Fitbit Charge 3; Tesla Roadster Preview; EU Targets Terror Content; Pepsi Buying SodaStream

Fitbit has unveiled the Charge 3…and the new device seems to blur the line between full smartwatches (including their own Ionic and Versa models) and fitness trackers. Theverge.com says the overall shape and size are pretty much identical to the Charge 2, but the new device has an aluminum body and Gorilla Glass 3 display (like the Versa). More notably, it has a real touchscreen, and supports grayscale colors instead of just black and white. It’s water resistant to 50 meters, has a better heart rate sensor, and the same oxygen saturation sensor as Fitbit’s smartwatches. Fitbit says it will run up to 7 days on a charge.You can also get app notifications, like from calls, calendar reminders, and the like…Android users can even use canned responses for a quick reply right from their wrist. The base model is $149.95, with a Special Edition at $169.95 offering NFC and Fitbit Pay. It comes in a graphite color or rose gold. Preorders are open today, it should hit stores in October.

The Tesla Roadster is supposed to be out in 2020, but you can get a preview of it on the Jay Leno’s Garage show on CNBC August 23rd. Engadget.com reports that Leno will talk to Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen about the hot offering. The Roadster is reported to use TV cams instead of outside mirrors to reduce drag, and have a yoke style steering ‘wheel’, much like aircraft have had for decades.

The European Union is cracking down on tech companies after trying to let them voluntarily delete terrorist propaganda and extremist violence. Now, according to cnet.com, the EU will be imposing tough new rules, including one requiring social medial companies to remove terrorist content within one hour. In response, Facebook says it has now set up programs that identified 99% of terrorist propaganda before anyone has a chance to report it to the company…but has struggled more with hate speech.

Pepsi has announced that it’s snapping up SodaStream for 3.2 million. TechCrunch.com says Pepsi sees the move to online grocery buying and delivery, and wants to have the in-home presence. Of course, the SodaStream also appeals to the sustainability crowd, who abhor disposable plastic bottles and straws. The deal should close in January.