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Tag: Consumer Reports

  • Ford’s BlueCruise Beats Tesla’s Autopilot—By a Wide Margin

    Ford’s BlueCruise Beats Tesla’s Autopilot—By a Wide Margin

    Consumer Reports has ranked the top automated driving systems, and Ford has come out on top, beating Tesla by a wide margin.

    Tesla is often in the news for its automated driving tech, and not always for the right reasons. To see which manufacturer is currently winning the battle for the best automated driving suite, CR tested options from Tesla, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Rivian, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, and Hyundai.

    Overall, Ford BlueCruise/Lincoln Active Glide came out as the clear winner by a significant margin. CR rated the system across five categories, with Ford scoring the following:

    • Capabilities and Performance: 9/10
    • Keeping Driver Engaged: 9/10
    • Ease of Use: 6/10
    • Clear When Safe to Use: 9/10
    • Unresponsive Driver: 6/10

    Interestingly, while BMW, Tesla, and Toyota matched Ford in the Capabilities and Performance category, only Mercedes-Benz scored a 10/10.

    Overall, however, Ford’s scores across the board were higher, giving BlueCruise a total score of 84.

    “Systems like BlueCruise are an important advancement that can help make driving easier and less stressful,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing.

    “But they don’t make a car self-driving at all,” Fisher says. “Instead, they create a new way of collaboratively driving with the computers in your car. When automakers do it the right way, it can make driving safer and more convenient. When they do it the wrong way, it can be dangerous.”

    In contrast, Tesla came seventh place with a score of only 61, which Fisher attributes to the EV maker not evolving their software to keep up with advances in technology.

    “After all this time, Autopilot still doesn’t allow collaborative steering and doesn’t have an effective driver monitoring system,” Fisher adds. “While other automakers have evolved their ACC and LCA systems, Tesla has simply fallen behind.”

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Tesla has been knocked off its throne, with Consumer Reports (CR) now recommending the Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top electric vehicle (EV).

    The Tesla Model 3 has been CR’s EV Top Pick for the last two years. The Model 3 was a departure from previous models, being far more affordable, a point which helped it become the top-selling EV in the world.

    Ford has made no secret about setting its sights on Tesla, coming out swinging with the Mustang Mach-E. The EV has now taken the coveted EV Top Pick award.

    “The Mach-E crossover is wrapped in Mustang heritage and executed with the detail associated with a century-old automaker,” writes CR’s Jeff S. Bartlett. “We took instant notice, and so did car buyers. As a result, the Mustang Mach-E effectively bumped Tesla from the 10 Top Picks list this year.”

    That doesn’t mean CR doesn’t recommend the Model 3. In fact, CR praises the vehicle’s range, technology, charging network, and a ride experience that’s closer to sports car than sedan. But the features Ford packed into the Mustang Mach-E helped push it over the edge.

    “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better,” continues Bartlett. “Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla. Also, the Mach-E has an edge when it comes to reliability, according to first-year results in our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members.”

    One thing is clear: Ford has dealt Tesla a major blow, and will likely continue to make inroads against the original EV maker.

  • Elon Musk: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving ‘Actually Not Great’

    Elon Musk: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving ‘Actually Not Great’

    Elon Musk has admitted that Tesla’s current Full Self-Driving (FSD) software leaves much to be desired, and offered an explanation why.

    Tesla’s FSD is the company’s attempt to build autonomous vehicles. Unfortunately, the reality hasn’t always lived up to the hype. In fact, Consumer Reports demonstrated that FSD is “easily tricked.” Even US Senators are calling for the Federal Trade Commission to launch an investigation into the company’s claims.

    Elon Musk has acknowledged the current version of FSD not very good, and indicated the reason has to do with using the same stack for both highway and city driving, as opposed to using a different stack for each type.

    Hopefully Musk’s optimism is well-deserved and Tesla’s engineers will be able to make significant improvements to FSD.

  • Senators Calling for FTC Investigation Into Tesla’s Self-Driving Claims

    Senators Calling for FTC Investigation Into Tesla’s Self-Driving Claims

    Senators Edward J. Markey and Richard Blumenthal have called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Tesla’s marketing claims.

    Tesla has been touting its Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD) features, but the reality hasn’t quite lived up to the description. In fact, Consumer Reports found Tesla’s software was “easily tricked.”

    The issues have caught the attention of Senators Markey and Blumenthal, and they are urging the FTC to investigate.

    “Tesla’s marketing has repeatedly overstated the capabilities of its vehicles, and these statements increasingly pose a threat to motorists and other users of the road,” wrote the senators to FTC Chair Lina Khan. “Accordingly, we urge you to open an investigation into potentially deceptive and unfair practices in Tesla’s advertising and marketing of its driving automation systems and take appropriate enforcement action to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.”

    “[T]here are no fully autonomous vehicles currently available on the market,” the senators continued, stressing the limitations of Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD technology. “Understanding these limitations is essential, for when drivers’ expectations exceed their vehicle’s capabilities, serious and fatal accidents can and do result.”

  • Consumer Reports: Tesla Autopilot ‘Easily Tricked’ Into Operating Without Driver

    Consumer Reports: Tesla Autopilot ‘Easily Tricked’ Into Operating Without Driver

    Consumer Reports (CR) has tested Tesla’s Autopilot software and it’s not good news for the electric vehicle company.

    In the wake of the fatal crash in Spring, Texas, in which it was reported that no one was behind the wheel, CR wanted to see if that scenario was possible. Tesla’s Autopilot software is only supposed to work in certain conditions, conditions which include a driver in the driver’s seat.

    Unfortunately, Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing, was able to easily and repeatedly bypass Tesla’s safeguards. In multiple tests, Fisher engaged Autopilot, put a weighted chain on the steering wheel to simulate the weight of a hand, slid over into the passenger seat, and then accelerated the stopped Tesla using the steering wheel dial.

    “The car drove up and down the half-mile lane of our track, repeatedly, never noting that no one was in the driver’s seat, never noting that there was no one touching the steering wheel, never noting there was no weight on the seat,” Fisher says. “It was a bit frightening when we realized how easy it was to defeat the safeguards, which we proved were clearly insufficient.”

    Fisher’s overall evaluation of Tesla’s Autopilot was equally damning, especially compared to what’s available from its competitors.

    “In our evaluation, the system not only failed to make sure the driver was paying attention, but it also couldn’t tell if there was a driver there at all,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing, who conducted the experiment. “Tesla is falling behind other automakers like GM and Ford that, on models with advanced driver assist systems, use technology to make sure the driver is looking at the road.”

  • Consumer Reports: Tesla’s In-Vehicle Cameras a Privacy Concern

    Consumer Reports: Tesla’s In-Vehicle Cameras a Privacy Concern

    Consumer Reports has raised concerns about Tesla’s in-vehicle cameras, saying they represent a privacy concern.

    Vehicles are increasingly moving toward automation, and a big part of that is cameras that monitor the driver. In many cases, these are to measure the driver’s response and ensure they are paying attention to the road.

    While several automakers include monitoring cameras, Tesla’s approach is much different than its competitors. According to Consumer Reports, BMW, Ford, GM and Subaru’s cameras are all close-circuit systems. The cameras are used exclusively in-vehicle, and do not record or transmit their footage.

    In contrast, Tesla has admitted that its cameras both record and transmit video to the company, which it then studies and analyzes to improve its self-driving technology.

    If drivers enable the cabin camera, Tesla says it will capture and share a video clip of the moments before a crash or automatic emergency braking (AEB) activation to help the automaker “develop future safety features and software enhancements,” according to Tesla’s website. Tesla did not respond to CR’s emailed request for additional information about its in-car monitoring systems.

    Tesla’s actions raise concerns about who benefits most from its monitoring systems, especially since the company has a habit of quickly blaming the driver when an accident occurs while the vehicle’s Autopilot is engaged.

    “We have already seen Tesla blaming the driver for not paying attention immediately after news reports of a crash while a driver is using Autopilot,” said Kelly Funkhouser, CR’s program manager for vehicle interface testing. “Now, Tesla can use video footage to prove that a driver is distracted rather than addressing the reasons why the driver wasn’t paying attention in the first place.”

    There’s also concern that Tesla’s system could be used in the future for some yet-to-be-disclosed purpose.

    Ultimately, the questions about Tesla’s in-vehicle monitoring system make a case for greater consumer protection — and buying a competitor’s offering.

    “Advanced features in cars can bring consumers enormous benefits, but it’s important for our laws to make sure that automakers put people ahead of their bottom line. Automotive innovation must come hand-in-hand with strong and sensible consumer protections,” says William Wallace, manager of safety policy at CR.

  • Consumer Reports: GM’s Super Cruise Takes Top Spot, Tesla Autopilot ‘Distant Second’

    Consumer Reports: GM’s Super Cruise Takes Top Spot, Tesla Autopilot ‘Distant Second’

    Consumer Reports has ranked 17 active driver assistance programs, and GM’s Super Cruise has taken the top spot.

    While fully autonomous cars are still being developed, the vast majority of automakers offer active driver assistance programs that help drivers stay alert and drive safely. While Tesla’s system gets the lion’s share of media attention, Consumer Reports labeled it a “distant second,” when compared with GM’s Super Cruise.

    Even after two years, Cadillac’s Super Cruise remained our top-rated system because, when turned on, it uses direct driver monitoring to warn drivers that appear to have stopped paying attention to the road. General Motors told CR that Super Cruise will be on 22 GM vehicles by 2023.

    One of the key differentiating features is Super Cruise’s ability to monitor a driver’s eyes and make sure they’re watching the road.

    “Even with new systems from many different automakers, Super Cruise still comes out on top due to the infrared camera ensuring the driver’s eyes are looking toward the roadway,” says Kelly Funkhouser, CR’s head of connected and automated vehicle testing.

    In the final score, Cadillac Super Cruise scored a 69, while Tesla came in second place with a score of 57. Lincoln/Ford Co-Pilot 360 rounded out the top three with a score of 52.

    The full, rather long, report is well worth a look.

  • New Law Will Limit Cable TV Fees, Address Local Blackouts

    New Law Will Limit Cable TV Fees, Address Local Blackouts

    According to Consumer Reports, the House and Senate have passed a bill that would limit how cable companies charge hidden fees and phantom rentals to jack up bills.

    Customers have chafed for years at hidden fees and add-ons that take their low-priced, promotional cable bill and double or triple it. Cable companies will advertise a low-priced package, or tout the fact they have not raised prices in so many months, and then use hidden fees to circumvent the advertised price.

    As a result, Consumer Reports has been lobbying for laws that would limit how the cable companies operate and the fees they can charge.

    “People across the country are fed up with all of the extra fees they pay each month that keep growing more costly year after year,” said Jonathan Schwantes, Consumer Reports’ senior policy counsel. “Cable companies shouldn’t be allowed to disguise the true cost of service by charging a long list of add-on fees that aren’t clearly disclosed when customers sign up for service. These reforms will bring fairness and clarity to pay-TV billing, so we can find a plan that fits our budget without having to worry about getting stuck paying hidden fees.”

    The newly passed bill—which merely needs President Trump’s signature to become law—will force cable companies to provide an itemized list of fees and charges, and give customers a 24-hour window to cancel without penalty. The bill will also ban pay-TV companies from charging customers for equipment they don’t use. For example, many companies who bundle TV and internet service will charge customers rental fees for an internet router even if they’re using their own and never use the company’s.

    On the downside, the bill only applies to pay-TV companies, as well as companies and plans that bundle pay-TV with internet service. It does not yet apply to strictly broadband companies with no pay-TV option, who are just as guilty of these practices.

    Another provision of the bill would also help alleviate local station blackouts that often occur “when broadcasters and TV service providers can’t agree on terms for carrying local or cable channels. The law will mandate good-faith negotiations between the parties during these so-called retransmission consent negotiations.” The bill will also allow satellite TV providers to offer network programming in markets that do not have local broadcasts.

    The legislation is a step in the right direction for reigning in what has become predatory practices by the cable TV industry. Here’s to hoping the legislation catches up with the broadband industry as well.

  • Best TV Deals for Shoppers on Black Friday

    Best TV Deals for Shoppers on Black Friday

    The best TV deals for Black Friday, according to Consumer Reports, include 40 to 55-inch models.

    Black Friday has long been a huge day for electronics sales, with TVs at the top of the list. What better way is there to get a new TV than to seek out the best TV deals on the biggest retail shopping day of the year?

    Consumer Reports lists the following five options as this year’s Black Friday best TV deals:

    “Yes, we’re starting off with a tie for what we think might be the best TV deals this season, mainly because the two sets seem comparable and are only $1 apart in price. We already reported that Best Buy will have a 50-inch Panasonic 1080p LED/LCD TV (TC-50A400U) for only $200. But Amazon has countered with a 50-inch Toshiba 1080p LED/LCD set for $199. There’s little info about this set right now, but we expect to hear more soon. Panasonic and Toshiba LCD TVs have done well in our Ratings, but neither brand has scored especially well in terms of sound.

    A 60-inch 120Hz 1080p Element LED/LCD TV for $498, at Walmart. This is a great price for a TV this size. We haven’t tested this set so we can’t comment on its picture quality, but other Element sets we’ve tested haven’t done all that well in our Ratings. Still, it might be fine for less-discriminating viewers, or as a secondary big-screen TV in a den, bedroom, or kid’s play room.”

    “A 40-inch Element 1080p TV for $119 at Target, Amazon, and probably Walmart. No specific model has been named, but we think it might be the Element LF401EM5. If so, we expect that Walmart will try to match this price, or beat it by a dollar or two. Amazon also has an unnamed 40-inch set for this price. We don’t expect it to be a top performer, but it’s hard to believe you can buy a 40-inch TV for less than you’d pay for an 8-inch tablet.

    A 50-inch Samsung 60Hz 1080p TV (model UN50EH5000FXZA) selling for $478 at Target. Samsung worked with several retailers to offer “Black Friday special” models that we haven’t seen at other times of the year. But Samsung has been among the top brands in our TV Ratings, so we expect these sets to perform well. For just $20 more, Walmart has a step-up 120Hz model with smart TV features—the UN50H5203 for $498. This may actually be a better deal, and it still falls within our budget cutoff.

    A 55-inch Vizio smart LED/LCD TV for $478 at Amazon. No model name was given, but it could be the Vizio E550i-B2, which was selling for about $650. We tested this TV, which is in Vizio’s entry-level E series, and it has excellent high-def picture quality and a good number of features, including a full-array LED backlight and Vizio’s smart TV platform.”

    Is a new TV on your Black Friday shopping list? Consumer Reports is often the way to go when looking for a good bargain for the least money. They have long been the go-to publication for shoppers seeking everything from televisions to cars. Might you consider one of these best TV deals they have shared with consumers?

  • Small Appliances Crucial For Dorm Room Success

    It’s early August and in many areas of the country college campuses are clogged with moving vans and smaller vehicles, professors are returning from their summer off, and the fall semester at many Universities and colleges is just beginning.

    Amidst all the talk about academics and college athletics is a decision that faces many new and returning students this semester—how to maximize the amount of space in dorm rooms that Universities and colleges offer.

    In the Bay Area of San Francisco, California, 7 On Your Side (a team associated with an ABC affiliate) teamed up with Consumer Reports to list three crucial small appliance additions to your dorm room. The items selected were based not only on utility but also on how well they maximized space. Dorm rooms are small. No full-sized double-decker refrigerators here.

    Here are the top three small appliances crucial for dorm room success.

    1. The Compact Refrigerator. Known colloquially as the “mini-fridge,” these compact refrigerators serve the importance of storing food—healthy or otherwise—for convenience when the dining halls are closed. Think 2 a.m. snacks or meals after a night out on the town. Many are not energy efficient and only three out of the 26 tested by Consumer Reports made the cut. They’re all from the company Frigidaire and prices start at $200. The good news is they keep food fresh while conserving the much-needed space in a dorm room.

    2. Microwave. College students are not known for their thick pocketbooks and microwaves provide the option of heating up frozen foods that are both tasty and cost-effective. Hot Pockets. Lean Cuisines. Lentils and Teriyaki sauce. Whatever your preference is, having something to warm up your food is nearly as crucial as the compact refrigerator. 7 On Your Side lists a $150 model Kenmore as a great buy and Consumer Reports rated a GE model at $210 a best buy as well.

    3. Coffee-maker. These splendid devices take up scant space and offer the possibilities of an endless stream of caffeine, necessary for a late night studying, or a perk up in the morning, or for an afternoon jump. They are also less costly than Starbucks and other local coffee shops, which sometimes run up to $2 for a cup of unflavored coffee. 7 On Your Side lists Mr. Coffee’s drip coffeemakers, which start around $40, as a strong purchase because, among other reasons, they consistently heat up to the perfect temperature.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Portable Air Conditioners Slightly Better Than Fans

    With summer temperatures rising, one might consider buying a portable air conditioning unit, to avoid the hassle of installing a window unit. Portable floor units are designed to draw in warm air, cool it, then push it outside via a hose that connects to a window.

    Though, Consumer Reports has found that the quite expensive technology is typically no better than a regular fan. Consumer Reports fashioned a room to test the cooling power of various portable floor units. The temperature outside the room was set at 90 degrees with 70 percent humidity. Each air conditioner in the room was set to cool at 75 degrees.

    Brands tested included Honeywell, Haier and Frigidaire. Prices ranged from $250 to more than $500, and an array of thermocouples placed around the room gauged the cooling power of each model.

    Bob Markovich of Consumer Reports commented, “none of these units, not even the biggest ones, could get our test chamber below 80 degrees, even after an hour and 40 minutes. Window air conditioners are much more effective, and they tend to cost less.” The test revealed that all of the units were struggling to keep room temperature at 80 degrees. The most expensive unit, the Honeywell which costs $550, was unable to cool the roughly 225 square foot test chamber. The Honeywell had promised to cool rooms up to 550 square feet.

    Here is a portable air conditioner unit installation video by Haier:

    It’s been theorized that portable air conditioning units don’t work well because negative pressure is created while conditioned air from inside the house is trying to push hot air through the vent leading outside. This actually forces more hot air into the house.

    Consumer Reports went on to test some standard window units, and found that two LG brand air conditioners worked best for large and medium sized rooms, at a price of $350 and $240 respectively. It was found that a $210 GE unit worked best for smaller rooms.

    Image via Youtube

  • Best Lawn Mowers: Consumer Reports Finds The Answer

    Consumer Reports has tested over one hundred products to find the best lawn mower.

    Their answer? It depends on your lawn, but you can’t go wrong with the $250 Cub Cadet SC100 11A-A92J, which will give you an excellent cut as well as maneuverability.

    But really, they say, it depends.

    “Most important is to consider the size of your property. If you have a larger property, that is it takes you more than a half an hour to mow your lawn, then you should consider a self-propelled mower,” Consumer Reports’ Peter Sawchuk . According to him every lawn needs a different type of mower. Speed, drive, and power source are all important considerations.

    But some types of mowers have to be better than others right? It really does depend on what you need. The magazine has published a detailed buying guide regarding the different features for manual-reel mowers, electric mowers, gas-powered mowers, lawn tractors, zero-turn-radius mowers, and even robotic mowers. But to see the reports on a product-by-product basis, you’ll need to purchase a subscription.

    To help you figure out what mower you need, Consumer reports published this helpful YouTube video:

    Of course, if you’d rather do the research and the testing yourself, but lack the funds of buying a hundred mowers, you could always follow the example of some thieves in Canada and steal them. Saturday, CBC News reported a thief of several mowers in Arborg, Manitoba. “Maybe they had a lot of yard work to do,” they speculated, also publishing a full list of stolen items:

    2 John Deere riding lawn mowers
    2 John Deere zero turn lawn mowers
    2 John Deere push mowers
    1 Ariens rear tine rototiller
    1 white GMC 2500 pickup truck
    1 white Triton Tow Dolly trailer

    Yard work, indeed. Maybe reading the reports is easier and cheaper after all.

    Image via Consumer Reports, YouTube.

  • Best In-Ear Headphones Chosen By Consumer Reports

    Deciding what the best in-ear headphones are is a contentious topic. After all, sound quality and comfort is largely subjective for a lot of people. That doesn’t mean professional critics can’t try to sort out the best from the junk though.

    Consumer Reports recently put out a list of what it thinks are the best in-ear headphones available today. The exhaustive test saw the critics at Consumer Reports looking at over 150 wired in-ear headphones to determine which one is the best. While a winner is chosen, the magazine does offer a variety of excellent options for all kinds of budgets.

    Starting off, Consumer Reports says the best in-ear headphones are the Polk Audio Nue Era. The magazine cites the headphones excellent sound quality and lightweight as standout features. The magazine also says it likes the tortoise shell design. The Polk Audio Nue Era headphones are a little on the pricey side at $100, but you can usually get a pair cheaper via Amazon or eBay.

    If you want something a little more extravagant, Consumer Reports recommends the Bose QuietComfort 20i. It also has excellent audio quality, but the real standout feature is the noise canceling hardware. Like all things Bose, you’re going to have to spend a lot more than what you’re accustomed to. The QuietComfort 20i retails for $300.

    Let’s say that the above two in-ear headphones are too rich for your tastes. It’s understandable. After all, not everybody has a few Benjamins lying around to spend on some headphones. You want good audio quality at an affordable price, and Consumer Reports has just that. The magazine rated the $10 Panasonic RP-TCM125 rather highly saying that it has excellent sound quality for the price. The only thing it’s lacking is an integrated volume control button so those using these in-ear headphones on a mobile device will have to adjust the volume via the device.

    On a personal note, I highly recommend the Sennheiser CX 300-II in-ear headphones. Out of all the in-ear headphones I’ve used, it packs the best bass. It also comes with three different sizes of rubber cushions so that it fits all ear sizes. The only downside compared to the in-ear headphones above is that it doesn’t have any hardware control buttons or built-in mic. If you need any of that, you’ll want to consider one of the above options. If you put sound quality above all, Sennheiser is an excellent alternative.

    Image via Sennheiser

  • Smartphone Theft is Still on the Rise

    For smartphone owners (and iPhone owners in particular) the risk of theft is always present. Millions of smartphones are stolen every year and most of them are never recovered. A quick survey of recent Twitter posts is enough to demonstrate the phenomenon:

    Now it appears that, even as smartphones become more secure than ever through software, smartphone theft is rising rapidly.

    Consumer Reports today issued a new survey showing that 3.1 million Americans had their smartphones stolen last year. That is nearly two times the 1.6 million stolen U.S. smartphones that the firm estimated for 2012.

    “Given how much personal information smart phones can contain – from photos, contacts, email accounts to social-networks, shopping, and banking apps – losing one of these devices or having one stolen can definitely be cause for panic,” said Glenn Derene, editor for Electronics at Consumer Reports. “Our survey revealed that the number of lost and stolen smart phones is on the rise, and too many smart-phone users are needlessly imperiling their personal data by not taking basic security measures.”

    In addition to the thefts, the survey found that 1.4 million smartphones were lost for good during 2013, a slight rise from the 1.2 million lost in 2012.

    With smartphone loss and theft so common, it would make sense for smartphone owners to protect themselves using every method available to them. This is not the case, however, as most smartphone users do not implement even basic security measures.

    Consumer Reports found that only 36% of smartphone owners using a screen lock with a 4-digit pin. This is a 50% increase over 2012, but still far short of a majority.

    The survey also found that only 29% of smartphone users backup their data and that only 22% of smartphones are running software that can locate the device if it goes missing. Also, with smartphone viruses and malware growing significantly as a threat, only 14% of smartphone users have installed antivirus software on their device.

  • Best Paper Towels Ranked by Consumer Reports

    Consumer Reports, the monthly magazine that’s been published by Consumers Union since 1936, has reviewed and compared 18 different paper towel brands, using results from its in-house testing laboratory and survey research center.

    The tests conducted included absorbency (a measure of how much liquid weight a towel can suck up), scrubbing strength (the amount of strokes it takes to tear a wet towel when rubbed across an abrasive surface) and wet strength (the force it takes for a ball to break through a paper towel).

    Interestingly, the “green” brands of towel scored very low – in the 40’s on a scale of 100. Seventh Generation Right Size and Scott Naturals Mega Roll Choose-A-Size were the green brands we tested. Seventh Generation states its rolls made from 100 percent recycled paper. Scott said its Naturals brand are made from 60 percent recycled paper. Both brands failed.

    Consumer Reports submitted a video of their towel testing:

    Brands tested included Bounty, Viva and Brawny, as well as big-box store brands like Costco’s Kirkland Signature and Walmart’s Great Value. Bounty’s DuraTowels were highly rated in all the tests, though they cost around twice as much as all other brands. Of the economy brands, Walmart’s Great Value Strong and Absobent towels were rated highest.

    More paper towel intrigue:

    To be clear, a paper towel (also called kitchen roll or a kitchen paper) is an absorbent textile made from paper instead of cloth. In 1907 the Scott Paper Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania introduced paper towels to help prevent the spread of germs sticking to cloth towels in restrooms. Paper towels are likewise disposable and intended to be used only once. Paper towels defy gravity while soaking up water, and can be individually packed as stacks of folded towels, or coiled into rolls. Uses for domestic and institutional paper towels include wiping up spills, drying off hands, dusting, scrubbing, cleaning windows, spitting gum into, eating sandwiches off of and unrealized origami.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Best Cars of 2014: Consumer Reports List

    Best Cars of 2014: Consumer Reports List

    One of the esteemed authorities of reviews, Consumer Reports, has recently released their best car list of 2014. The company uses excellence in three categories– test performance, reliability and safety to choose the cars that we all should be looking at. Consumer Reports separated cars into a variety of categories, from small SUV, midsize sedan, compact car and midsize SUV to green car, pickup truck, luxury car, sports sedan and minivan. The best of these had the highest ratings from Consumer Reports National Research Center which garnered reports from subscribers as well as government and insurance industries to get their results. The winners of each car are the following:

    Small SUV
    Subaru Forester’s roomy rear seats, 35 mpg on the highway and its affordable price make this mini-SUV the top of the line.

    Midsized sedan
    Honda Accord wins for probably the 1,000th time with a mpg as good as their subcompact car. The Accord’s ride is always above average, but there is a noted reliability issue with the HondaLink infotainment system on the EX-L versions.

    Compact car
    Subaru returns agains with its Impreza, coming in a sedan and hatchback version with a roomy interior and great fuel economy.

    Midsized SUV
    Hyundai steps into the top ranks with its seven-passenger Santa Fe that offers a smooth exterior and luxurious ride.

    Green car
    Larry David would approve–Toyota Prius hold the crown on the best green car again.

    Pickup truck
    The Ram 1500 edges out over the Chevrolet Silverado due to the Chevy’s reliability issues. Its powerful 5.7-liter V8 and quiet cabin make the Ram 1500 the pickup truck to beat.

    Luxury car
    The Audi A6 garners the words “impeccable” and “sumptuous” even from Consumer Reports as the diesel-powered V6 Audi with 28 mpg wins the best luxury car of 2014 title.

    Sports sedan
    The BMW 328i takes the cake with a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine with 28mpg. This year, BMW also releases a diesel version called the 328d which is greatly received.

    Minivan
    The Honda Odyssey can carry eight people, has “decent” fuel economy and a V6 engine. At its great price, it also has features such as a backup standard as standard.

    If you’re looking to purchase a new car or make an upgrade, this list will surely help you narrow things down a little. If you want to go big and green, go for the Consumer Reports best overall car, the luxury electric Tesla Model S. It runs in the $90,000 price range, but the streets as well as Consumer Reports will definitely approve.

    Image via NDN

  • Tesla Model S Tops Consumer Reports’ 2014 Car Picks

    Tesla Model S Tops Consumer Reports’ 2014 Car Picks

    Last year Consumer Reports reviewed the Tesla Model S, giving it a 99 out of 100 – the best score the publication has ever given a vehicle. That review was then backed up by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which gave the Model S the highest safety rating it has ever given a car. Now that sentiment has been sustained over the past year to the new Consumer Reports’ annual auto issue.

    Consumer Reports has chosen the Tesla Model S as the overall best vehicle for 2014. The car was chosen for both its performance and what the publication calls its “impressive technological innovations.” This is despite the car’s current hefty price tag.

    Having an electric car top the Consumer Reports list is actually one of a few surprises for the Consumer Reports 2014 top car picks. The Ram 1500 was named this year’s best pickup truck, marking the first time in 16 years that a Chrysler vehicle has taken a top spot in the publication’s yearly rankings.

    Japanese car brands took only five top spots in this year’s report, the fewest of any year since Consumer Reports began picking top cars yearly. Honda and Subaru both placed two cars in four different categories (the Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, Subaru Impreza, and Subaru Forester), while Toyota placed only one (the Toyota Prius).

    “The competition in the marketplace has grown fierce,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports. “There was a time when a handful of brands dominated our Top Picks list, but in recent years we’ve seen a more diverse group make the cut.”

    The Toyota Prius’ place at the top of the green car category was the least surprising aspect of this year’s list. The Prius has now topped that category for 11 years straight.

  • Consumer Reports Warns of Carcinogens in Soda

    While cities such as New York continue to debate the dangers of excessive sugar in soft drinks, another potentially hazardous aspect of soda is now coming under fire.

    Consumer Reports today warned of the dagners of 4-methylimidozole (4-Mel), a chemical found in the caramel coloring added to most sodas. The chemical has been found “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which determined that 4-Mel does cause cancer in mice. The state of California currently requires that any product exposing a person to greater than 29 micrograms of 4-Mel to have a warning label.

    Consumer Reports tested twelve different sodas and found varying levels of the chemical in different brands. Two sodas in particular averaged levels of 4-Mel that exceed the 29 microgram level in a single 12-ounce serving. Cans of Pepsi One were consistently shown to exceed the limit set in California’s law, with Pepsi One soda tested in New York far exceeding the limit. Malta Goya soda was found to contain well over 300 micrograms of 4-Mel.

    “We are concerned about both the levels of 4-MeI we found in many of the soft drinks tested and the variations observed among brands, especially given the widespread consumption of these types of beverages,” said Urvashi Rangan, executive director of Food Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports. “There is no reason why consumers need to be exposed to this avoidable and unnecessary risk that can stem from coloring food and beverages brown.”

    Of the brands tested by Consumer Reports, Coca-Cola’s sodas had the smallest amounts of 4-Mel. Coca-Cola Classic contained more than Coke Zero or Diet Coke with a bit over 4 micrograms of the chemical per can. This is closer to 3 micrograms per can that Consumer Reports estimates would make the cancer risks from 4-Mel negligible. The organization does point out, however, that many consumers often consumer more than one can of soda per day.

    When asked about potentially labeling Pepsi One in California, the company told Consumer Reports that its estimates show that diet soda drinkers on average drink less than one third of a 12-ounce can per day of diet soda. Based on that, Pepsi does not believe it needs to label Pepsi One, since the California law is based on daily consumption.

  • Toyota Prius Ranked “Best New Car Value” Again

    Thinking about buying a new car this holiday season? According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota Prius will give you the best value for your buck. In fact, this is the second year in a row that the eco-friendly hybrid has been ranked as the magazine’s “Best New Car Value.”

    The Prius runs about $29,230. Consumer Reports liked the performance and reliability of the car. However, the incredible operating cost of only 47 cents a mile probably tipped the scales in terms of overall value. They wrote, “The Prius is extremely economical, averaging 44 mpg overall, and 55 mpg on the highways in our tests. With light throttle input it can quietly drive on electric power up to 25 mph. The ride is firm yet steady, and handling is sound and secure, but not particularly agile.”

    Consumer Reports publishes reviews by comparing products. A consumer can find reviews on everything from baby monitors to coffee makers to airline travel to sunscreen. To create its top ranked best value in cars report, the company tested over 200 different automobiles.

    Other well-valued cars on the list included the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited for best value in Large Cars. Also, the 2014 Lexus ES 300h topped for best value in Luxury Cars. On the other end of the spectrum was the Nissan Armada, which ranked as the worst value, the SUV only gets about 13 miles per gallon.

    Image via Wikipedia Commons

  • Almost All Chicken Breasts Shown to Contain Harmful Bacteria

    Chicken is one of the most widely eaten meats in the U.S. and around the world, but it could also be one of the most dangerous.

    Consumer Reports this week revealed the results of its recent tests of meat and poultry, showing that nearly all of the U.S. chicken breasts it tested were contaminated with some sort of harmful bacteria.

    Of the 316 raw chicken breasts examined in the survey, 97% of them were found to have harmful bacteria. Nearly 80% of the breasts had enterococcus, 65% of them had E.coli, 43% had campylobacter, over 13% had klebsiella pneumonia, nearly 11% had salmonella, and 9% had staphylococcus detected on them.

    In addition to the harmful bacteria, the report shows that chicken farming may be significantly be contributing to the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Half of the chicken breasts tested in the study were found to have at least one strain of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Most of the resistances seen in the chicken were related to antibiotics used in chicken farming.

    The FDA has recently announced a plan to heavily restrict the use of antibiotics in food animals, especially the practice of using antibiotics to promote animal growth.

    “Our tests show consumers who buy chicken breast at their local grocery stores are very likely to get a sample that is contaminated and likely to get a bug that is multidrug resistant. When people get sick from resistant bacteria, treatment may be getting harder to find,” said Urvashi Rangan, executive director of Food Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports. “Our survey also shows that consumers are making buying decisions based on label claims that they believe are offering them additional value when that is not in fact the case. The marketplace clearly needs to change to meet consumer expectations.”