If you live in Ohio and constantly forget your wallet when you head out for a drive, weve got some good news for you: The state of Ohio became the fifth US state to accept drivers licenses and official state IDs in the iPhones Apple Wallet app.Digital identification in Apples wallet app can now be used across Ohio at Traffic Safety Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints and select businesses and apps. The state is also working on implementing a free age verification app for businesses that require checking customers ID, according to WCPO Channel 9 in Cincinnati.The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has also created an instructional video that shows you how to add your license or state ID to your Apple Wallet if youre a resident of the Buckeye State.Ohio now joins Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and Maryland as states that accept and recognize digital licenses and IDs in the iPhone wallet app. If youre not in one of those states, you may be joining that list soon since 24 other states and Washington DC and Puerto Rico are exploring or in the process of implementing mobile digital license regulations. Seven of those states are currently committed to implementing digital wallet access, according to 9to5Mac.Google Wallet is also accepted in four states including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and Maryland. Phone users with Android 8 or high can save their IDs to Google Wallet. This feature is not yet available for foldable devices, according to Googles help section.Apple added the ability to store drivers licenses in the digital wallet app with iOS 15 in 2021. Apple Wallet is also recognized as an accepted form of identification or access in other societal sectors. Residents of the UK received an update last year that allows them to see their bank account totals from the Apple Wallet App. The Apple Wallet also allows hotel guests to store their room key cards in the app starting in 2021 with the Hyatt hotel chain.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ohio-becomes-the-fifth-us-state-to-recognize-ids-in-apple-wallet-211807995.html?src=rss

The Threads app has passed the 200 million user mark, according to Meta exec Adam Mosseri. The milestone comes one day after Mark Zuckerberg said that the service was about to hit 200 million users during the companys latest earnings call.While Threads is still relatively tiny compared to Metas other apps, it has grown at a much faster clip. Zuckerberg previously announced 175 million users last month as Threads marked its one-year anniversary, and the Meta CEO has repeatedly speculated that it could be the companys next one-billion-user app.We've been building this company for 20 years, and there just are not that many opportunities that come around to grow a billion-person app, Zuckerberg said. Obviously, there's a ton of work between now and there.Continuing to grow the apps user base will be key to Metas ability to eventually monetize Threads, which currently has no ads or business model. All these new products, we ship them, and then there's a multi-year time horizon between scaling them and then scaling them into not just consumer experiences but very large businesses, Zuckerberg said.While Threads has so far been able to capitalize on the chaos and controversy surrounding X, Meta is still grappling with how to position its app thats widely viewed as an alternative to X. Mosseri and Zuckerberg have said they dont want the app to promote political content to users that dont explicitly ask for it. This policy has even raised questions among some Meta employees, The Information recently reported.Threads for you algorithm is also widely viewed as slow to keep up with breaking news and current events. Mosseri recently acknowledged the issue. Were definitely not fast enough yet, and were actively working to get better there, he wrote in a post on Threads.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/metas-threads-has-200-million-users-211656147.html?src=rss

Google is adding support for its School time feature to more hardware. School time allows parents to limit functionalities on a child's devices during predetermined hours. That might be the time they are in classes or for any period where an adult wants to limit screen time. Parents will be able to use the Family Link parental controls app to set School time hours on their kids' select Android phones, tablets and Samsung Galaxy Watches. However, Google hasn't shared any further specifics about which devices in those categories will receive this update. The tool was originally launched on the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches in May.School time is designed to help limit a mobile device's distractions for a young user. When enabled, it sets a dedicated home page with limited notifications. Parents can select which apps remain available, and can allow texts and calls to come through from particular individuals. This encourages focus when it's needed, while still allowing for emergency contact if needed.Family Link, Google's portal for parents to manage their kids' mobile activity, received a redesign in 2022. And if you're looking for similar features in the Apple ecosystem, check out the Schooltime feature.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-school-time-feature-is-coming-to-android-smartphones-204621597.html?src=rss

TCLs massive 115-inch QD-Mini LED TV is finally available to consumers, after being unveiled back in January. This is officially the worlds largest QD-Mini LED TV and can be purchased directly from TCL or via select retailers throughout the country.The thing costs $20,000, which is around the price of 8,000 cups of coffee, but it does come with the option for some truly unique add-ons. Early buyers can choose from a selection of bonuses, which include a ticket to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.Theres no airfare included, but Super Bowl tickets dont come cheap. The promotion also provides just a single ticket, so there will be no loved ones to enjoy the experience with. On the plus side, youll get to hang out with a bunch of strangers who also spent $20,000 on a TV. TCL promises shared unique experiences with other financially irresponsible people who attend the championship game, but didnt get into any details.If football isnt your bag, the company has a selection of other perks available. Purchasers can attend a movie premiere at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's Chinese Theatre) which includes two round-trip plane tickets and hotel accommodations. This also features a walk on the red carpet and a private opera box.Other options include a concert at SoFi stadium and a trip to LA to visit Activision to see how the Call of Duty sausage gets made. Finally, theres an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES.) We head there every year and its a sweaty, anxiety-filled mess. Go for the Super Bowl or movie premiere if you have $20,000 to drop.As for actual TV specs, the TCL 115QM89 boasts Quantum Dot technology, a 6.2.2 channel speaker system and an AIPQ ULTRA processor for high-quality and crisp images. It also features 20,000 dimming zones to help shadows and highlights appear more defined. For the math wizards out there, that amounts to $1 per dimming zone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tcls-20000-115-inch-qd-mini-led-tv-comes-with-a-ticket-to-the-super-bowl-191507877.html?src=rss

ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced in February that they would jointly launch a sports-focused streaming service, and today they've shared some pertinent details. Subscriptions to the Venu service will cost $43 a month. The platform will have three broad categories of content: live games and events, on-demand sports programming and talk content such as studio shows. Venu will launch at an unspecified time this fall.The linear networks included in Venu are ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, truTV and ESPN+. Viewers will have access to lots of major events across the world of athletics. The World Series of Major League Baseball, the four Grand Slams of tennis, the Stanley Cup finals for the National Hockey League, and a wide spread of college athletics will all be represented in Venu's programming.When people sign up at the launch price, that monthly cost will be locked in for twelve months. Considering how often we see prices going up in the streaming landscape, it's safe to assume that $43 won't be the fee indefinitely.Watching sports is a fragmented and expensive activity today. Different leagues might have media rights deals with multiple different networks and streaming platforms, meaning fans have to check carefully where to find their favorite teams each night. Having so many providers together under one umbrella would streamline the experience, especially for people who like to follow multiple sports. But the joint effort has drawn criticism. FuboTV filed a lawsuit after the initial announcement, claiming the new streaming package would violate antitrust practices.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/venu-is-the-new-sports-streaming-service-likely-to-drain-your-bank-account-190011555.html?src=rss

A federal judge dismissed a case brought by the Republican National Committee (RNC) against Google over its Gmail service. The suit alleged that Googles email platform labeled GOP fundraising emails as spam at a higher rate than those from the other side of the aisle.District Court Judge Daniel Calabretta from the Eastern California District Court dismissed the case with prejudice, preventing the Republican party from bringing its case against Google back to court. The dismissal with prejudice means it cannot bring the case to another court but can still file an appeal to Calabrettas decision, according to The Verge.Calabretta wrote in his dismissal order that the RNC failed to state a claim under any legislative policy or prove there was sufficient harm to users of Gmail.The RNC has not shown Googles alleged conduct has violated any other law, which is a necessary element of intentional interference with economic relations, Calabretta wrote in his dismissal order. Accordingly, the court grants Googles motion to dismiss, this time with prejudice. Calabretta had previously dismissed the case without prejudice.Thursdays ruling marks the second case that the RNC has lost over allegations of unfair filtering by Gmail. The RNC filed a lawsuit in the same court in 2022 seeking damages from Google for donations it allegedly lost as a result of labeling fundraising emails as spam. Calabretta called the lawsuit a close case but ultimately ruled that the RNC failed to plausibly allege its claims that Googles spam filtering was committed in bad faith, according to court filings.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-republican-national-committee-loses-its-legal-challenge-to-gmail-184122392.html?src=rss

It's almost time once again for the tech world to stop everything else it's doing and pay attention as a major company shows off its latest hardware. Next up is Google's turn at bat. Thanks to a string of leaks and Googles own teases, we already have a pretty clear idea of what the company has planned for its Made by Google event.We'll get the official reveal of the Pixel 9 lineup, for one thing. This includes what the company is calling the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is certainly more of a mouthful than "Pixel Fold 2." In addition, Google will certainly reveal more details about Android 15 and the operating system's public rollout. Expect to hear the word "Gemini" a lot too as Google is likely to focus on the AI-powered features of the new handsets.Some accessories could be in store in the form of Pixel Buds Pro 2 and a new Pixel Watch (or two) as well. There may be some other devices on show, including a new Google TV streaming box with the Chromecast branding perhaps going away as well as an updated Nest Learning Thermostat.Google typically holds its big annual hardware event in October, but the company is actually holding it in the summer this time around, perhaps to get ahead of the iPhone 16 lineup. The Made by Google event will take place on August 13 at 1PM ET.Here's what we know for certain Google will show off at the event and everything else we expect to learn about at Made by Google:Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XLAs usual, the main event of Made by Google will be the Pixel 9 lineup. Google has confirmed (as if it were ever really in doubt) that it will show off new smartphones at the event, but it's expected to have three traditional models this year instead of two.The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will be straight-up successors to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Leaks and rumors suggest Google will be adding a Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a larger screen than the other two models, to the lineup as well. YouTuber Andro-news claims to have gotten their hands on an engineering sample of the larger handset, which has flat edges, polished metal on the sides and matte-textured glass on the rear. However, the phone isn't switched on in the video.The Pixel 9 Pro is slated to have more advanced specs than the Pixel 9 but with the same display size. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, meanwhile, is expected to have almost the same specs as the 9 Pro but in a bigger handset. Per Toms Guide, the 9 and 9 Pro displays will measure around 6.3 inches while the Pixel 9 Pro XL may have a whopping 6.9-inch screen.All three of the phones are expected to have a redesigned camera module. This large camera bar (which Google has confirmed at least for the Pixel 9 Pro) looks like it protrudes quite a bit from the main body. Unless you pick up an appropriate case, you can probably expect this to snag on your pocket more often than you'd like. The Pixel 9 is believed to have 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses in its camera array.Google is likely to employ a new chipset this year, which will probably be called the Tensor G4. Leaks have also suggested that the base Pixel 9 will come with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The two larger phones are expected to max out at 512GB of storage. One other expected addition this year is the introduction of emergency satellite messaging, a feature that Apple has supported on the last two generations of iPhones.Pixel 9 Pro FoldGoogle will be hoping that consumers find the design of its latest foldable phone more elegant than its name. "Pixel 9 Pro Fold" doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as "Pixel Fold 2." However, the change does make sense if Google is looking to more clearly position the foldable as a premium product with the inclusion of "Pro" in the name. If the foldable has the same chipset as the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, the name change is even more logical.It's not rare for phone manufacturers to go with a major redesign on their second (or even third) stab at a new form factor as they learn more about what works and what doesn't. Like its more rigid siblings, the 9 Pro Fold also has a noticeable camera bump albeit one that positions the lenses vertically. Leaked images from a regulator in Taiwan indicate that the selfie camera has been moved on the interior screen to support a wider field of view. It appears that Google has reduced the fold crease this time around too.Android 15 and GeminiAs ever, Google has been gradually announcing Android 15 features over the last several months, in large part to help developers update their apps ahead of the operating system's public rollout. Along with security measures such as Theft Detection Lock and Google Play fraud prevention, it should come as little surprise that Google is weaving AI more tightly into the fabric of its mobile OS.The Made by Google teasers have made it very clear that the company is focusing heavily on the AI features of its new devices, such as the ability to draft a letter or email based on a prompt. Google confirmed back at I/O that Gemini will be more deeply integrated into Android 15 (which perhaps could spell the demise of Google Assistant) and will have better contextual awareness of what you're doing. For instance, you'll be able to ask the chatbot questions about a YouTube video you're watching and it should be able to answer them. You might think of it as a modern, interactive version of Pop-Up Video.We should get a release date for Android 15 at least for supported Pixel devices at the event. It'll be around the same time Google starts shipping the new Pixel lineup, most likely later in August.Pixel Watch 3#GooglePixelWatch3 will feature thinner bezels, increased screen sizes (41mm with 10% more screen and 45mm with 40% more screen), and an Actua display with 2,000 nits peak brightness. It also promises an "ultra responsive" display, possibly with a higher refresh rate. pic.twitter.com/RsnMzQPlV9 Shilpa Sharma (@ladywithsarcasm) July 30, 2024 It's just as well Google doesn't build ships considering how many leaks it has to deal with. A couple of weeks ahead of Made by Google, Android Headlines got its hands on the specs of the Pixel Watch 3, which is expected to be available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm.The Pixel Watch 3 will likely have an Actua display capable of delivering up to 2,000 nits of brightness that's twice as bright as the previous model's AMOLED display. Per the leak, Google claims that a battery saver mode extends the time between charges to up to 36 hours, though you'll get up to 24 hours of standard use out of the wearable when the always-on display is enabled. The smaller model is expected to offer 20 percent faster charging compared with the previous model as well.It had been anticipated that Google would name the larger model the Pixel Watch 3 XL. However, that's no longer expected to be the case, according to Android Headlines. Each variant will have its size listed in parentheses to differentiate them, the publication says.Pixel Buds Pro 2It's been two years since Google released the Pixel Buds Pro, so those are very much due for an upgrade. Rumors suggest the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will debut at Made By Google. Some unofficial renders have popped up, indicating that along with the existing Charcoal and Porcelain colorways, there will be Aloe and Hot Pink variants to match various Pixel phone options. It appears that Google is bringing back a version of the wingtip design from the original Pixel Buds too.It remains to be seen what Google is cooking up for the audio side of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 but we do have at least some sense of the price. Rumors suggest the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will cost $229, which is $30 more than the base price of the current model.Everything elseThere are a couple of other devices that could make their public bow at Made by Google. Nest doesn't typically get a lot of love at these events, but we could very well see the next Nest Learning Thermostat on August 13.A YouTuber claimed to have all three colorways of the fourth-gen model in hand: polished silver, polished gold and obsidian. One big difference this time around is that Google seems to be ditching the plastic shell in favor of stainless steel. It's unclear whether you'll be able to adjust the temperature by rotating what appears to be a much thinner bezel or if you'll operate the thermostat via a touchscreen or an app. According to a leaked spec sheet, the thermostat will come with a second-gen Nest Temperature Sensor.Elsewhere, Google seems to be ditching the streaming stick format (and perhaps even the Chromecast branding) in favor of a set-top box with the so-called Google TV Streamer. According to images obtained by 9to5 Google, the device has a low profile with a slanted, pill-shaped design. The longer remote still has YouTube and Netflix buttons. However, the Google Assistant button has been replaced by one that just features a microphone perhaps another sign that Google is depreciating Assistant in favor of Gemini.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/made-by-google-2024-pixel-9-pro-gemini-new-foldables-and-everything-else-to-expect-on-august-13-181029588.html?src=rss

The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced plans to turn land that previously housed aspects of the Manhattan Project into a 1 GW solar farm. For the uninitiated, the Manhattan Project was a top-secret and successful effort to develop nuclear weapons during the 1940s.This particular renovation is being conducted at the former home of the Hanford nuclear testing facility, otherwise known as Site W, which is in Washington state. This site housed the worlds first full-scale plutonium production reactor. Plutonium made at this location was used in the very first atomic bomb and the Fat Man bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan.The location certainly is intriguing, but so is the transformation project. This 580-square mile section of semi-arid desert could end up housing the largest solar project in the country, if built to the announced capacity. This record currently belongs to the Edwards Sanborn Solar and Energy Storage project in California, which generates 875 megawatts of solar power.The DOE has teamed up with Hecate Energy to repurpose the 8,000-acre site. This is part of the Biden-Harris administrations Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative that launched last year. This program is tasked with repurposing DOE-owned land for clean energy generation. This program has already added around 90 GW of solar capacity to the grid, which is enough to power 13 million homes.This isnt quite a done deal yet. The DOE and Hecate Energy still have to negotiate for a realty agreement and the government could cancel these negotiations at any time.This is good news, but we still have some catching up to do with regard to Europe. The US produces around 5.6 percent of its energy via solar, but the EU recently shot up to 9.1 percent. However, trends are moving upward in both regions.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-manhattan-project-nuclear-weapons-site-is-being-turned-into-a-giant-solar-farm-173047830.html?src=rss

When Don Lemon's "premium" video hosting deal on X was canceled in March, a representative for the former CNN anchor threatened legal action. Nearly five months later, he's taking Musk and his platform to court, claiming he hasn't been paid.The former CNN anchor filed a lawsuit on Thursday against Musk and X, the New York Times reports. The suit pertains to an alleged payment agreement Lemon says Musk refuses to honor. Lemon filed his case in California Superior Court in San Francisco.Lemon claims that he agreed to produce a news and interview show on the X platform back in January. Lemon would receive $1.5 million a year and part of the advertising revenue for producing premium content for X. However, Lemon states in the filing that he never signed a contract because Musk told him he didnt need to fill out paperwork and that hed back his show regardless of his views or interview topics.Lemon kicked off his first episode by interviewing Musk, asking questions about Musks alleged ketamine use, his views on transgender individuals and his stance on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring initiatives. Lemon also interrogated Musk for tweets which appeared to support the racist belief known as the great replacement theory. Hours after the interview, Musk texted Lemon to tell him their deal was done.X chief executive officer Linda Yaccarino says the company was focused on becoming a video first platform and inked similar deals with famous names like former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard and sports commentator Jim Rome. Many of these shows have yet to materialize on X.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/don-lemon-is-suing-elon-musk-and-x-171526672.html?src=rss

When the Mustang Mach-E first hit the streets at the end of 2021, people were so up in arms about its name that it felt like you couldnt have a serious discussion about the vehicle itself. How dare Ford tarnish the legacy of its iconic pony car with *gasp* a crossover SUV?! And an all-electric one at that. But now that Ford has had a few years to refine the platform, its a great time to take another look at what is still the companys most engaging EV to date. Whats new for 2024 Ford has made several tweaks and adjustments to the Mach-E over the past few years, like streamlining the UI for its infotainment system, offering a wider range of colors and switching to LFP batteries (lithium ferrophosphate) for the standard range model and NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) for extended range trims. But for 2024, there are a few additional updates such as a new rear motor (which Ford says was developed in-house) that deliver a touch more torque and slightly faster charging speeds. The 72kWh standard range model can now go from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes or around 36 minutes for specs with the larger 91kWh extended range battery pack. Thats about six minutes faster compared to previous model year vehicles. The Mach-E GT now also receives Fords MagneRide suspension tech as standard. This feature was only available on the top-spec GT Performance Edition, which now exists as a Performance upgrade package (and is what I reviewed here), instead of being a full standalone trim. It offers an extra 100 pound-feet of torque and improved tuning. This year, there are yet more color options headlined by Eruption green and Fords optional Bronze appearance pack (which you can see in photos of our loaner vehicle), alongside a brand new Rally model. It features some exclusive design touches including a larger rear spoiler and a bunch of tweaks for better off-road performance and handling. Finally, earlier this spring, Ford announced that its EVs in the US can use Teslas Supercharging network and created a program that provides one free adapter to Mustang Mach-E and Ford 150 Lightning owners. (Envision a giant USB dongle that allows Fords CCS charging ports to use Teslas NACS plugs. Starting in 2025, new Mach-Es will come with an NACS plug from the factory.) Design: A family-friendly muscle car for the EV age Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget One of the biggest issues Mustang die-hards have with the Mach-E is that it represents diametrically opposed objectives. Muscle cars are supposed to be simple, low-slung affairs that are big on power and light on weight (and often practicality). But this thing has two rows of usable seats, a large cargo area and a curb weight of between 4,400 and 5,000 pounds depending on the spec. Thats about 1,000 pounds heavier than an equivalent gas-powered Mustang. Factor in that the Mach-E has a frunk where the engine ought to be and youre basically looking at something that sits on the complete other end of the spectrum from where Mustang landed when it first hit the roads back in the 1960s. And often, when a product is being pulled in multiple directions, it ends up stuck in the middle. But on the Mach-E, Ford has artfully balanced nods to previous Mustangs while embracing a more accommodating crossover EV design. The cars long hood and vertical taillights give it an unmistakable familial resemblance while the clever use of black panels on its roof, below its doors and elsewhere make the crossover look sleeker than it actually is. (Admittedly, theyre hard to see on a black car like the one I tested, but check out some other colors to see what I mean.) And in an ever growing sea of vaguely teardrop-shaped EV SUVs, the Mach-E stands out as a striking homage to a classic. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the Mach-Es design is its door handles, or lack thereof. Instead, you get a button mounted on the pillar behind each window. In front, theres also a small tab nearby you can pull to open, while in back, Ford expects you to simply grab the inside of the door when climbing in, because thats what people tend to do anyway. And Ford is right. Buttons are good and dont need any explanation. Plus, theyre a lot simpler than handles that have to pop out just so you can yank on them. Even my toddler (who isnt even three yet) can open the doors by himself. Plus, they still deliver on the original purpose of getting rid of handles to reduce drag. It seems Ferrari agrees, because the Italian supercar maker opted for a similar tabbed design (albeit without the button) for the rear doors on the new Purosangue. Another nifty feature inspired by the cars of yesteryear is the numeric touch controls on the drivers side door. Just like the buttons on old Explorers, you can create a PIN that lets you unlock the car with a handful of taps. This lets you hide your keys inside the car if youre at the beach or going on a hike and dont want to risk losing them in the wild. Its a bit of simple tech mixed with basic practicality that I wish more carmakers would support. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget That delicate blend between new and old continues inside as well. In the center of the dash is a large 15.5-inch touchscreen that controls most of the vehicles functions. But unlike other EV makers (most notably Tesla), Ford stopped short of making everything so streamlined that it's hard to use. At the bottom of the screen, the touch buttons for the heated seats and temperature are frozen in place, so theyre always easy to reach. And then smack in the middle is a big control wheel that adjusts dynamically to handle whatever you need. By default, it handles volume, but if you touch something like the fan button first, you can simply twist the dial to increase or decrease the speed. Its a wonderful blend between digital and analog controls that means youre never more than two gestures away from turning something off or setting it to full blast. It's endearing that Ford is so committed to its transitional philosophy between new and old that in addition to a built-in wireless charger, the Mach-E has USB-A and USB-C jacks positioned side-by-side. Usually, automakers just pick one and stick with it, sometimes resulting in cars saddled with only Type-A slots. Meanwhile, over on the drivers side, Ford skews a bit more traditional, where controls for the blinkers and wipers are just stalks. Its a tried and true setup that makes the Mach-E feel immediately familiar, which is not something all EVs can claim. Theres even an on/off button for the car, which almost feels quaint in a time when so many electric cars let you just walk up, put your foot on the brake and go. But as I said before, buttons are good, so unless you really feel like tapping one is a drag, I dont see an issue with Fords approach. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget As for the rest of the interior, its easy to tell that the Mach-E was built with expertise. Theres a nice mix of premium textures (with very little piano black trim to call attention to fingerprints) and no cracks or loose ends to speak of. The cabin is also very quiet, with not even a hint of an EVs usual faint electric motor whine (unless youre really gunning it). Compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Mach-E has a slightly higher seating position (as befits a proper SUV) and larger cargo area (29.7 cubic feet versus 27.2), with the trade-off being slightly less rear-seat legroom for passengers in the second row. That said, Im six feet tall and theres still plenty of room in the back for me. However, if you want to really maximize storage, Teslas Model Y beats out both with large cubby spaces throughout. The one thing I wish Ford offered even if it had been strictly an optional extra is ventilated seats. Its something you can get on other similarly priced rivals or even the F-150 Lightning. And as I was testing this during the peak of a heatwave, it would have been the cherry on top of an otherwise already solid interior. Tech and infotainment: A big screen with a much-appreciated analog touch Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget The Mach-Es infotainment is powered by Fords Sync 4A system which is generally fine. You have all the basics for adjusting car settings, navigation and more. But most people are probably going to augment that with support for both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes the whole setup feel much more complete. Pairing was a cinch and connecting was fast enough that generally by the time I got into the car and put my seatbelt on, Android Auto was ready to go. From the main screen, you get a big window for mapping and some smaller panes for music and recent apps. In the settings, you can adjust things like the propulsion sounds or one-pedal driving, the latter of which I think is tuned perfectly for the Mach-E. It offers plenty of deceleration when you lift off but not so much that your head jerks around if you let it slow all the way to a full stop. Meanwhile, thanks to the FordPass app, you get some additional controls on your phone, though things are a bit spartan compared to rivals like Tesla. All the basics are there like being able to lock the car, roll down the windows and activate the climate control remotely. But there are a lot of little things it cant do too. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Theres no option to see the view from the Mach-Es cameras on your phone like on a Model Y, and you cant even adjust individual climate settings. You can either let the car pick a temperature or let it default to whatever it was the last time you were driving. However, one thing the Mach-E offers that a Model Y doesnt is a top-down 360-degree camera. That thing is a lifesaver when you need to squeeze into a tight space while parallel parking and should be a standard feature on every new car. I just wish Fords execution was a touch more polished, as it applies little black outlines around the car that add the tiniest bit of guesswork. You can also use your phone as a key, which is great for anyone who doesnt want to carry Fords egg-shaped fob around. But I wish Ford would steal another page out of Teslas playbook and let you use the cars sensors as a built-in dash cam. All the necessary equipment is already in place and there are plenty of USB ports for anyone who wants to plug in an external storage drive. Unfortunately, there are still a few infotainment menus like the one for Sirius XM radio that take too long to appear. In 2024, I simply do not understand how a minimum $40,000 car has a screen thats occasionally slower than a smartphone. And while Sync and Android Auto/CarPlay are usually quite responsive, there are a handful of situations where the display cant keep up. Performance: Pony power Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Mustang or not, with a 0 to 60 time of just 3.3 seconds for a GT with the Performance upgrade pack, the Mach-E is seriously quick. And even if you opt for a more affordable Premium model with dual motors and AWD, youre still hitting 60 in 5.2 seconds, which is more than respectable. However, the real star of the GTs kit is its MagneRide damping system. It makes the car feel more confident and planted in the corners. The downside is that it makes the ride even firmer, which is great when you want to really push the pace while maintaining control. But around me, where the roads exist in a superposition of being either freshly paved or filled with so many potholes you might as well be driving on the moon, you will feel every bump just a bit more. Regardless, compared to the bouncier feel from the standard suspension in Mach-Es with Select and Premium trims, Ill take that extra bit of sporty rigidity every time. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget The Mach-E also offers a few different performance modes: Whisper, Engaged and Unbridled, which roughly translates to relaxed, sport and full power. In Whisper, which I used the most for driving around town, the car is relatively chilled out. Theres still a lot of performance to tap into, you just have to be a little more deliberate with your foot before it arrives. But thats just fine when you're out getting groceries and dont want to crack all your eggs before you get home. Engaged offers a good balance between speed and comfort, and Unbridled doesnt need much explanation. At this point, most people know that EVs can deliver peak torque at all times unlike cars powered by internal combustion. So while classic Mustang fans might not like to admit it, in the real world, the Mach-E is every bit as quick as its gas-powered predecessors. Theres a sense that theres always excess power waiting to be unleashed and it's absolutely exhilarating. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget On the flip side, when you dont feel like driving, Fords BlueCruise hands-free driving tech is among the best in the business. Granted, its a bit more restricted than something like Teslas Enhanced Autopilot as its only available on approved highways. But according to Ford, that covers over 130,000 miles of roads across North America, so it wasnt hard to find somewhere I could use it. And when its activated, you can just sit back and let the car do the work, which is a true stress reliever when youre stuck in highway traffic. BlueCruise neatly stayed in the middle of the lane without needing to bounce between the lines. When you want to change lanes, you can simply flick the blinker stalk in the proper direction and let BlueCruise do the rest. I also appreciate that when its on, the entire screen on the drivers side display turns blue, so theres no confusion about whats going on. Meanwhile, the small sensor bank behind the wheels monitors your eyes to ensure youre still paying attention. And when BlueCruise needs to revert back to good ole adaptive cruise control, thats really obvious too. Range and charging: Underpromise but over-deliver Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget The Mach-E offers between 250 and 320 miles of range depending on the spec, with the GT falling in the middle with 280 miles of juice. (Note: all GTs come standard with AWD and Fords extended range battery pack). Those figures are more than solid and pretty much the same as a Tesla Model Y (Fords long-range RWD model can hit 320 miles per charge, while the Model Y Performance delivers 279 miles). However, I noticed that Fords in-car range estimates are on the more conservative side, but in a good way. It feels like the Mach-E engineers were living by the mantra of underpromising and over-delivering. Thats because unlike every Tesla Ive driven which often served up overly optimistic calculations before updating to more realistic estimates halfway through the trip what you see on the Mach-Es display is pretty much what you get. And especially for first-time EV buyers who might be suffering from range anxiety, this predictability makes for more confidence on longer journeys. Earlier this year, Ford announced that it would give Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners a free CCS to NACS charging adapter. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget On the other hand, perhaps the Mach-Es biggest weakness is its charging time, which lags behind almost all of its rivals even with the six-minute decrease for 2024 models. This is because it maxes out with 150kW DC fast charging compared to 250kW for a Model Y or 350kW on a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Granted, if you have the luxury of being able to install a charger in your garage, that difference might not be a big deal. But for those who regularly need to charge mid-trip, youre looking at between 10 and 15 minutes of extra time spent plugged in compared to its rivals. So while its not a deal breaker, faster DC charging would be the biggest upgrade Ford could add to the Mach-E. Still, even for me, who lives in the city and cant charge in my building or the lot I rent when testing cars, its not that bad. There are at least six public chargers within a five-block radius, all of which are significantly closer than the nearest gas station. This makes it easy to recharge the car when needed, which probably wont be very often unless you have a major commute thanks to the Mach-Es above-average range. Wrap-up Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget So is the Mach-E a real Mustang? Ford certainly believes so because almost every badge on the outside of the car is a Mustang logo instead of the classic blue oval. However, methinks the lady doth protest too much. I suspect Ford will never admit to attaching the Mustang name to the Mach-E in hopes of attracting buyers to its first mainstream EV. (Im not counting the electric Ranger from the 90s.) But you know what? The Mach-E is a great name for a car in its own right and it represents an incredibly thoughtful marriage of Fords legacy with forward-thinking design. (Though if were borrowing inspiration from the past, I kind of wish Ford had revived the Thunderbird name instead). Sure, its not quite as techy as a Model Y and I hope Ford will incorporate some of Teslas more advanced features into future vehicles (a UWB-based car key would be really nice too). But at the same time, the Mach-E is welcoming to all sorts of drivers, including folks who may have never driven an EV, while also delivering tight handling and spirited performance. And unlike an old-fashioned Mustang, its size and two full rows of seats means the whole family can enjoy it.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/2024-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt-review-a-thrilling-mix-of-pedigree-and-electricity-170015532.html?src=rss