Waze has just announced a handful of fresh updates that aim to make navigation smoother for everyone, from bike riders to daily commuters. For starters, motorcycle riders now have their own dedicated mode. This setting uses smart technology to find routes that suit bikes better, like smaller roads and special shortcuts. It also warns riders about bumpy roads, narrow bridges, and other hazards that can be tricky on two wheels. The app is also learning your habits. If you always take the freeway instead of side streets, Waze will start suggesting similar routes based on your past drives. You can turn this off if you prefer the old way. There is also a quieter voice option now. It cuts back on frequent updates so you hear fewer prompts, but you will still get key alerts for turns and road dangers. On the voice control side, Waze has made reporting easier. You can now speak naturally to tell the app about closed roads or wrong addresses. These reports get checked by vo...
The European Union passed legislation in 2023 requiring all portable electronic devices to have user-replaceable batteries by 2027. At first glance, the rule appears to have major implications for smartphones. However, not every device will be required to feature an easily removable battery. An amendment to the regulation states that devices are exempt if their batteries can retain at least 83% of their original capacity after 500 charge cycles and at least 80% after 1,000 charge cycles, provided they also carry an IP rating for dust and water resistance. In simpler terms, smartphones that can maintain at least 80% battery health after roughly three years of use and offer IP-certified water and dust resistance won’t need to adopt easily replaceable batteries. Fortunately for manufacturers, most modern smartphones and tablets already meet these requirements. Nearly all flagship models do, and even many midrange devices are capable of achieving the same battery ...