Autoblog

Red Bull creates Racing Spy app

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 May 2012 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Technology, Racing

Red Bull Racing employs a paddock 'spy' who keeps tabs on Formula One grand prix goings-on and gossip, in addition to having a front-row, behind-the-scenes seat in one of the sport's top teams. The energy drink firm has just given him a larger platform for his intel with the Red Bull Racing Spy app, available now for free on Apple iTunes.

It appears to cover all the angles, with race infographics, background and historical facts, galleries, race info and season calendar as well as real-time updates like track positions during the race. On top of which you can send the spy your own questions and "challenges." Who knows, the spy might be able to answer some of our own questions about the Alpine A110-50C/ZAR.

Scroll down to read the press release, head over to iTunes for the download. Android fans, your app is on the way.

Continue reading Red Bull creates Racing Spy app

Red Bull creates Racing Spy app originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy launches app to give away tons of stuff during Super Bowl

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

Because the Super Bowl isn't enough of a spectacle already, there will be 20 Chevrolet vehicles and a heap of other prizes up for grabs during the big game. General Motors has revealed the Chevy Game Time app, which, once downloaded, presents trivia questions and polls about what's happening during the broadcast. Get the right answer or the most common answer, and you're put in a drawing for one of those numerous gifts.

There are also instant-win opportunities so you don't have to wait until next month to be a winner. As to those 20 cars, each user that downloads the app gets a unique "license plate" and if your plate matches a plate on one of the Chevys shown during the game, you'll win a car.

Follow the jump for the video and press release, and get to downloading on Sunday, January 22 if you like swag with your Super Bowl.

Continue reading Chevy launches app to give away tons of stuff during Super Bowl

Chevy launches app to give away tons of stuff during Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple pulls "Make your own driver's license" app after PA senator complains

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Kids these days don't realize how easy they have it. Getting your hands on a fake ID used to be difficult, requiring either skill, daring, dumb luck, or some combination of all three. It was a rite of passage as much as a way to get your hands on booze. Now, there's an app for that.

Or at least there was, until Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) complained to Apple. DriversEd.com had been offering a free download for iOS devices that allowed users to paste their photo and personal information into a template for each of the 50 state driver's licenses. "We've got every single state," says the description on the company's website, "so make a face, take a picture with friends, and go crazy!"

While the app was designed to be fun, Casey didn't think so. In his letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, he wrote, "I believe this application poses a threat to public safety and national security and I request that you remove it from the App Store immediately."

"License" is no longer available in Apple's App Store.

According to a report by Mac Rumors, this wasn't the first time Apple has been asked to remove the app, which has apparently been available for over two years. "The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License had sent a letter to Apple's Scott Forstall back in April," said the article, "requesting removal of the application. Apple apparently did not, however, respond to that initial request."

Read the entire letter after the jump.

Continue reading Apple pulls "Make your own driver's license" app after PA senator complains

Apple pulls "Make your own driver's license" app after PA senator complains originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes considering automotive app store

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Infotainment

At CES this year, we sat down with Johan de Nysschen and Dr. Peter Steiner from Audi to discuss the automaker's future infotainment plans. At the time, Steiner mentioned that his team had looked into the possibility of an integrated app store built into the MMI system. And Audi isn't alone.

According to a report by Automotive News Europe, Mercedes-Benz is looking into the possibility of its own software market, which the automaker's chief designer, Gorden Wagener, says would release apps "that make the life of the Mercedes driver even more comfortable."

Wagener didn't get into specifics about what apps would be available and how they would be delivered, but he makes it clear that high-speed in-car wireless internet is a requirement. "It will take a while before we bring this into cars across the board," says Wagener. "The big issue here is the infrastructure. Without a data infrastructure that permits fairly high transmission speeds into the car, it's no fun and it doesn't make sense."

While Audi has already included 4G LTE in its product roadmap, the hardware won't be available until 2015 at the earliest. And Mercedes has yet to announce plans to bring high-speed data connections to its vehicles (it toyed with the tech in 2009). Until that happens - and strict software guidelines are in place - don't expect an embedded Mercedes app store for at least the next few years.

Mercedes considering automotive app store originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build your next Phantom with the Rolls-Royce iPhone app

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Rolls-Royce, Toys/Games, Luxury

Rolls Royce Phantom App - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls Royce is letting owners and enthusiasts unleash their creative juices on the 2011 Phantom with a new app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The program lets would-be buyers and reams build their very own, fully-customized version of the hyper luxury sedan, complete with a frightening 44,000 exterior color options. If, somehow, you can't find a shade you like, you can use your device's camera to take a picture of the exact hue you're looking for, and the app will apply it to your virtual Phantom.

True, this may not be the most utilitarian app out there, but it could definitely occupy a good portion of a long layover or school play without all the racket of Angry Birds. Once you've nailed down the perfect color for your Roller, you can scroll through photo galleries of interior piping choices, wood grains and options to make sure everything matches up just so.

The best part of this virtual Rolls builder is that it's completely free from the App Store, which means even street urchins like us can afford to build our dream Roller, however unattainable the car may be in the metal.

Gallery: Rolls Royce Phantom Configurator App

[Source: Rolls Royce]

Build your next Phantom with the Rolls-Royce iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Bull's racing app lets you create your own track out of cans

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

Red Bull Racing App - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ever wanted to build your own racetrack? Red Bull has a new app for iPhone users that lets you do just that. Arrange a series of cans in the shape of your track then trace the path using your iPhone's camera. The app will process the layout and turn it into a track, which can then be raced.

Since gasoline is attempting to catch up to the cost of Red Bull, it may be cheaper to race on energy drink-based tracks than real ones. Red Bull employed Cole Whitt, NASCAR team driver, to demonstrate the application, which is available for free in the iTunes App Store. Click past the jump to see Cole Whitt create and race on his virtual track.

[Source: Red Bull]

Continue reading Red Bull's racing app lets you create your own track out of cans

Red Bull's racing app lets you create your own track out of cans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen develops customer magazine for iPad

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen

Here's a shocker for our loyal readers - Volkswagen has just released a special app just for the iPad. Sarcasm aside, the German automaker has released a new consumer magazine for the tablet called the Digital Automotive Space, or DAS. The company plans to publish content on its products via the digital magazine quarterly, and it will be available in five languages. VW says the app will feature plenty of tricks that will be unavailable anywhere else, including unique 360-degree images, videos and other multimedia doodads.

The DAS is free, which is a good thing considering that it's essentially one big advertisement. Be sure to check it out in the Apple App Store and let us know what you think. Hit the jump to see the press release.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Volkswagen develops customer magazine for iPad

Volkswagen develops customer magazine for iPad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skobbler first totally free turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Skobbler has introduced a completely free, turn-by-turn navigation app for the iPhone, with one new and unusual detail: you help play the role of cartographer. Sort of like Linux for thoroughfares, you download the Skobbler app and then use CloudMade, a community-sourced mapping to add "hyperlocal" detail to the map, which Skrobbler then updates on its servers. The more information gets added by community mappers, the more detailed and up-to-date the instructions are available to the nav-app's users, with updates pushed to the program in real-time. We're unsure of how granular the details are in the current CloudMade maps, but the app is free and this could be your chance to be a pioneer.

[Source: Mac Daily News]

Skobbler first totally free turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet launches baseball app for iPhone/iPad... why?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Chevrolet

Since we haven't played it, we can only potentially file this under "Um, wut... ?", but Chevrolet apparently has a new baseball app out for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. When you're not playing a game with teams like "Sil" (Silverado) and "Cam" (Camaro) or practicing your catching during spring training, you can head into the Chevy Dugout to learn more about the Bowtie's cars.

Naturally, there is also a chance to win a trip to the 2010 All Star Game, which might make the enterprise worthwhile if you're mad about MLB. Follow the jump for the press release or head over to the App Store to get downloading. Who knows, with seemingly the entire auto industry putting their advertising up for review, maybe there's still some life in the old "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet" chestnut.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet launches baseball app for iPhone/iPad... why?

Chevrolet launches baseball app for iPhone/iPad... why? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Burnouts on the Go: Streetfire releases iPhone app

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Toys/Games

Because you need one more app on your iPhone and then you... um, win? StreetFire introduces its StreetVid app for instant access to all the two- and four-wheeled hoonage you can stand, plus its weekly shows and caption contests. If the soon-to-come iPhone 4G really does video, it'll be even easier for you to "upload yourself doing something stupid." Not the kind of thing that will make you any more productive, but it will put more smoking rubber in your pocket, and that's why we're all really here, no?

[Source: StreetFire]

Burnouts on the Go: Streetfire releases iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

Before we get into the nitty and/or gritty of what Ford is up to with their pending Sync app store, we should share with you a few facts FoMoCo shared with us. In 2010 fully 28 percent of the driving population will be between the ages of 16 and 31. These folks, known as Millenials (though us altecachers still prefer "Generation Y") love their smart phones and social networks the way the Baby Boomers loved the Beatles and Generation X loved moping around and bad tribal tattoos.

As such, the number one access point to the internet is no longer a computer -- it's a mobile device.

Access to your favorite songs and phone numbers is one thing, but what about all those apps you've spent so much time downloading?

Now we turn to Ford's Sync, a piece of software developed with Microsoft's help using the Seattle software giant's Microsoft Auto platform. While on the surface Sync has often appeared as little more than a fancy way to spin songs off your iPod, in reality it's a sophisticated piece of middleware that allows the vehicle to harness the power of a given mobile device. In other words, Sync allows whatever Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicle you're driving to act as a controller for your iPhone/Droid/Pre/whatever.

Handsfree access to your favorite songs and phone numbers is one thing, but what about all those fancy-pants apps you've spent so much time (and maybe money) downloading? Are they to be totally forgotten while you're in the car? Admittedly, you might be saying "of course," but Millenials think different. Besides, what if there were smart phone apps that actually enhanced the driving experience? With your hands on the wheels and eyes on the road, how would you access them? Here's a larger point, how does the internet work at 70 mph? Ford thinks it's got the answers to most if not all of these questions.

Continue reading Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync

Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

The season of hitting the roads to places you don't really want to go, so that you can give gifts you didn't really want to buy and eat food you don't really like has begun. Naturally, a lot more people on the road means a lot more folks getting lost. Fear not, you invincible iPhone-equipped holiday travelers: Appcast has ranked the created a list of navigation apps taking into account 31 different features and metrics.

With all the measuring they've done, they leave the decision of which one is best up to you. But with factors such as coverage area, traffic and speed camera notifications, demo routes, and even text-to-speech (including how the application handles voice instructions when the phone is playing music), you should have plenty of tools to make the best choice for your tastes.

There are seven apps tested, starting at $29.99. One of them could help make your holiday treks that much more manageable -- but they still won't eat fruitcake.

[Source: Appcast]

Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs!

John Neff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

2010 Volkswagen GTI Mark VI prize car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is no stranger to promoting its vehicles using games for the iPhone and iPhone Touch. Witness such forgetables as Volkswagen Polo Challenge 3D [iTunes link] and Volkswagen Scirocco R 24H Challenge 3D [iTunes link], both by developer FISHLABS. Neither game is very fun to play, being on the early end of the curve for racing games on Apple's smart phone. For the launch of the new GTI, however, Volkswagen got smart and instead partnered with developer Firemint, which already has a well received racing game for sale in the App Store called Real Racing [iTunes link]. Together, the two companies have put out Real Racing GTI [iTunes link], a free version of the $6.99 app that exclusively features the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI.

We'll get to the game in a second, but the big news is that VW is putting some promotional muscle behind the app by launching a contest (view rules and regulations here) to give away six brand new, limited edition GTIs just for playing the game. Thankfully, your chances of winning are not tied to your skill level, and entering involves simply registering through the game and completing a race. What's more, you can enter once per day and Volkswagen will pick a winner each week for the next six. The GTI prize cars are limited edition models with numbered dash plaques, special interior and exterior trim and unique 18-inch black wheels.

Real Racing GTI App images - Click above for high-res image gallery

As for the game, it's pretty solid. While only featuring the GTI and fewer tracks, all the gameplay mechanics are the same as the paid app. The control settings are also extensive allowing you to steer using either the device's accelerometer or a steering wheel on the screen, as well as choosing between auto or manual modes for accelerating and braking. The competition AI, however, is pretty weak, allowing you to pass them all from the back of the grid before the first turn and then hanging on the back of your bumper for the rest of the race.

So here's our advice: DO NOT download Real Racing GTI and DO NOT register for the contest to win one of six limited edition GTIs. We think we have a real shot at winning and don't want you all throwing the curve.

Gallery: Real Racing GTI App images

Gallery: Volkswagen 2010 GTI Mark VI prize car

[Source: Volkswagen | iTunes link]

VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: SYNC could one day add app development like iPhone

Chris Tutor — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Ford

Ford's head of electronics told Autoblog today that the future of SYNC is already in the works, including the possibility of one day opening up the platform to the developer community.

Jim Buczkowski, Ford's director of electronics and electrical systems said he sees SYNC as a platform on which creative innovation could be built. He said if such a developer program were ever to be implemented, it would work much like Apple's program where outside developers build apps that would be evaluated by Ford before being made available to customers. Buczkowski said the first priority in evaluating apps, though, would be to ensure safety for drivers.

There are no definite plans for a "SYNC SDK" anytime soon, but it is an indication that Ford is busy working to keep SYNC ahead of the competition.

Ford's Executive Vice President Mark Fields told us in another CES interview that with SYNC, Ford is now able to behave more like a technology company than an automotive company. New sheet metal takes much longer to design and implement than a software update that would give Ford owners many new features. To keep up the innovative pace, Fields said they seek input from customers in the blogospheres, focus groups and from Ford's SYNC My Ride Web site.

CES 2009: SYNC could one day add app development like iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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