the most recent quarter, the company’s smartphone turnover fell to $263 million – that’s 31 per cent down year-on-year. BlackBerry has also developed a number of handsets since Chen joined, including the Passport and the Classic, but the duo have not sold well.

BlackBerry’s next handset is widely tipped to be a premium Android phone dubbed the ‘Venice’ – which we got a first-look at earlier this month – followed by a low-end device known as the ‘Prague’.

Time will tell whether teaming up with Android was the right move. For BlackBerry's own sake, it needs to be. Otherwise BlackBerry will have no choice but to jump ship and try something new, BlackBerry PCs perhaps?

Logitech outs G310 mechanical gaming keyboard with Romer-G switches

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The G310 Atlas Dawn Compact Mechanical Gaming keyboard (to give it its full name) features Logitech's Romer-G switches, which the company claims are 25% faster than the ones on Cherry MX keyboard's mechanical switches and possess a 1.5mm actuation distance.

In theory, this means that it should take less time to execute commands while proving more durable in the long run.

Spotted on Logitech's Malaysian website, the G310 bears a resemblance to Logitech's Orion Spark G910 mechanical keyboard. It's shorter due to the lack of a number pad, which should make it more bag-friendly for easier transportation.

Other features include illuminated keys that work with Logitech Gaming Software, an Arx Control Dock that lets you prop up a smartphone to view in-game info and system statistics, and performance facet keycaps for comfortable typing.

Priced at 499 RM (around Rs. 8400), there's no word yet on UK pricing or availability. T3 has contacted Logitech to find out more.

Check out our best gaming keyboard 2015

 

 

Meerkat app: watch live GoPro streams

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Meerkat looks like it might have one up on Twitter-backed Periscope. Both apps aim to deliver live video from someone else straight to your eyes, however Meerkat’s new GoPro integration feature means that seeing your friend’s live stream will be more action packed and crystal clear than ever before.

The process of connecting your GoPro to your iPhone is ridiculously simple. After you’ve connected your iOS device via Wi-Fi, you open the Meerkat app on your phone, give it a good shake and your up and running. You can live stream your adventure from pretty much anywhere whether your bungee jumping out of a plane or surfing the waves, as long as your GoPro camera is within connection of your mobile device.

The only thing that Periscope currently has over Meerkat is that you can archive previous broadcasts, so that hilarious failed stunt your mate just pulled will be able to be replayed over and over. If Meerkat adopts this, and included intergration to Android it will blow the other live streaming competition out of the water. 

Don't forget to check out our guide to the best Android phone. 

New Chrome iOS update targets the Internet of Things

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The days of faffing around with different menus and buttons to navigate your web browser are finally over, with a simple swipe interface. Surfing the web on Chrome has never been so pleasurable. The only slight snag is that the swiping navigation only works if you’re on the same tab.

Also in this version of Chrome, Google has provided support for its physical web project enabling smart devices such as parking metres, bus stops and stadiums to communicate directly with a smartphone without using an app.

Google’s theory is that you should be able to walk up to a vending machine or a bus stop and be able to access info on that device straight away, without clogging up your iPhone with apps you’ll only use once.

It is only a development project at the moment so you’ll have to wait before you can use Chrome 44 with everyday smart devices. The swipe navigation however is definitely ready to roll.