German luxury car manufacturer Porsche has unveiled its second-ever all-electric vehicle, the EV Macan. Available in two models, the Macan 4 and the more powerful Macan Turbo, these electric SUVs come equipped with high-performance 100-kilowatt-hour batteries. They also feature an 800-volt architecture, allowing for a charging time of 10 to 80 percent in just 21 minutes at a 270-kilowatt DC fast charger. The Macan 4 boasts 402 horsepower, while the Turbo model packs an impressive 630 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 60 takes 4.9 seconds for the Macan 4 and 3.1 seconds for the Turbo. Notably, Porsche claims that these SUVs can travel over 300 miles on a single charge.
The interior of the Macan will feature a state-of-the-art display system known as the Porsche Driver Experience. This system combines displays in front of the driver, a console display, and augmented reality technology that overlays digital navigation arrows on the road ahead while driving.
The release of the electric Macan marks the 10th anniversary of the Macan model, following the launch of Porsche’s first fully electric vehicle, the Taycan, in 2019. The Macan 4 will have a starting price of $78,800, while the Turbo model will be priced at $105,300, not including the $1,650 delivery fee. These electric SUVs are expected to hit the market in the second half of the year.
Porsche’s Macan is just one of the many electric vehicles set to launch in 2024, with fierce competition from other manufacturers. However, Porsche’s reputation for performance and luxury may give it an edge in the market.
In other tech news, it seems that Apple is getting more serious about artificial intelligence (AI) on its devices. The company has reportedly made investments and hired employees in the AI field, indicating a shift towards incorporating more AI technology into its products. The latest beta code for iOS 17.4 suggests that Apple is even testing Siri features with the help of ChatGPT, a generative AI model. While it remains uncertain when Apple will officially announce its AI enhancements, more information is expected to be revealed at the next Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Meanwhile, Shazam, the popular music search app owned by Apple, has received an update that allows it to detect songs played through headphones. Previously, the app only relied on a device’s built-in microphone to recognize songs. This new feature will be useful for users who want to identify songs they are streaming on YouTube, in social video apps like TikTok and Instagram, or even when hearing music over store speakers. The update supports both wired and wireless headphones, providing greater convenience for users.
Lastly, investigators have discovered that cryptocurrency transactions, including those made with bitcoin, are not as untraceable as previously believed. This realization led to the takedown of a major dark web child abuse site. The myth of untraceable cryptocurrency payments has been shattered, and it demonstrates that illicit transactions can be tracked and used as evidence in criminal investigations.
Overall, these developments in the automotive, tech, and cryptocurrency sectors highlight the continued advancement and integration of electric vehicles, AI technology, and the growing understanding of cryptocurrency traceability.
