Autoblog

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

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

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.

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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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Mercedes-Benz and Hughes release app-based "mbrace" telematics for iPhone, Blackberry

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

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

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Hughes Telematics to begin offering a new system that allows drivers to enable dozens of their vehicles features with their Apple iPhone or Blackberry.

Dubbed "mbrace," the telematics setup covers everything from locking and unlocking doors to contacting roadside assistance and pinpointing an mbrace-equipped Mercedes-Benz in a parking lot.

The system will be included on all new Mercedes products, and current customers with the automaker's outgoing Tele Aid system are eligible to retrofit their aging Mercs with mbrace. The technology could also be used to stream music from the web, upload video content and connect to users PCs, however, that's further down the road. The system is available now for $280 a year, and you can get all the details in the press release below the fold.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz and Hughes release app-based "mbrace" telematics for iPhone, Blackberry

Mercedes-Benz and Hughes release app-based "mbrace" telematics for iPhone, Blackberry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest auto iPhone app: Augmented reality parked car finder

Chris Shunk — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

About a dozen years ago, this blogger drove his father's Buick Regal Gran Sport Coupe to a Pink Floyd concert at the 80,000-seat Pontiac Silverdome. After the concert was over, said blogger spent two hours trying to find his old man's ride in a sea of tie dye shirts and strange-smelling smoke. We've all misplaced our cars in mall parking lots, at airport garages or sporting venues before, but iPhone 3GS owners now have a device that can stop it from ever happening again.

Car Finder uses the newest iPhone's GPS hardware to keep track of your vehicle's locale, and when it comes time to get back to your car or truck, the app points you toward its location. Car Finder seems easy enough to use. Whenever you park your vehicle, open the application and mark your position. The 99-cent app will then tell you if you've got an accurate GPS position along with the margin of error. You can also name the spot or provide a parking spot number or letter to help you find your car later.

When it comes time to find your car, simply open Car Finder and your iPhone camera will be activated and an arrow will appear to point you in the right direction. The app will tell you how close you are to your car by giving you a meter readout that will let you know if you're getting hotter or colder.

Since the jammed packed parking lots of the holiday shopping season are right around the corner, we're thinking Car Finder may be worth a try. Few things suck more than losing your car in the parking lot when it's 25 degrees outside and you're holding four shopping bags.

[Source: TUAW]

Latest auto iPhone app: Augmented reality parked car finder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:30:00 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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VIDEO: iDriver app controls cars through the iPhone

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Technology, Videos

iDriver iPhone App controls a car - click above image to watch the video

There's a lot we could say right now. We could point to a recent LA Times Highway 1 blog post about how kids today are so into social media/sitting on their butts in front of the computer that they don't want or need cars. Or, we could talk about how awesome robo-technology like this (you'll see it all after the jump) would be a great way to bring back Group B or CanAm -- races deemed "too dangerous" for human being to compete in. Or we could just point out that we've seen Terminator 3 and we know how these things begin (and end), so excuse us if we run off to hide in cave up in the Sierra Nevadas.

But really, what you've got here is an iPhone controlling a minivan via an application called iDriver. That's right, an iPhone controlling a minivan. You got your control for the gas, the brakes and a steering wheel icon where you put your left thumb and twist it around to steer the minivan. Actually, that's not totally true. Your thumb stays still. The user must actually twist the iPhone around to steer.

The best part? The minivan beams images of what lays ahead directly back to the iPhone so you can see what the vehicle's pointing at, although there are a couple features notable by their absence. First, can you turn off the third row A/C while starting the Veggie Tales DVD for the hundred billionth time? Second, any contingency plan at all for what happens when the iPhone rings and you have to take the call? You can't exactly hit pause. Oooh -- what if the iPhone's battery goes dead? Interesting, no? Full video, after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Engadget]

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VIDEO: iDriver app controls cars through the iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viper app allows remote start of your car with iPhone

John Neff — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology

Click above to watch videos after the jump

As the iPhone continues to introduce apps both silly and indispensable, it should come as no surprise that there's now an app for starting your car remotely. Introduced by car alarm company Viper, the SmartStart app comes in two flavors: a $299 package if you already have a compatible Viper alarm system or a $499 deal for a stand alone unit that comes with everything you need to start operating your car with Apple's Jesus phone. In addition to remote start, the SmartStart app can also lock and unlock your car, open the trunk and sound your panic alarm.

Previously we've seen the ZipCar app for the iPhone tout lock/unlocking capabilities, but this is the first time an app has enabled your iPhone to actually turn on a car. What's next? Well, we're going to start holding our breath for an app that's lets us drive our cars using the iPhone, just like James Bond did with his 7 Series in Tomorrow Never Dies. Big breath, big breath...

Follow the jump for a video of how the system works and what it can do.

[Source: Viper, Engadget]

Continue reading Viper app allows remote start of your car with iPhone

Viper app allows remote start of your car with iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yikes! TomTom's iPhone car kit will cost $120, app sold separately

John Neff — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Though there are a number of navigation apps available for the iPhone and iPod Touch through the App Store in Apple's iTunes, none had been anticipated more than the TomTom navigation app [iTunes link]. Available since August for $99.99, the app turns your Apple device into a fully functioning TomTom navigation system. Many potential buyers have been waiting, however, for the TomTom car kit that will not only allow your iPhone to be suction-cupped to a windshield just like a real third-party navigation system, but also includes a speaker and secondary GPS receiver for increased signal strength.

Our sister site TUAW has just learned that the TomTom car kit, which is scheduled to ship in October, will cost a cool US$119.95 or €99.95 in Europe, not including the cost of the app itself. This means if you want the whole set up for your car, that wallet in your back pocket will be US$219.94 lighter.

Our original hope was that TomTom would bundle the app itself with the cost of the car kit. Unfortunately that appears not to be the case, and the total cost of the app plus car kit now equals what you might pay for a mid-level third-party navigation system. Is it still worth all that money for an all-in-one device that can make phone calls, play music, play games and do a zillion other things on top of being a full fledged navigation system? Decide for yourself in the comments.

[Source: TUAW]

Yikes! TomTom's iPhone car kit will cost $120, app sold separately originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini debuts first roadside assistance app for iPhones [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mini

OnStar is soooo 2007. Rather than building some kind of old school cell phone telematics system into its cars, Mini is going the hip, modern route for roadside assistance. Mini USA has collaborated with insurance company Allstate to create an Apple iPhone app (also available for some GPS-equipped Blackberries) for owners to automatically call for roadside assistance. When you install the app, you put in your vehicle ID number and select a photo of your car if you want.

The next time you realize that the trip computer's range estimate was a bit optimistic and you fall short of a petrol station, or you leave the lights on or hear that familiar thump-thump of a flat tire, just pull out your iPhone. Open the app, select the service you need and Allstate will immediately dispatch help to the coordinates provided by the phone's GPS system.

Of course, if you forgot to plug in your phone last night... well, two strikes and you're out. There's no word yet on whether the app can use the phone's accelerometer to detect the excess deceleration associated with an impact and call 911 for you, but that would be a neat trick. Check out the video demo and the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Mini USA]

Continue reading Mini debuts first roadside assistance app for iPhones [w/VIDEO]

Mini debuts first roadside assistance app for iPhones [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos

TomTom iPhone navigation application - Click above for video

With the unveiling of Apple's latest iPhone, the 3GS, the gates were finally thrown open for third-party navigation software companies to develop navigation apps for the world's most popular smart phone. A TomTom app was announced at the same time, but we've been waiting a long time and a number of less well known companies have released navigation apps for the iPhone in the mean time. The wait for TomTom's attempt at navi bliss on the iPhone, however, is over with the introduction of the TomTom U.S. and Canada turn-by-turn navigation program.

The $99.99 app promises all the same nav functionality as a normal single-purpose handheld nav system right on your iPhone. Among its many features are the ability to tap the screen for start points and destinations in either landscape or portrait mode, depending on which way the unit is oriented. The mobile TomTom can also find restaurants and call for reservations, and it features IQRoutes, which calculates the best-possible route based on actual road speed data and accident and construction data. Pretty standard nav stuff, but in this case effectively bundled with a phone and built-in iPod.

TomTom app buyers can also purchase a kit that includes enhanced GPS features and a mount to secure the iPhone to the windshield of a car. The 1.2 gigabyte download is available now on the iPhone app store, though the large file size means you have to download it first to your PC or Mac and then sync it up your iPhone.

Now, $100 is a lot of money for an app when you've already paid $199 to $299 for the iPhone itself. The cheapest dedicated TomTom we could find on Amazon was also $100, so buyers will have to decide if it's better to have two separate devices or an all-in-one option.

If you haven't seen the program in action, there's an official video embedded after the jump.

UPDATE: Click here to view the app in the iTunes App Store.

[Source: Daily Tech]

Continue reading TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO]

TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exotic ringtones: Make your iPhone sound like a Ferrari 458 Italia

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Ferrari

The Ferrari 458 Italia is one hot mid-engine supercar, and the newest member of team Maranello is receiving plenty of attention on the Interwebs. The 458 Italia boasts a new, sweet-sounding direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 capable of pumping out 562 hp and 398 lb-ft with a race-ready 9,000 rpm redline. All that Italian muscle translates into a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph.

If you're like us, you probably won't be able to afford your own 458 Italia and experience this prancing pony's 40 valve symphony from behind the wheel. But that doesn't mean you can't take the sound with you. The 458 Italia microsite now has downloads for you iPhone (in M4R format) that will allow you to take Ferrari's siren song with you everywhere you go. The five available ringtones include: On the track, Overtaking, Acceleration, Off the mark and On board. If you don't have an iPhone, you can also download the tunes in MP3 format, along with several different screen savers, none of which suck. Happy downloading!

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: CNET]

Continue reading Exotic ringtones: Make your iPhone sound like a Ferrari 458 Italia

Exotic ringtones: Make your iPhone sound like a Ferrari 458 Italia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steering wheel for the... iPhone?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

CTA Digital iPod steering wheel -- Click above to view the video after the jump

If you've been trying to raise your high score on that iPhone or iPod Touch racing game but you just can't get your chi going without a steering wheel, this baby could be for you. Made by CTA Digital, you clip the phone into a holder, clip the holder into the wheel, and channel your Herr Schumacher.

Splurge for the top-of-the-line model and the wheel is attached to a suction cup by an adjustable arm, and you can go past Schumi straight to Kwai Chang Caine -- that's straight up Kung Fu badness. We won't mention how it might make you look, but you're not worried about that, are you? In case you're wondering, though, you can get a glimpse in the video after the jump. Hat tip to James

[Source: cnet]

Continue reading Steering wheel for the... iPhone?

Steering wheel for the... iPhone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: D.C. police chief says drivers who use iPhone to find speed traps are "cowardly"

Michael Harley — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Government/Legal, Technology

D.C. police chief Cathy Lanier, frustrated that iPhone technology is one step ahead of the red-light and speed cameras in her jurisdiction, has announced that those who use their hand-held electronic devices are "cowardly" and "...are going to get caught" in one way or another.

The subscription-based software that has Lanier shaking her fists and blurting out names is called PhantomAlert. In a nutshell, its GPS-enhanced database of law enforcement "points of interest" mimics alarms similar to those common to radar detectors (remember, radar detectors are already illegal in Virginia and D.C.). Drivers are alerted to approaching speed traps and photo enforcing locations on in their iPhone, or portable GPS units, enabling them time to slow down.

Not surprising when you consider that the greater D.C. area is home to nearly 10 percent of all traffic cameras in the U.S., according to experts. Chief Lanier is frustrated that the innovative technology is "designed to circumvent law enforcement -- law enforcement that is designed specifically to save lives." What Lanier seems to be forgetting is that attentive drivers using PhantomAlert will be slowing down at all 290 enforcement zones... saving countless lives in the process.

[Source: Washington Examiner, Photo by Michael Harley]

REPORT: D.C. police chief says drivers who use iPhone to find speed traps are "cowardly" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom and Zipcar announce new apps for iPhone

Chris Shunk — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

For all of you who aren't Apple fanboys and haven't been refreshing Engadget's live coverage of the 2009 WWDC this afternoon, there's some major news involving everyone's favorite little smart phone and two big auto-related companies.

The first is a new app from TomTom that was previewed back in January but finally became official today. The long awaited TomTom app will turn your iPhone into a full feature navigation system, a function this phone's been sorely lacking for quite a while despite housing the hardware to make it happen. While pricing wasn't given, TomTom will also be offering a mounting accessory that will hold the phone in either portrait or landscape mode and charge it while you navigate.

The other app is from car sharing service Zipcar. This one's particularly neat, allowing a user to locate him or herself relative to the nearest available car for rent, purchase the drive time and even unlock the car's door, all from inside the app. The program's ease of use could make a big impact on Zipcar's popularity, as currently the only way to make reservations is through the web.

[Source: Engadget]

TomTom and Zipcar announce new apps for iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Videos, Motorcycle

Motoczysz E1pc - Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally, speculation on the appearance of the Motoczysz E1pc can end as the fledgling American motorcycle maker has released official pictures of the machine that will take on the rest of the field at the upcoming TTXGP zero-emission eGrandPrix motorcycle race at the Isle of Man. Things are shaping up largely as we expected, with the E1pc sharing its basic layout and look - including the innovative front suspension design - with Michael Czysz's earlier race bike, the C1, which never actually made it to a MotoGP race.

Such a fate appears highly unlikely for the E1pc, and Czysz is understandably excited to see one of his two-wheelers hit the track in actual competition. In a post on Motoczysz's official blog, Czysz says, "In less than 24 hours I leave to go to the biggest race of my life, not because it is the largest, not because it is the fastest but because it will be the first time a MotoCzysz motorcycle will compete in an FIM sanctioned event."

As far as we're concerned, he has a right to be proud of his team's accomplishment. Looking over the pictures of the E1pc, we can see that there are three motors (one spins backwards) and 10 battery modules that appear to be swappable in relatively easy fashion. Perhaps the geekiest (in a good way, of course) bit is the iPhone mounted directly in front of the rider, which acts as the electric bike's instrument panel. Check out the photo gallery below for more, and be sure to click past the break for a short video of the bike in action.

Gallery: Motoczysz electric motorcycle

[Source: Motoczysz]

Continue reading Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges!

Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen's next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures

Michael Harley — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Technology, Volkswagen

Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today's modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience. CNET is offering us a sneak-peek at Volkswagen's latest iteration from the company's Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL). Developed with Intel, the new system uses Global Open Research Infotainment Architecture, or GLORIA.

Most systems today us a joystick-like device, touch screen, or hard buttons on the edge of the display (or a combination of the three) to control the inputs. Volkswagen's new GLORIA system takes it one step further by making Apple iPhone-like "gesture control" possible. This means that users are able to navigate quickly by simply tracing single letters across the pressure-sensitive display. Another unique feature may allow users to import third-party widgets for the system, much like consumers currently load apps from iTunes onto their iPhones. As cool as it sounds, GLORIA is still under development and she isn't expected to see showrooms for a few more years.

[Source: CNET, Photo by CNET]

REPORT: Volkswagen's next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo Challenge iPhone game - Click above for a gallery

What automaker isn't trying to cash in on the iCraze? Most are scrambling to include iPod and iPhone integration into their newest vehicles, and many have tried to mimic the look and feel of the Apple devices with their latest concepts. The "people's car" has as good a claim as any other automaker, and Volkswagen is looking to cement that with a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Developed by German mobile game studio Fishlabs, the Volkswagen Polo Challenge, like other racing games, works with the devices' built-in accelerometer to control the car. Players can choose between eight different circuits to drive on while being serenaded by the music of Feinkost. When they're done playing, mobile gamers can find the nearest VW dealership to check out the car in person.

Just a month after its release, already 1.4 million people have downloaded the free game from iTunes. (Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary has also released a similar game highlighting the Seat Ibiza Cupra.) If you can read German, you can check out more info in the press release after the jump, along with the images in the gallery below.

Continue reading People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game

People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Videos

The iPhone 3.0 software is due to be released later this year, and in addition to allowing GPS applications to display turn-by-turn directions, Apple's uber-device will finally bring something other smartphone users have been enjoying for a while: Bluetooth audio streaming.

With the new feature enabled on the iPhone, the device can be paired with a Bluetooth-equipped stereo, allowing users to ditch their cables and those infernal FM transmitters, to enjoy streaming audio from the iPhone's music player.

KickingTires head-honcho and former Autoblog Editor, Dave Thomas, got his paws on the new 3.0 software ahead of its release this summer and put the Bluetooth functionality to the test on a Toyota Venza. The verdict? It works as advertised. And it's about time. Check out the video demonstration after the jump.

[Source: KickingTires]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone

VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple reportedly files patent for safer touch screen nav system

Chris Shunk — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Navigation systems have become ubiquitous in vehicles ranging from $100,000 luxury cars to $16,000 compacts. The auto industry has been grappling with the best way to safely navigation, with some companies going to touchscreen units, while others opting for a joystick solution like BMW's iDrive. Either way, you're still taking your eye off the road, making nav use a potentially dangerous endeavor.

Apple may have other plans, however, as Cupertino has filed a patent for a safer touchscreen system. According to the filing, Apple's ideas include voice-activated directions; a detachable, iPhone-like device that can also be used as a still or video camera; and navigation that can only be accessed by the front seat passenger when the vehicle is moving.

The 11-page document also includes mention of wireless communication subsystems, such as 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, CDMA, GSM and EDGE. The wireless communications would enable the nav system to sync up with an iPhone to load information already stored on the latter before entering the car. The proposed Apple system sounds like SYNC on steroids, but the road from the patent office to the dashboard can be a long one. Hit the read link below for more info on Apple's extensive patent filing.

[Source: Apple Insider]

Apple reportedly files patent for safer touch screen nav system originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3.0 software adds turn-by-turn directions

John Neff — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

When Apple debuted its second generation iPhone 3G, the inclusion of GPS hardware suggested that the everything device might soon replace that TomTom suction-cupped to your windshield by offering real turn-by-turn directions. Other phones offer this functionality, but for whatever reason, Apple forbid it on the iPhone despite the device technically having the capability to pull it off.

Today the Cupertino-based company previewed the iPhone OS 3.0, a new software update on the way that, among many new features, will finally allow turn-by-turn directions. While details are scarce, the new functionality is apparently being opened to software developers who can write their own navigation apps for the iPhone and sell them through the iTunes App Store. The only catch mentioned is that developers will have to provide their own maps, suggesting that plugging into the iPhone's native Google Maps is a no-no. We suspect current third-party navigation manufacturers like TomTom, Garmin and Magellan will be all over this.

Click here to read Engadget's live coverage of the Apple iPhone OS 3.0 preview event.

[Source: Engadget]

iPhone 3.0 software adds turn-by-turn directions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hughes Telematics working on downloadable apps for vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology

What's good for the iPhone is apparently good for the sedan. Hughes Telematics is working up a suite of programs that will work with its in-car communications technology and allow you to download applications for your car. From tailored data collection to controlling your car's systems with your phone to repurposing your car's features, the possibilities will turn your humble transport into the ultimate programmable appliance when Hughes releases the software to be ready in 2010. Let the betting begin on how long it will take someone to make an app that makes your car fart.

[Source: New York Times]

Hughes Telematics working on downloadable apps for vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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