Automotive

Innovation Invasion

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Nothing, not even the fierce Detroit winter can get in the way of the annual exodus of automobile enthusiasts to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). I love cars, I’ve always been fascinated by them. I can talk confidently about driverless cars and am one hell of a parallel park-er. But if cars were video games, I’d be what you’d call a casual gamer, and maybe that’s why I am here.

To the casual observer, NAIAS 2016 is all about fancy new cars, and for the most part, that’s about right. All the big guns have come out to play with their best foots forward. At least 5 high-end luxury cars were unveiled at the show, and as many concept cars were introduced, teasing a not too distant future in travel.

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Behind the blue oval. The Ford booth at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.

This event sets the stage for the rest of the year and then some. And even sans an in-depth understanding of what makes cars tick, its pretty evident we have a lot to be excited about.

But there’s more to NAIAS 2016 than meets the eye. It is a critical time for the auto industry, fresh from a record breaking year of car sales, it is a time of much potential and growth. But looming in the shadows is a threat of disruption from the technology sector.

With fully automated, driverless cars almost tangible, and players like Apple and Google in the mix, tech companies are poised to change the game forever as automotive manufactures struggle to keep pace with technological innovations.

Which is understandable, its easier to build a smartphone, than it is to build a car. The average car product cycle is 3-5 years, upgrades are almost impossible unless you buy a new car, and most automotive giants are just not as nimble as a tech startup, or a tech giant with the resources to experiment on some crazy idea that may change the world. 

But there is one car company that’s dared to be different. Headquartered not too far from where NAIAS is taking place is the Ford Motor Company, technology savvy, innovation focused, and no longer just a car company anymore.

The self proclaimed mobility company is looking into a host of already existing technological advancements that can make their way into the cars of tomorrow. Beyond driverless cars there’s electrification of vehicles, always-on Internet connectivity, data collection, apps and software, and integration with the Internet of Things.

Smart Home Integration

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Sync 3 brings Amazon Echo and Alexa integration.

As the tech world zeroes in on the smart home, Ford believes cars can and should be part of the equation. Very soon, Ford cars will integrate seamlessly with existing smart hubs like Amazon Echo, a virtual personal assistant built into a cylindrical bluetooth speaker. Amazon Echo responds to voice commands and can control household appliances, answer Internet-based questions, and even online shop for you.   

Soon Amazon Echo will also be able to start your car, and tell you how far more you can drive based on your current fuel levels. Users will also be able to summon Echo remotely from inside their Ford vehicles, so you could for example, ask it to turn on the lights, or open the garage door as you approach.

Wearable Integration

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Soon smartwatches and fitness trackers will integrate better, and smarter with our cars.

Wearables are another growing trend in the consumer tech world and inside Ford’s newly minted Automotive Wearables Experience Lab, scientists are looking into how smartwatches and fitness trackers can best complement the driving experience.

From simple things like receiving alerts on your smartwatch when you leave car doors unlocked or your keys inside. To more high-tech solutions like automatically uploading health and sleep information from your wearable to your car, and having the car adjust safety settings based on its assessment of your current state. If your car thinks you didn’t get enough sleep, Ford’s adaptive cruise control technology can increase the distance between your car and other vehicles to allow more time for your reflexes to kick in case of a traffic incident.

Data Analytics

In its own respect Ford is working to make its own cars smarter. A joint project with IBM hopes to create a platform that will allow researchers to collect data from cars, identify trends and patterns, and use those findings to provide commuters with better transportation decisions. The nitty gritty of this platform is way too geeky, but it should theoretically be able to tell you when taking the subway, or a bicycle is a more time efficient means of getting to work on a particular day. The platform should also benefit what Ford calls Parking Prediction technology to help you find empty parking spots.

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Journalists swarm around the newly announced Ford vehicles after the Ford keynote at the North American International Auto Show.

While as expected, cars were front and center at the North American International Auto Show, Ford was looking beyonds cars. Don’t get me wrong, there were lots of new cars including the new super high-tech Fusion Sedan, the monster F-150 Raptor pickup truck, as well as the first pre-production model of the GT Super Car. 

Instead the message was about doing things differently and driving change. As the motoring world is bracing itself for disruption, Ford is on a bold path to disrupt themselves.

VLOG: Gorilla Glass on a Car

They’re on plenty of smartphones, but have you heard of Gorilla Glass windshields? #FordNAIAS

Posted by GadgetMatch on Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

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Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

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Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

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BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

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Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

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GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.

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