Photos: New Volkswagen e-bikes feature world’s first rearview screen, radar

interestingengineering.com Jul 16, 2026

Photos: New Volkswagen e-bikes feature world’s first rearview screen, radar

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Volkswagen has signed a licensing deal with premium bike maker n+ to launch two electric bicycles, the Sport and the Cross, under the automaker’s brand. The partnership leverages n+’s experience in crafting high‑end bicycles for automotive clients, allowing Volkswagen to enter the e‑bike market without building its own frames. Both models incorporate automotive‑grade safety tech, including a handlebar‑mounted “Smart View” system that streams live rear‑view video from a high‑definition camera and uses radar to warn riders of vehicles in their blind spot. Dynamic LED strips on the frame signal braking and turning, while integrated “Smart Lights” provide daytime visibility. A synchronized helmet can also display alerts and detect crashes, aiming to reduce accidents as e‑bike traffic grows.

💡 Why It Matters

· By transplanting car safety features onto bicycles, Volkswagen aims to set a new safety benchmark for urban micromobility, potentially reshaping rider expectations and municipal regulations.

Read full article on interestingengineering.com

The Pinwheel Home is a retro-inspired landline phone that will keep your…

Pinwheel has introduced the Pinwheel Home, a retro-inspired landline phone designed specifically for children aged 5 to 10. The device operates over Wi-Fi and features full parental controls, allowing parents to pre-approve contacts and restrict usage times. Unlike smartphones, the Pinwheel Home has no screen, eliminating distractions from social media apps like Snapchat, Roblox, or YouTube. It enables kids to call trusted friends and family without accessing the internet. Pre-orders are currently open in the United States, with shipping expected later this year. The device starts at $68, available in two designs and four colors. A subscription plan begins at $6.99 per month, which allows calls to mobile phones and other landlines. Without a subscription, users can only call other Pinwheel Home devices. The product aims to provide a safe communication space, potentially delaying the need for smartphones and encouraging real-world interactions among young users.

💡 By removing screens entirely, this device challenges the assumption that digital connectivity requires visual engagement. It offers a tangible alternative for parents seeking to mitigate screen time addiction while preserving social development.

appleinsider.com · Jul 16

iPad & iPad Air refreshes are coming, but not until 2027

Bloomberg reports Apple will refresh its entire iPad lineup between late 2026 and spring 2027. The iPad mini, codenamed J510, leads the cycle with an October 2026 release featuring an OLED display. This marks the first non-Pro model to adopt the technology, though the base iPad will retain its current screen type to manage costs. Instead, the entry-level device, codenamed J581, arrives in Q1 2027 with a faster A19 processor, finally enabling Apple Intelligence support. The iPad Air and iPad Pro follow in spring 2027. The Air, codenamed J807 and J837, may utilize a lower-cost OLED panel manufactured by Samsung, with mass production starting December 2026. The iPad Pro update coincides with the Air launch and reportedly includes vapor chamber cooling. No major design overhauls are expected for the base iPad, Air, or Pro models during this refresh cycle, focusing instead on internal component upgrades and display technology transitions across the portfolio.

💡 The base iPad’s A19 upgrade finally bridges the gap in Apple Intelligence compatibility, ensuring no model is left behind in the ecosystem. Meanwhile, the iPad mini’s OLED debut tests whether premium display technology can drive sales in the compact segment, challenging the Pro’s exclusive hold on high-end visuals.

space.com · Jul 16

SpaceX will launch Starship, the world’s largest rocket, on critical Flight 13…

SpaceX is set to launch Starship, the world's largest rocket, from its Starbase site in South Texas on July 16. The Flight 13 test aims to refine the rocket’s performance, including a controlled splashdown of the Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of America and the deployment of 20 next-gen Starlink V3 satellites. This mission marks the second flight of 2026 and the second test of the Starship V3 variant, which is intended for future NASA lunar missions.

💡 The successful deployment of Starlink V3 satellites during this test could accelerate SpaceX’s plan to expand its broadband network, offering faster internet speeds and greater global coverage. This mission also brings the company closer to achieving full reusability for Starship, a key step toward its long-term goals of lunar and Mars exploration.

androidcentral.com · Jul 16

Xiaomi somehow rolls out stable Android 17 update ahead of its rivals

Xiaomi has launched a stable Android 17 update for select devices, surpassing its competitors in delivering the latest operating system to users. The update brings improved performance, enhanced security features, and new user interface elements. The move highlights Xiaomi’s growing influence in the Android ecosystem and its commitment to fast software rollouts.

💡 Xiaomi’s early delivery of Android 17 sets a new benchmark for update speed among Chinese smartphone makers, potentially strengthening its appeal to tech-savvy consumers who prioritize timely software support.

windowscentral.com · Jul 16

I tested Windows 11’s overhauled search experience, and I think Microsoft has…

Microsoft has introduced a major overhaul to Windows 11's search experience, addressing long-standing user frustrations. The new search interface is cleaner, more accurate, and prioritizes local files and frequently used apps over ads or irrelevant web results. Testing shows improved categorization, smarter app suggestions based on usage, and better access to system settings directly from the search pane.

💡 The updated search experience enhances productivity by reducing clutter and making it easier for users to find what they need quickly. By learning from user behavior and prioritizing relevant results, Windows Search now functions more intuitively, reflecting how people actually use their devices.

appleinsider.com · Jul 16

Apple’s Back to School offers have started, but you can do much…

Apple has launched its Back to School promotion later than usual and with fewer incentives, offering gift cards instead of direct discounts on selected devices. The deals, available only to verified education buyers, expire on August 27, 2026, and exclude desktop Macs. Other resellers provide larger discounts on a broader range of Apple products without restrictions.

💡 Apple’s limited approach shifts advantage to third-party sellers, who offer greater flexibility and savings for a wider audience, making it easier for non-education buyers to access better deals.