Autoblog

Struggling Tokyo Motor Show shifts gears, pitches itself as tech show

George Kennedy — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show

Organizers for the Tokyo Motor Show have a problem on their hands. Ever since the financial crisis, the biannual auto show has been enduring a downturn. Though 2011's attendance of 842,600 visitors was an improvement of 37 percent over 2009, the overall trend is downward from 1.43 million visitors in 2007. The height of attendance for the show was in 1991 when the 15-day exhibition ushered in 2.02 million patrons. The show later shrunk to 13 days, then to ten, in response to shrinking demand.

So what's an auto show to do? According to an Automotive News report, the answer is to remake itself. The theme for Tokyo Motor Show 2013 has been announced as, "Compete! And Shape a new future." According to the press release provided, "The theme represents the desire to have visitors experience a future that doesn't yet exist anywhere and is shaped by vying values, such as beauty, technology, and dreams."

Part of that effort is the Smart Mobility City project, displaying high-tech methods of how cars can connect to one another. Japanese carmakers are looking to be the leader in the interconnectedness of cars in the future. Features like smart electric grids and interactive infotainment systems are among these technologies. According to the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers (JAMA), "Passions that thrive on cars, motorcycles, and their technologies, are brought together in a friendly competition to shape the future."

Perhaps this direction is the one the Tokyo show must take in order to regain relevancy, in the midst of shows like Shanghai and Beijing increasing in popularity. The Tokyo expo has been struggling for relevance not just with show patrons, but also with foreign automakers, who have been increasingly unwilling to debut concepts and new models - or even buy displace space at all - in a market where consumers don't buy many foreign-branded autos.

The 43rd Tokyo Motor Show will be held November 22 through December 1, 2013.

Continue reading Struggling Tokyo Motor Show shifts gears, pitches itself as tech show

Struggling Tokyo Motor Show shifts gears, pitches itself as tech show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti registers highest emotional attachment among car brands

George Kennedy — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Infotainment

Do you love your car? Like, really love your car? How about your iPhone? According to Forbes, a group called New Media Metrics has a way to quantify just how much you adore your devices, and how that emotional connection determines your purchasing behavior.

The metric is called Leveraging Emotional Attachment for Profit, or LEAP, and just like it sounds, it measures how much we love products. That affection will likely lead to purchase to fill that attachment. The LEAP index began in 2010, and for the first two year the iPod topped the list, only to be unseated by the iPhone this year. Tech is a key factor as these devices have become extensions of ourselves.

The top automaker on this list, and ranked third overall, is the Infiniti brand. Its high ranking speaks to the significance of technology in the LEAP index. While many automakers offer a wealth of in-car tech, for Infiniti, it's a defining characteristic. Features like the around-view monitor and real-time traffic and weather updates have become key selling points for the Japanese luxury brand.

The next automaker on the list is Cadillac, at the sixth spot, followed followed by BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover in spots 13 through 16, respectfully. Given Cadillac's lead over the tech-heavy German automakers it will be interesting to see how the rollout of Cadillac's CUE-equipped vehicles affects its rankings in the years to come. Check out the rest of this list and see where your favorite brands stack up below.

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Infiniti registers highest emotional attachment among car brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPhone 5 may come with incompatible connector for cars

George Kennedy — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Infotainment

Nearly the entire auto industry has finally caught up with the world of consumer electronics, offering a way to connect the iPod/iPhone - be it via USB, Bluetooth or official Apple connector - in most new cars. The 30-pin Apple connector was first incorporated in a car by BMW in 2004 and was significant because it meant inclusion of a connector that only works for a single brand's products.

Automakers like Audi and Volkswagen also offer an iPhone-spec cable, allowing access to your music through the car's own audio system and changing tracks on the steering wheel controls.

Now, prepare to be frustrated.

Now that everyone finally offers the same cable for the iPhone, Apple may reportedly move to a 19-pin connector that is smaller than the current 30-pin cable. If the reports are true, then the new iPhone 5 will be instantly incompatible with the built-in 30-pin connectors that come equipped in Kia, Hyundai and Nissan vehicles.

It may not be cause for a total freak out, as most vehicles on the market offer integrated USB ports, which can accept any cable where at least one end is USB. As long as Apple doesn't decide to piss everyone off and move away from as USB on the non-iPhone end, you will still be able to connect the next-gen iPhone this way.

Additionally, most new vehicles come equipped with Bluetooth, and an increasing number of these vehicles allow for streaming music. If all else fails, you can tell the new 19-pin connector to take a hike and stream your music wirelessly.

New iPhone 5 may come with incompatible connector for cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW adds iDrive Touch and 3D maps to latest generation infotainment system [w/video]

John Neff — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Luxury, Infotainment

BMW claims to have been the first carmaker to offer an in-dash navigation system all the way back in 1994 on its 7 Series. It was also arguably the first automaker to experience the backlash that comes with poor user interface design when it introduced the iDrive system in 2001. Nav systems today have trickled down to cars costing a fraction of the 7 Series these days, and iDrive has matured to become a competitive infotainment platform among the luxury set. This week, BMW is unveiling the latest generation of its infotainment platform that includes so much more than just navigation and a clever master knob to control to it all.

Called BMW ConnectedDrive, the new system is marked by two big improvements. The first are new graphics for the entire system that feature black backgrounds and atmospheric lighting effects, as well as a new view option for maps called "3D City Models" for select locations.

The second improvement is the introduction of iDrive Touch, which is a touchpad interface like those first used on some Audi models that's embedded on the top of BMW's familiar iDrive rotary knob controller. Measuring 45mm in diameter, the touchpad can be used not only for inputting characters, but also features a pinch-to-zoom function when viewing maps and will soon have the ability to control a cursor when BMW makes a browser function available. iDrive Touch will launch this month in China, where the input's gesture control method works particularly well with that language's thousands of characters, and then go on to appear in all other markets a year later.

Continue reading BMW adds iDrive Touch and 3D maps to latest generation infotainment system [w/video]

BMW adds iDrive Touch and 3D maps to latest generation infotainment system [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Livio developing common standard for using apps in cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Infotainment

We can't see any way for Mr. LaHood and his crusaders against distracted driving to win; consumers want access to their connected lives even while behind the wheel and they're going to find a way to get it. Even if it means not being able to actually use a cellphone, manufacturers are right now working on ways to further integrate the app-sphere into their infotainment systems, and a Michigan company called Livio would like to help them.

Livio makes devices so you can get Internet radio in your car. It has begun working on a set of software tools that will provide a common language between automakers' inftotainment systems and apps. Livio wants to develop the software with each interested maker to provide integration tailored to specific systems, and its role as translator would free automakers from software duties and give app makers an easier route to in-car adaptability.

One could ask why don't automakers simply work together on a common standard. It's possible that they are, but with carmakers having come so far with their own systems, with infotainment one of the hottest battlegrounds between brands, and with colossal variation in regulatory diktats, we can see why Livio is presenting the option. The firm hasn't set up any deals yet, but automakers and electronics firms are paying attention.

Livio developing common standard for using apps in cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi reveals seven future technologies in development

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi, Electric

Audi has dropped the details on seven new technologies it is working on, some of which are still in early development, while others will be on the road within the next few years. They span the spectrum from furthering Audi's commitment to lightening its vehicles through the extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber composite to new infotainment concepts and its continued push for electrification through its e-tron program.

We've assembled all of these technologies into an easily digestible gallery, outlining each program, what it aims to accomplish and when (or if) we'll see it in production. Check it out.

Audi reveals seven future technologies in development originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aha Radio coming to 2013 Subaru BRZ

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, CES, Etc., Technology, Videos, Subaru, Infotainment

Subaru and Honda have shacked up with Aha Radio to bring streaming Internet tunes to your vehicle's cabin. According to Engadget, the system is expected to show up as an option on the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Users will need to have the Aha Radio app installed on their iOS or Android smartphone. The system then uses the device's data connection to stream the application straight into the head unit via Bluetooth or a USB connection. Information like pre-selected favorites and station preferences will be displayed and accessible via the built-in touchscreen interface.

Drivers will also be able to command the app using steering-wheel mounted controls, which is always a plus. Engadget says the user interface is workable enough for daily life. The site was able to get a brief data connection while on the floor at CES - just long enough to flip though a few stations and make a quick video. Hit the jump to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Aha Radio coming to 2013 Subaru BRZ

Aha Radio coming to 2013 Subaru BRZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi shows off 2013 A3 interior with new Audi Connect, we go hands-on [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, CES, Technology, Hatchback, Audi, Infotainment

Audi has tripled the size of its booth here at CES, and contained within is a mockup of the next A3's interior. Well, half of it. But the functional display was designed to showcase the latest generation of Audi Connect, the automaker's reworked infotainment system that's set to debut on the 2013 Audi A3.

As we exclusively revealed to you last year, Audi is incorporating its touchpad technology (originally fitted to the A7 and A8) directly into its Multi Media Interface (MMI) control knob, negating the need to move one's hand to write individual letters for navigation, point-of-interest and web searches. As expected, the knob has grown in size, but the additional girth isn't a bad thing. Audi has also nixed the traditional buttons flanking the knob and instead replaced them with toggle switches to swap between navigation, telephone, radio and media. From a muscle-memory point-of-view, this should be a good thing.

The other major upgrade is under the dash, with the installation of Audi's first Multi-Media Extension (MMX) board. This new modular board incorporates an NVIDIA Tegra graphics processor that not only displays fantastic images and 3D animations on the ultra-thin seven-inch display, it can be swapped out as chipset technology evolves. Audi has also expanded its Google Earth integration to include Google Street View and a new iPhone cradle in the armrest boosts the phone's signal to keep the data flowing. We were also told that inductive charging could be included in the cradle, but that might be one system that's left on the cutting room floor. Get a sample of it all in our hands-on video after the jump.

Continue reading Audi shows off 2013 A3 interior with new Audi Connect, we go hands-on [w/video]

Audi shows off 2013 A3 interior with new Audi Connect, we go hands-on [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Ford's Sync lose ground to Fiat's Blue & Me?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford, Fiat

It recognizes hundreds of voice commands. It will interface with your Bluetooth-enabled smart phone. It was co-developed with Microsoft. Sounds like Ford's popular SYNC tech, right? Sure does, but it also smacks of Fiat's Blue & Me system that has been in production in Europe since 2007. The technology will be available stateside when the tiny Fiat 500 goes on sale early in 2011. The cost? $500 in a base 500, and the system is standard on uplevel Sport and Lounge models.

Like the Fiat 500 itself, Blue & Me certainly sound compelling, but it's one small niche product in a sea of cars, trucks and crossovers. Perhaps more significant is the fact that Fiat's infotainment tech could be available in Chrysler products as early as 2012. And while B&M apparently doesn't do everything as well as SYNC, it also carries some advantages of its own. For instance, 500 Sport and Lounge buyers can shell out an extra $400 for an optional Tom Tom navigation system that interfaces with the voice command system. Fiat also enables drivers to download their driving habits to a USB stick and load it to a website called Eco:Ville. The site will process the data and give drivers tips for more efficient driving.

So will Blue & Me become as popular as SYNC? Who knows, but at the very least it's nice to see that competition for Ford's system is on the way.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2011 Fiat 500

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Will Ford's Sync lose ground to Fiat's Blue & Me? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chronolyze unleashes the potential of Porsche's Sport Chrono Plus

Michael Harley — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Technology, Porsche

Chronolyze software - Click above for high-res image gallery of screen shots

Porsche's optional "Sport Chrono Package" adds a Sport button to the center console that kicks throttle, suspension and engine behavior up a few notches. It also adds a cool swivel-mounted timer to the center of the dashboard (essentially so your friends and passers-by know you have it) and launch control on PDK-equipped models. The upgraded "Sport Chrono Package Plus" adds a memory function to the system and the ability to display and review some of the lap data on the Porsche PCM (multi-function display).

The on-board PCM analysis only scratches the surface, says the team at Chronolyze. According to their engineers (no relation to Porsche AG), the Chrono Package Plus records vehicle speed, engine speed, transmission gear, steering angle, lateral g-forces, engine temperature, outside temperature, distance traveled, altitude and GPS coordinates (on NAV-equipped vehicles). That's a ton of information that is left sitting completely unused.

Since none of this data is available via the PCM, Chronolyze has developed software that extracts the text files (through Bluetooth or the iPod connection) so they may be further analyzed on a computer. The Chronolyze software organizes the data, calculates a 3D analysis of the laps (so they may be played back in real-time animations), and then graphs it all out for your viewing pleasure. In addition, the software also allows users to share telemetry, give ratings and overlay sessions from multiple files. If you've got a properly equipped Porsche in your driveway, give it a trial run. You can get your free beta account here.

Gallery: Chronolyze Screen Shots

[Source: Chronolyze]

Chronolyze unleashes the potential of Porsche's Sport Chrono Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM and BMW collaborate on iDrive-controlled BlackBerry integration [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW iDrive BlackBerry connectivity - Click above to view the video after the jump

Research In Motion has been hard at work bringing new ways to integrate the functionality of its BlackBerry devices into the automobile. We recently brought you news of RIM's acquisition of QNX Software Systems, but before that partnership comes to fruition, several automakers (most recently including Ford, for example) have been working with the Canadian electronics firm - now one of the top five mobile phone-makers in the world - to bring the BlackBerry into the cabin in a distraction-free manner.

The latest collaboration revolves around BMW's iDrive system, which has now been linked up with the BlackBerry to provide limited functionality while behind the wheel. Connecting through Bluetooth, the iDrive controller will now be able to read email messages aloud to the driver and occupants, and initiate calls either from the email sender or from the phone's contact list, displayed on the dash-top screen. The feature is being rolled out first on the new Pearl 3G, but is slated to arrive to all new devices running the new BlackBerry 6 mobile operating system.

Follow the jump to watch a video of the feature in action, as demonstrated on a 335is.

[Source: Phone Scoop via Engadget]

Continue reading RIM and BMW collaborate on iDrive-controlled BlackBerry integration [w/video]

RIM and BMW collaborate on iDrive-controlled BlackBerry integration [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Here's another first for Ford after the revelation of its motion-capturing software: The Blue Oval will be the first to offer iTunes tagging through iPods on SYNC-equipped vehicles. Right behind the announcement of mobile Internet connectivity being added to SYNC, this will go along with the package of mobile apps the carmaker will reveal at CES next month.

The way it works: if you you have SYNC with HD radio, when you hear a song you like on an HD station you can press the 'Tag' button, and the system will note the track. When you plug your iPod in, it will suck up all of those tracks in a 'Tagged' playlist. You can have another listen through them and then buy the ones you want from iTunes.

There are other makes of vehicles that will let you record songs directly onto the car's hard drive for a fixed amount of time, but you can't really do anything with the recording after that. Ford's setup won't get you that immediate satisfaction, but it will save you a few steps. You can read the press release on the new - and free - feature (provided you've paid for SYNC and the HD-equipped head unit) after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Hyundai developing competitor for OnStar, Sync... but new system needs a name

Chris Paukert — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of its product and marketing development process, Hyundai has reached out to owners and enthusiasts to create a network of consumers with which to discuss everything from future models and technologies to advertising tactics, polls, and so on.

Autoblog has learned of a communiqué issued to members late last week where Dean Macko, Hyundai's Manager of Brand Strategy, appealed to focus group members to help come up with a name for a new "Advanced Technological System" - a telematics package likened repeatedly to General Motors' OnStar and Ford's Microsoft Sync.

According to Macko, the system Hyundai is pursuing focuses on "four buckets of service": Safety and Security (including theft immobilization and automatic emergency service notification in the event of a crash), Infotainment (wireless connectivity features for telephone, music, etc.), Navigation (like OnStar's turn-by-turn direction service), and Vehicle Diagnostics, a tool for both owners and dealers that could help track the need for maintenance and potentially even notify one's dealer to order parts for a forthcoming repair.

Macko admits Hyundai has come up with a number of possible names on its own, including In Touch, Ring, Fuse and Emerge, but the company is reaching out to its network for suggestions. Calling them "naming experts," Macko indicates that this focus group has already helped come up with titles for future paint colors.

To be clear, in Macko's video message, he only says that Hyundai is "thinking about" introducing such a system - he does not commit to a product, timetable, or price. However, given the tone of his message and the nature of the group that Macko is appealing to, we have to believe that this new technology is just around the corner... perhaps tied to the launch of the Equus luxury sedan?

Hyundai apparently needs these naming suggestions by this Wednesday, November 4, and while most of you probably aren't part of Hyundai's focus group, we know that top company officials trawl these hallowed precincts on a daily basis. Thus, if you have a suggestion of your own, why not drop it in 'Comments' - who knows, they just might pick yours. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus

BREAKING: Hyundai developing competitor for OnStar, Sync... but new system needs a name originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Performance, Technology, Cadillac

Perhaps as part of a thoughtful move to combine two of the major aspects of the Autoblog lifestyle, Cadillac has just announced that it will offer full WiFi access in its CTS sport sedan beginning next month.

The dealer-installed option will cost $499, and Cadillac says the Autonet Mobile system will effectively turn the CTS into a 3G hotspot with speeds of up to 800Kbps. Naturally, there's a monthly charge associated with the service, but $29 a month for a stylish, leather-lined mobile command center doesn't strike us as too bad of a deal, especially when the WiFi is capable of handling multiple devices simultaneously. No word yet on whether existing CTS owners can retrofit their cars, but considering this is a dealer-installed add-on, we imagine it's possible. If not, there's always the aftermarket.

Now, if we could only get Cadillac to consider fitting a Nespresso machine, we'd have all the tools of the trade!

Continue reading Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and Microsoft offering Sync connectivity in 2008 models

John Neff — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Gadgets, Technology, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

The refreshened 2008 Ford Focus and Five-Hundred will both be rolled out with Bluetooth connectivity next year thanks to a partnership between the Blue Oval and Microsoft. That company from Redmond developed a system called Sync that includes not only a hands-free Bluetooth wireless system for cell phones, but also an in-vehicle operating system. Hooking up your RAZR to your car is one thing, but talk of an in-car operating system implies that the Sync system will become much more robust in what it can do at some point. Talk in the industry points to functions like not only dumping you MP3 files on a car's hard drive, but also connecting your car's computer system to local area networks or even mobile broadband networks so that a driver can check his email on the fly.

Ford wil be debuting the Sync system at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas simultaneously in early January. The system will later be rolled out across Ford's entire lineup.

We're curious to see how far beyond communications the Sync system will go, so we'll report back with details when they're available. Now, you may begin joking about Microsoft crashing your car.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ford and Microsoft offering Sync connectivity in 2008 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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