Apple Introduces 15-inch MacBook Pro with Force Touch Trackpad & New iMac with Retina 5K Display

CUPERTINO, California―May 19, 2015―Apple® today updated the 15-inch MacBook Pro® with Retina® display with the new Force Touch trackpad, faster flash storage, longer battery life and faster discrete graphics, delivering even more performance and capabilities to the MacBook Pro line. Apple also today introduced a new $1,999 configuration of the 27-inch iMac® with Retina 5K display featuring a breathtaking 14.7 million pixel display, quad-core processors and AMD graphics, and lowered the price of the top-end iMac with Retina 5K display to $2,299.

The updated 15-inch MacBook Pro features the amazing Force Touch trackpad that brings a new dimension of interactivity to the Mac®. With built-in force sensors and a Taptic Engine that delivers haptic feedback, the Force Touch trackpad allows you to click anywhere with a uniform feel and customize the amount of pressure needed to register each click. The new trackpad supports a range of new gestures, including the new Force click, and APIs are available for third-party developers to incorporate Force Touch capabilities into their apps. The updated 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display also features up to 2.5 times faster flash storage than the previous generation, with throughput up to 2GBps, and offers an additional hour of battery life, with up to 9 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 9 hours of iTunes® movie playback.* In addition, MacBook Pro with Retina display discrete graphics deliver up to 80 percent faster performance using new AMD Radeon R9 M370X graphics for editing video in Final Cut Pro® X, rendering 3D images in pro graphics apps or playing high-resolution games.**

To read more go to: https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2015/05/19Apple-Introduces-15-inch-MacBook-Pro-with-Force-Touch-Trackpad-New-1-999-iMac-with-Retina-5K-Display.html

Michelin and The Weather Channel Team Up for a S.A.F.E.R. Summer Driving Season

 

                                     

As National Tire Safety Week (May 24-30) kicks off the summer travel season, Michelin and The Weather Channel (Weather) have teamed up to provide motorists with critical information about the weather's impact on ensuring a "S.A.F.E.R." journey ahead.

Michelin experts and The Weather Channel meteorologists will take advantage of Weather's exclusive and popular "Road Ready" digital and broadcast platforms to provide motorists with driving tips for various weather conditions and other safety advice.

Safety starts with tread depth. Drivers cross in and out of pop-up summer downpours. Insufficient tread-depth results in less grip and longer stopping distances, especially on wet roads. Check your tires' tread depth before you hit the road.

Air pressure matters. Tires don't carry the weight of your vehicle, the tires' air pressure inside does. Underinflated tires provide less traction, reduce fuel efficiency, wear out prematurely, and most importantly, incur hard-to-see irreparable damage that compromises performance and safety.

As a general rule, your tire pressure will gain or lose 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10° F change in temperature — and motorists can see dramatic temperature swings in a single day of summer driving. Check your tires' air pressure when tires are "cold"' in the morning and compare to the placard on the doorjamb before hitting the road for vacation travel.

Ease your load. Overloading your vehicle can create excessive heat inside your tires, which can cause severe damage that leads to tire stress and failure. Follow the manufacturer's loading recommendation on the vehicle information placard on the doorjamb or in the vehicle owners' manual.

Rain means slow down. Drive with two hands in wet weather, slow down before turning and maintain a consistent speed. Under deceleration, the front contact patches of your tires get larger, and are better able to handle cornering forces, providing better traction.

For more information and additional tips on safe driving, visit: www.michelinman.com // http://michelinmedia.com/c2/weather-channel-safe-driving/

South Beach’s largest and most opulent mega-nightclub

Story is one of the city’s top entertainment venues located in the tony South of Fifth Street District. Offering guests almost 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art party space, the club provides a high energy atmosphere that moves to the beat of some of the biggest names in the music industry. Just last month, one of the most respected trade organizations – Nightclub & Bar Media Group – named STORY the 2014 Nightclub of the Year!

The club features a sweeping center staircase, alligator printed columns and synchronized LED lighting programmed to move to the beat. Conceived by prominent designer Francois Frossard, STORY boasts a half-million dollar Dynachord sound system that is unmatched by any club in town.

An in-house production and design team transforms the venue into an endless variety of settings so guests should always expect a new and extravagant nightlife adventure.

STORY

136 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach, FL

Check for more info at: http://www.southbeachmagazine.com/story/

The first licenced autonomous driving truck in the US

Vehicle manufacturer Daimler this week announced that its Freightliner Inspiration Truck has become the world's first autonomous truck to be granted a licence for road use in the State of Nevada.

In July last year, Daimler provided the world's first demonstration of an autonomous truck in action, when the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 drove along a cordoned-off section of the A14 autobahn near Magdeburg, Germany. Engineers then transferred the system to the US brand Freightliner and created the Inspiration Truck – modified for use on American highways. The result: the State of Nevada has certified no less than two Freightliner Inspiration Trucks for regular operations on public roads. Governor Brian Sandoval handed over the official Nevada licence plates during a ceremony at the Las Vegas Motor Speed.

This futuristic vehicle is based on the existing Freightliner Cascadia model, but has the addition of "Highway Pilot" technology. The latter combines a sophisticated stereo camera and radar technology with systems providing lane stability, collision avoidance, speed control, braking, steering and an advanced dash display, allowing for safe autonomous operation on public highways. These components were extensively tested. As part of the truck's so-called Marathon Run, it covered over 10,000 miles (16,000 km) on a test circuit in Papenburg, Germany.

 The vehicle operates safely under a wide range of conditions – it will automatically comply with posted speed limits, regulate the distance from the vehicle ahead and use the stop-and-go function during rush hour. The driver can deactivate the Highway Pilot manually and is able to override the system at any time. If the vehicle is no longer able to process crucial aspects of its environment, e.g. due to road construction or bad weather, the driver is prompted to retake control.

A large, state-of-the-art dash interface, combined with video displays from the various cameras, is designed to offer a great driver experience and to vastly improve the way data from the truck's performance is communicated to the driver. Highway Pilot informs the driver visually on its current status and also accepts commands from the driver.

To read more visit: http://www.futuretimeline.net/blog/2015/05/7.htm#.VWW-A9J_Oko

Goodyear supports troops with branded tires

NASCAR drivers rolling on Goodyear tires are switching to specially branded "Support Our Troops" tires during the Memorial Day weekend.

For the sixth straight year, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., is rallying NASCAR fans to support members of the U.S. armed forces through its “Goodyear Gives Back” charitable program benefiting the Support Our Troops organization.

To kick off the program, Goodyear is transforming its NASCAR race tires by replacing the “Eagle” sidewall design with “Support Our Troops” messaging on all tires used during Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This effort coincides with the launch of Goodyear's charity auction at www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack, which features autographed NASCAR memorabilia, VIP race experiences and rides on the Goodyear Blimp.

Proceeds benefit Support Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that works to bolster the morale and well-being of America’s troops and their families. To-date, Goodyear Gives Back has generated nearly $1 million in cash and product donations to support the cause.

To read more visit: www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack

Goodyear Eagle Tires Chosen Exclusively for All-New 2016 Chevrolet Camaro

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced that Chevrolet’s full line of 2016 Camaro models will roll exclusively on Goodyear Eagle performance tires.

According to Chevrolet, the sixth generation Camaro has been redesigned from the ground up to offer the exceptional driving dynamics and refinement of a world-class performance car.

As the vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, tire development was an important component of the overall performance equation. Goodyear engineers worked closely with the Camaro development team to design and engineer tires to deliver superior performance. The project, which included more than 13,000 hours of tire development and testing, resulted in three unique tire fitments engineered to complement the performance and character of the new Camaro.

“Goodyear and Chevrolet share a similar heritage, built on both performance and innovation,” said Johann Finkelmeier, Goodyear’s vice president of North America original equipment sales. “Each of our Eagle performance tires have been tuned to the Camaro chassis, and incorporate Goodyear’s innovative advancements in tire technology to deliver superior traction and handling.”

In LT trim, the Camaro features standard 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season tires in size 245/50R18. The Eagle Sport All-Season, featuring an innovative tread compound, offers powerful performance with responsive handling and strong grip in all-season conditions.

Also available are optional 20-inch wheels, wrapped with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season RunOnFlat® tires in size 245/40R20. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season is Goodyear’s premium ultra-high performance all-season tire. It features a dual-zone asymmetric tread pattern, which includes a Dry Handling Zone on the outside shoulder for enhanced handling and grip and an All-Season Zone on the inside shoulder to help shed water and slush for enhanced wet traction.

The Camaro SS features 20-inch aluminum wheels equipped with Goodyear’s next-generation ultra-high performance summer tire—the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat®—in size 245/40ZR20 (front) and 275/35ZR20 (rear). The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is Goodyear’s premium offering for responsive handling and control in both dry and wet conditions, and will debut on the Camaro SS before its full release in 2016. The tire was extensively tested on the 2016 Camaro SS at a number of world-renowned race tracks, including Virginia International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Both the Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season and the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 feature Goodyear’s RunOnFlat® technology, which allows consumers to drive up to 50 miles on a deflating or deflated tire at a top speed of 50 mph.

To seecomplete report see: https://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/corporate/media/news/story.cfm?a_id=1079

View from the Top: Photos From the World's Most Iconic Landmarks

Upon arriving in a destination, an effective way to get the lay of the land is to look down on the city from above. Whether from the roof of a centuries-old cathedral, the summit of a mountain, or the observation deck of a skyscraper, these views can offer travelers a breathtaking new perspective on even the most popular tourist spots. Scared of heights? Get a vertigo fix without leaving your living room, with photos from the top of 21 landmarks around the world.

 Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia 

Thrill-seekers know the best view of Sydney’s famed Opera House comes from the top of Harbour Bridge. Climb to almost 440 feet above sea level for an unobstructed vista of the city below. 

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur 

No trip to the Malaysian capital would be complete without an expedition to the top of these twin towers. Visit the observation deck on the 86th floor, or walk between the structures on theSkybridge, 557 feet above ground.

The Empire State Building in NYC 

Once an airship docking station, the Empire State Building now stands as an icon in New York City’s skyline. Head up to the main observation deck on the 86th floor for expansive views of The Big Apple’s most notable landmarks.

Grand Canyon 

For a truly vertigo-inducing visit to the Grand Canyon, take a stroll on the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed, horseshoe-shaped platform that extends over the western end of the natural wonder, nearly 4,000 feet above the floor.

The Shard, London

 The Shard, London

London's iconic, Renzo Piano-designed skyscraper offers visitors a view of the city skyline from 800 feet up. Once you’re at the top, pause for a snapshot, or, if you’re feeling peckish, a picnic.

check for more pics at: http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/view-from-the-top-photos-from-the-worlds-most-iconic-landmarks/4

Bridgestone ups traction on soft terrain with new BATTLECROSS X20

Bridgestone Corporation today announced that it is expanding its hot new BATTLECROSS motocross tire line-up with the launch of BATTLECROSS X20 for soft terrain. Developed on the race track with professional riders in top motocross competitions, the X20 features new Castle Block technology and a pattern layout proven to dramatically increase traction, cornering grip and the tire's working range. It will be available in April and have 1 size for front wheel and 3 sizes for rear wheel.

BATTLECROSS X20 builds on the strong reputation created by X30 for medium terrain and X40 for hard terrain launched in 2014. Both tires have received sensational reviews from MX riders and pundits everywhere. The X20 now brings all types of motocross riders, from championship competitors to young beginners, a new level of performance in soft conditions.

The redesigned block pattern with increased stiffness and edge component delivers stronger cornering grip and traction on muddy tracks, slippery sand and softer terrain. Combined with Bridgestone's Castle Block, which unleash more edge effect and traction on firmer ground, the new BATTLECROSS X20 also gives riders more options across a wider range of terrain.

Through its extensive line-up of products, including off-road products, Bridgestone continues to support riders and riding activities.

find more at: http://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/2015012901.html

Goodyear, PPG collaborate on new tire line

AKRON—Goodyear has begun using a “next-generation” silica, co-developed with the chemical concern PPG Industries Inc., in a limited range of tires that PPG claims can yield improvements in fuel efficiency, traction and treadwear of up to 10 percent.

Goodyear’s first application of the technology is in its EfficientGrip SUV tire, which is being launched this month throughout Latin America. Goodyear did not quantify the fuel efficiency gains it expects from the new tire line.

Goodyear said it has worked with PPG for more than a decade to determine the effects of chemically treated silica on tire performance. The goal was to reduce rolling resistance without producing a detrimental effect on traction in wet conditions.

Goodyear said it is using PPG’s Agilon performance silica in the EfficientGrip’s tread compound, which when combined with a new tread pattern yields reduced rolling resistance and improved wet traction.

When substituted for the traditional silica-silane combination in tire compounds, Agilon performance silica can improve vehicle fuel efficiency, tire traction and treadwear by as much as 5 to 10 percent, Jain said. Silica is used as a reinforcing agent in tire tread compounds in place of carbon black, a traditional reinforcing agent for tires.

Goodyear said Agilon also yields environmental benefits. Since it is easier to mix into compounds, factories consume less energy in the tire production process and lessen emissions.

Complete report at http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20150506/NEWS/150509968/goodyear-ppg-collaborate-on-new-tire-line

Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires: Which is the Best Choice?

The Ultra High Performance All-Season category has seen tremendous growth in recent years and makes a good amount of sense for a large percentage of our customer base. With a focus on both performance attributes and reasonable treadlife, this performance category appeals to enthusiasts who desire balance and year-round use out of a single set of tires. Often times, we also see customers in very mild climates migrating to this category simply seeking longer life than they would receive with a dedicated summer-only tire.

With many players in this expanding segment, there are many good choices.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS:

Long considered the king of this category, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS seems to do everything quite well. If snow traction is a focus of yours, you would be hard pressed to find a better tire in this category. While the tire has never been the fastest in the dry, it provides flexibility in all weather conditions that is difficult to match. This tire is among our best sellers for customers in northern climates and has logged over 40 million miles in our consumer surveys!

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3:

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 is a blisteringly fast tire in the dry and wet and communicates wonderfully with its driver. It wears better than a performance summer tire due to its harder tread compound and is available in a wide array of sizes offering coverage for most popular applications. While fast and composed in the dry and wet, this tire suffers a bit in snow and is best suited for a mild climate.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season:

While not as sharp in the dry as the Michelin, or as aggressive in the snow as the Continental, the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season catches a driver's eye because it is so well-rounded. It is also very well priced and is a bargain amongst other reputable brand name options. Due to its versatility, we have seen positive reviews from customers in various parts of the country.

see more at: http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20150225/NEWS/150229962/consumer-reports-names-top-tire-in-2015

What’s Inside a Tire

TREAD: Provides traction and cornering grip

BELTS:   Stabilize and strengthen the tread

SIDEWALL:Protects the side of the tire from road and curb damage

BODY PLY:Gives the tire strength and flexibility

BEAD:Assures an air-tight fit with the wheel

INNERLINER:Keeps air inside the tire

Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability and safety. Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle. Every tire is carefully inspected, and random samples are pulled for additional safety tests. As part of these tests, tires are x-rayed, cut apart and examined, run on test wheels, or road-tested to evaluate handling, mileage and traction performance. If properly cared for, tires can last a long time – usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the application.

How a Tire is Made

As many as two hundred different raw materials combine into a unique mix of chemistry, physics and engineering to give consumers the highest degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability and safety modern technology and creativity can provide. Here are the basic steps:

Planning and Design

Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle. The process begins with a computer, which converts the mathematics of the car’s special needs into specifications. A prototype tire is then made to test the tire design’s ability to provide the desired characteristics. Custom-designing a tire for a particular vehicle typically takes many months of testing, inspection, and quality checks by the tire maker and the vehicle maker. Only then does the vehicle maker commit with an order.

Manufacturing

The production process begins with the selection of several types of rubber along with special oils, carbon black, pigments, antioxidants, silica, and other additives that will combine to provide the exact characteristics wanted. Separate compounds are used for different parts of the tire. A machine called a banbury mixer combines the various raw materials for each compound into a homogenized batch of black material with the consistency of gum. The mixing process is computer-controlled to assure uniformity. The compounded materials are then sent to machines for further processing into the sidewalls, treads or other parts of the tire.

For complete post go to: http://www.rma.org/tire-safety/tire-basics/

Continental kicks off multimedia campaign on more grip for Adidas shoes

It’s a common question when looking for a tire, should I get a run flat tire or not? We’ve all been in that Innovative rubber compounds deliver marked increase in grip for adidas shoes

 Three men’s marathon world records and multiple course records set

 More than 80 different running, trekking, and outdoor shoes already on the market

The many parallels between tires and shoes are not hard to find: Tires are to cars what shoes are to runners – they form the only link with the ground and must ultimately be able to transmit all of the forces involved. The rubber compounds specially developed for adidas by Continental feature particularly high levels of grip on all surfaces, helping runners to conserve energy that would go to waste in a shoe with less grip. “Through our interactive, multimedia GetYourGrip campaign, we are out to raise awareness of how the technology transfer from tires to shoes can result in performance improvements of up to 30 percent,” says Alexander Bahlmann, Head of PR, Passenger and Light Truck Tires at Continental. “The fascinating thing here is the sheer range of applications of these shoes that now extends from running, outdoor, and trekking, all the way to snowboard shoes.” 

The campaign kicks off with a breathtaking video in which a professional parkour runner or “traceur” takes on a Continental test engineer in a Multivan. The duel begins in downtown Hanover, runs over a range of different surfaces, and culminates at Continental’s unique AIBA fully automated indoor tire testing facility at the company’s Contidrom proving grounds. The technology transfer process is clearly illustrated, with several tire experts providing helpful explanations. The nerve center of the campaign is the www.getyourgrip.com website although many other communications channels form part of the activation, including Continental postings on the social network Facebook (www.facebook.com/continental) and on the video channel YouTube. 

To see complete story go to: http://www.continentaltire.com/node/3692

Decoding MPG-e

Mpg-e was actually pretty tricky to develop. Gasoline is measured in gallons, which is a measure of volume. If you were to measure electricity use of EVs and plug-in hybrids, you’d use kilowatt-hours – which is the equivalent power output of 1,000 watts over one hour. You’re probably familiar with kilowatt-hours because that’s the unit electric companies use to compute your electric bill. So, when coming up with mpg-e, the EPA had to figure out how to convert a measure of energy use over time into a measure of volume. This isn’t just figuring out a way to compare apples to oranges. It’s more akin to figuring out a way to compare apples to land speed records.

Even though a gallon is a measure of volume, the gasoline in that gallon contains energy. You release that energy by burning it. When you burn a gallon of gas (which isn’t something we recommend you do in your backyard just because you’re bored), it generates the same amount of heat as about 34 kilowatt-hours of electricity (the EPA actually uses 33.7, but we’re rounding up). So, 34 kilowatt-hours is the rough equivalent to one gallon of gas that the EPA uses to calculate mpg-e.

Now, for most electric car shoppers, the kilowatt-hours of electricity needed to drive 100 miles is going to be the key number, because that will determine how much you pay for electricity when charging your car. However, with mpg-e, you can translate that number into numbers that owners of gasoline-powered cars will understand. For comparison’s sake, the gas-powered Fiat 500 with an automatic transmission gets a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. Based on mpg-e, the 500e uses 74 percent less energy to travel the same distance as the gas-only 500.

to see more visit: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2015/04/Decoding_MPG-e/

Michelin vs Goodyear Tires

Even those who have not done much research into tires recognize the Goodyear and Michelin brands. Being respected brands and household names, they're often sought out by shoppers as a primary choice. Decades of experience designing and manufacturing tires have given both companies a well-deserved reputation.   In order to maintain their good names, major tire companies will stand behind the quality of their tires and honor their warranties across a large network of dealers throughout the United States. If you have problems with any of their products while on the road, odds are that there's a dealer nearby that can assist.   

Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Goodyear F1 Asymmetric All-Season

So, which tire should you choose? If you're driving a sports car and looking for the best Max Performance Summer tire tire, look no further than the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. This performance tire is so great, that I bought a set for my own personal vehicle. To learn about my experience with the tire, take a look at, "Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 5,000 Mile Update."  If you're driving your sporty car through some occasional light snow and need an Ultra High Performance All-Season tire, our customers prefer the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season over the comparable Michelin offering.  

Toyota to Stop Prius Plug-In Production

A Toyota Prius is going out of production! Is this a sign of the end of times? Maybe this is a result of a shift in the polar regions of the Earth? Or maybe this is a sign that we actually are just living in one big hologram. Okay, that’s a little dramatic, as Toyota is only ceasing production of the Prius Plug-In because it’s too busy working on the new-generation model.

Toyota Marketing Rep, Nathan Kokes, let the Prius Chat forum know that the company has decided to cease production of the Prius Pug-In starting in June 2015. According to InsideEVs.com, however, this could pose a pretty big issue in terms of stock.

There are currently only about 1,100 Prius Plug-Ins available nationwide, and in April alone, 428 Prius Plug-Ins found new homes. Sure, that is a huge 75 percent slide when compared to April 2014 sales, but that’s still a huge percentage of the number of models available to purchase. This means that unless Toyota kicks production into high gear in May 2015, it will run out of stock by summertime.

Kokes chimed in on the speculation of running out of stock by saying, “As mentioned, we are stopping production in June but will have plenty of Prius Plug-in Hybrids to sell long after that.” However, unless Toyota has suddenly taken huge strides in creating the next-gen Prius, which is currently slated for a 2016 release, I do not see how it can pull this off.

The morale of the story is, if you want a Prius Plug-In, you had better get one now before they are all gobbled up. It will likely be a tough machine to find come this summer.

Read more: http://www.insidercarnews.com/toyota-to-stop-prius-plug-in-production/#ixzz3ZOihn6RD

Hyundai to replace tires on all 2015 Genesis sedans. Service campaign for vibration originated in Korea, expanded to U.S.

Hyundai Genesis drivers are about to get a fresh set of tires, free of charge. Owners of the current-generation Korean luxury sedan—redesigned for the 2015 model year—will be receiving a service bulletin notifying them that Hyundai will replace their current tires with a different brand, due to the possibility of vibration and road noise.

Until now, all versions of the Hyundai Genesis with 18- or 19-inch wheels have been fitted withHankook Venus S1 Noble 2 tires. The Hankook 18-inch tires will be replaced with a Michelin model, while all 19-inch tires will be replaced with Continental ProContact DX rubber (per service campaign P18).

“Our dealers will replace the current tires with four brand new tires, regardless of whether the customer has experienced issues with the tires or not,” said Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor.

When originally contacted at that time, Hyundai Motor America had not announced plans to replace tires for American customers. When we recontacted Hyundai on April 7, it appeared that our persistence had resulted in the service campaign being extended to U.S. customers.

More info at: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/hyundai-to-replace-tires-on-all-2015-genesis-sedans/index.htm