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The Biden administration just announced a comprehensive plan to ban Chinese software and some hardware from internet-connected cars in the US. This is being framed as a national security measure, with the administration stating that this software poses new threats to our national security, including through our supply chains. This is the same reasoning behind a recent ban of telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE. In that case, the claims had teeth, as documents reportedly showed how Huawei was involved in the countrys surveillance efforts. Todays announcement goes on to say that China could use critical technologies from connected vehicles within our supply chains for surveillance and sabotage to undermine national security. The rules announced today go beyond mere software. It would also cover any piece of hardware that connects a vehicle to the outside world, which includes Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite components. It also includes cameras, sensors and onboard computers. The software ban would go into effect in model year 2027, with the related hardware prohibition starting in model year 2030. The proposed ban also includes Russian auto software. The country has a fairly robust EV industry, but primarily for domestic use. Theres nothing in Russia thats globally lusted after like the cheap EVs from Chinese companies like BYD. This leads us to a major point. While this proposed ban is primarily for internet-connected software, it would effectively block all Chinese auto imports. The software is pretty much baked in, as are the items of hardware that allow for connectivity. Its already tough to get one of these vehicles stateside, due to the recent tariffs placed on Chinese EVs, but this would make it nearly impossible. Government officials, however, have held steadfast that this is a move to improve national security, and not to ban cheaper EVs from another market. Connected vehicles and the technology they use bring new vulnerabilities and threats, especially in the case of vehicles or components developed in the P.R.C. [People's Republic of China] and other countries of concern, said Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser. These remarks were given to reporters over the weekend and were transcribed by The New York Times. Sullivan went on to reference something called Volt Typhoon, which is an alleged Chinese effort to insert malicious code into American power systems, pipelines and other critical infrastructure. US officials fear that this program could be used to cripple American military bases in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan or a similar military excursion. Peter Harrell, who was previously the National Security Councils senior director for international economics during the Biden administration, told The New York Times that this is likely to be opening the door, over a number of years, to a much broader governmental set of actions that would likely see a continuation no matter who wins the presidential election. Its worth noting that the BYD Seagull, as an example, sells for around $10,000. This makes it much cheaper than American EVs, even after getting slapped by that fat 100 percent tariff. A full-featured EV for $20,000 sounds pretty nice right about now. Oh well. It was fun to dream.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/biden-administration-seeks-ban-on-auto-software-from-china-154025671.html?src=rss
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In its latest promotional effort, Visit Seattle is highlighting banned books. The tourism bureau has launched a series of short films featuring notable Seattleites reading excerpts from three locally penned books that have faced bans in other parts of the US. The #SeattleBookmarked video series, created in collaboration with advertising agency PB& and Atlantic Re:think, showcases works by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Shaun David Hutchinson and Jonathan Evison.The campaign coincides with Banned Books Week (September 22-28) and aims to underscore Seattle's embrace of diverse voices. It's also a response to reporting by the American Library Association of record-breaking numbers of attempts to censor books, especially those by or about LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. By sharing novels and memoirs by local writers and offering full, nationwide access to banned books (one of three US cities to do so), Seattle positions itself as a haven for free expression and progressive values.
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Googles A-series Pixel phones are an excellent option for those looking for an upgrade on an older device without breaking the bank. Its a particularly good time to snap up the Google Pixel 8a as its on sale just ahead of Prime Day. The Android phone has dropped to $399, which is $100 off and a new record low price. The Pixel 8a is actually our pick for the best midrange smartphone you can buy right now. We gave it a score of 90 in our review in May. It has some excellent hardware for a phone in this price range, including terrific cameras, a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and great battery life (it lasted for 20 and a half hours on our video rundown test). Whats more, the Pixel 8a runs on the Tensor G3, which is the same chipset found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. As such, it can run the same AI features as the flagship handsets, including Magic Eraser and other camera trickery, web article summaries and narration via Google Assistant, wallpaper generation and faster Face Unlock. Elsewhere, features like IP67 dust and water resistance are very welcome. On the downside, the bezels are a little thicker than some may like. Qi wireless charging is slow too at a rate of 7.5W. Still, those are minor quibbles for an otherwise great midrange phone. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice in the lead up to October Prime Day 2024.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-pixel-8a-falls-to-a-record-low-of-399-ahead-of-prime-day-144717038.html?src=rss
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