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Android’s headed to the dashboards of cars thanks to the new Android Auto initiative. So’s iOS, thanks to CarPlay. But these two smart vehicle systems aren’t the only game in town.
The Linux Foundation is sponsoring a new operating system called Automotive Grade Linux which is a Tizen-based OS aimed at vehicles. It has a simple user interface and support for maps, media playback, news, pairing with your phone, and controlling your heating and air conditioning, among other things.
Here’s an assortment of tech news from around the web.
- Automotive Grade Linux is a Linux distro for cars
The operating system runs apps developed with HTML5 and JavaScript and presents an open source alternative for auto makers. [The Var Guy] - You know that HTC Volantis “Nexus 9” tablet and OnePlus Tab we talked about yesterday? Nevermind.
While @evleaks usually has a pretty solid reputation for sorting out plausible leaks from fake tips, sometimes a hoax slips through the cracks. The good news is he’s setting the record straight. [@evleaks] - Running Android L Developer Preview but miss your Titanium Backup? There’s an experimental app for that
One of the most popular apps among folks who tend to root their Android phones is adding support for Android L. It’s just experimental at this point, but hopefully by the time Android L is released to the public this fall, this stellar backup app will be able to run on the platform. [Titanium Backup] - Samsung is shutting down its video store, but if you’re one of the few that used it, your purchases will survive
Samsung’s been trying to get you to buy movies and TV shows from its own store by loading it on TVs, phones, and tablets. It hasn’t gone all that well. Samsung is shutting down its movie hub, but existing customers will be able to keep watching their purchased videos through a new partner, M-Go. [Recode] - EzeeCube modular, stackable media center adds TV tuner module to Indiegogo campaign
This crowdfunding campaign wants to bring a small, modular media center to market. Want more storage? Just stack an extra cube on top. Now there’s an option to add a TV tuner for $39. [Indiegogo] - Report: Microsoft’s next wearable will be more fitness tracker than smartphone, sell for Galaxy Gear-like price
It’d hardly be the only fitness tracker with smartwatch-like capabilities… or vice versa. In fact, the lines between the two product categories are blurring as fitness trackers add support for caller ID and other notification features and smartwatches add pedometer and heart rate sensors. [WinSuperSite]
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