Autoblog

Lexus maps a curvy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model with GS sedan

John Neff — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus, Celebrities, Luxury

Lexus is doing whatever it can to convince people that its new GS is not like the anesthetized machinery it's been known for in the past. Part one of that plan was a Super Bowl commercial - a first for Lexus. Part two is throwing some sex into the mix.

Lexus has earned (or more likely paid for) the right to call itself the Official Automotive Marketing Partner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit property. With that title comes access to an SI swimsuit model, one very statuesque Tori Praver, and the Lexus creative team has found a clever way to capitalize on her curves.

Their idea was to create a race track based on the contour of Tori's swimsuit-clad body, and then pit two experienced drivers against each other to see who could drift around her thighs the quickest in a 2013 Lexus GS F Sport. According to the video after the jump, making the track wasn't all that difficult, and professional race car driver Scott Pruett and stunt car driver Greg Tracy were tasked with tracing Tori's curves.

Find out which driver won what Lexus is calling the TORI 500, then and got a victory lap with Tori, after the jump. The marketing campaign also includes a pair of iPhone apps, one out now that lets you place images of Tori and the Lexus GS in any of your iPhone's photos, and another coming soon that's an actual racing game based on the TORI 500 track.

Continue reading Lexus maps a curvy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model with GS sedan

Lexus maps a curvy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model with GS sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cherry.com offers car washes anywhere* for $29

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

So by "anywhere," Cherry means to say "anywhere in San Francisco," but beyond that little geographic limitation, this new service seems like a hassle-free way to get your car washed.

You sign up through the Cherry website, then schedule and geo-locate your car, either on the site or through its iPhone app. Within about 15-20 minutes, someone shows up at your car, wherever it happens to be parked. They wash it and leave. Your payment is processed through the app, so you need not be present, or even meet the person cleaning your car.

Cherry says it vets its car washers and trains them to use its environmentally friendly cleaning products, which allow for washing as many as six cars with just three gallons of water. We haven't seen the process ourselves, and frankly, it sounds too amazing to be true. But Cherry told us that it wouldn't be a viable business were it not for the reduced-water cleaning method, which is apparently popular on the West Coast, where car washing bans are becoming more common.

The other key to Cherry's business model is that California's terrible job market has created an eager pool of applicants looking to score a car washing gig. With unemployment rates topping nine percent in 13 states, Cherry's plans to expand outside of the Bay Area may just succeed.

Cherry.com offers car washes anywhere* for $29 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

Now we're not suggesting that you're a lawbreaker, but if you're a social networker and you'd like to know where speedtraps are - for no reason at all - then Escort might be able to help. Makers of the Passport line of detectors, Escort has started a mobile app-supported network called Escort Live that features Bluetooth notifications.

When an Escort detector using a special Bluetooth-enabled cord - called SmartCord Live - registers a trap, it sends that info to the cloud, which then forwards that location to your smartphone to warn you of the trap if you're about to be in range. It can also identify red light cameras and other types of road surveillance systems.

The app works with certain Apple iPhone and Android handsets, and a subscription to the service through 2012 costs $79.95. That strikes us as rather pricy, but we suppose it's cheaper than a speeding ticket. Check out a video of it in action after the jump.

Continue reading Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video]

Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota launches new FT-86... app

Zach Bowman — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Technology, Videos, Toyota, Toys/Games

Toyota just launched a new iPhone app that lets users position computer-generated renderings of the upcoming FT-86 sports car against real-world backdrops and then share them with other users. Judging from the video Toyota released to promote the app, Instagram shouldn't feel threatened; the renderings aren't exactly stellar, and the novelty of positioning a CGI FT-86 on your iPhone screen is likely to wear off quickly. Fortunately, the app is free. Just remember, kids, you get what you pay for.

Hit the jump for a look at the aforementioned promo video.

Continue reading Toyota launches new FT-86... app

Toyota launches new FT-86... app originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

MyMazda app lets you keep tabs on service schedules

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mazda

Mazda wants to add another icon to your iPhone's menu with MyMazda, an app that lets owners pull up vehicle maintenance, service history and recall information for their vehicles in a few easy taps.

The app syncs with Mazda's Customer Connect service program and can send automatic alerts and updates to remind owners of service schedules. There's also GPS functionality that tracks down your car in crowded parking lots. MyMazda is a free download from the Apple App Store and before you ask, an Android version should be out before the end of the year. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Continue reading MyMazda app lets you keep tabs on service schedules

MyMazda app lets you keep tabs on service schedules originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Motors finally gets its own iPhone app

John Neff — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology

If you're anything like us, trolling eBay Motors for cars you can only hope to one day own is like teeth brushing or hair combing - you could go without it for a day, but it wouldn't be a very good day. Thankfully, the chances of that happening have just dropped to nothing with this week's introduction of the eBay Motors iPhone app [iTunes link]. Sure, eBay itself has had an iPhone app for a while, but it's a PiTA to use if you're just looking for cars.

What we like about the new eBay Motors iPhone app is that it's designed around how we use eBay Motors' website. The app will of course let you search eBay Motors' big database of vehicles and parts for sale, but it also has an area of the app called the Garage. This is where you input both the vehicles you own (My Vehicles) and the vehicles you want to own (Dream Vehicles), making it easy to search for either with the flick of a finger. One slick feature is that you can add vehicles to your Garage by using the iPhone's camera to scan a VIN barcode, which is usually located on the inside of the driver's door.

There are some things we'd like eBay Motors to fix with the app's first update, mainly that the app's search parameters are so limited. For instance, when filling the app's Garage with cars, you have to input a specific Year, Make and Model, which means you can't, for instance, claim an entire generation of vehicle as a Dream Vehicle you want to own, just one particular model year. Likewise, you also can't dig deeper and pick a particular trim, which means my own vehicle, a 1991 Ford Taurus SHO, shows up in My Vehicles as just a 1991 Ford Taurus, making a search for the right parts damn near possible.

That said, we're still happy that eBay Motors finally has its own iPhone app and hope the team behind its development will take a serious look at the limitations we mentioned. Click here to check it out in iTunes, and why not download the new Autoblog.com app while you're at it.

Continue reading eBay Motors finally gets its own iPhone app

eBay Motors finally gets its own iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Honda debuts trippy new Jazz ad with Garrison Keillor voiceover, interactive iPhone app

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Honda has made some incredible commercials over the years. Remember "The Cog?" How about Commercial of the Decade "Grrr?" Then there is two of our favorites; "Impossible Dream" and "Impossible Dream II." These spots share two common traits: all are voiced by the silky-smooth Garrison Keillor and each is innovative in its own way.

The ad geniuses at Honda are hoping to strike gold once again with a now spot titled "This Unpredictable Life," which features Keillor and a bunch of animated characters. The Honda Jazz (the Fit here in the U.S.) spot itself is well-written and attractively animated, but the innovation comes in the form of an iPhone app that actually communicates with the commercial.

To download the app, simply hit the App Store and type Honda Jazz in the search. The object of the free game is to hold up the iPhone with the app running while the commercial is being played. Any time one of the characters from the game (shown, right) are shown in the commercial, you have to shake your iPhone. As you "catch" the characters, the app gains interactivity whenever you tap on them.

Once you download the app you can hit the jump to play the commercial. Make sure the volume is up on your computer so your phone can sense the sounds in order to tell when you're supposed to shake. We definitely won't guarantee the game is a blast to play, but we're impressed with the creativity in any case.

Gallery: Honda Jazz Commercial

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Video: Honda debuts trippy new Jazz ad with Garrison Keillor voiceover, interactive iPhone app

Video: Honda debuts trippy new Jazz ad with Garrison Keillor voiceover, interactive iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

DriveMeCrazy app provides outlet for virtual tattle-tales

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology

We all see bad drivers. Now, one company has developed an iPhone app called DriveMeCrazy, which allows you to digitally jot down a license plate and deem someone a "bad driver." This information isn't then simply posted to some lame social network, it's reported to the DMV and your insurance company.

While the idea of being able to report someone for driving like a jackass sounds great, there's little question that this will lead to abuse. What if someone were out to get you and reported you simply because they felt like it? Perhaps the person who didn't get that parking spot you ended up with is feeling particularly angry. Maybe the other driver didn't see your blinker even though you had it on for the last 15 minutes. This is DrivemeCrazy's inherent flaw.

In addition to empowering virtual snitches, DriveMeCrazy also lets users reward good driving, as well as "flirt" with other DrivemeCrazy users. We now await the first report of a DriveMeCrazy user getting a real ticket for using a mobile device to serve up a cheesy virtual ticket while driving.

[Source: DriveMeCrazy via Wired]

DriveMeCrazy app provides outlet for virtual tattle-tales originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Slow Down app curbs music tempo when you speed [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Technology, Videos

Slow Down app - Click above to watch video after the jump

For many of us, music and driving go hand-in-hand. A great song can complement a great road and the overall experience of piloting a vehicle can be raised a few notches. Of course, you might even get a little overeager behind the wheel when allowing yourself to get wrapped up in the cadence of the music instead of looking at the speedo (Metallica, anyone?). Well, now there's an app for that.

By way of the Belgian organization OVK, Parents of Children Killed in Road Accidents, comes an application in the iTunes App Store called Slow Down. Play music through your Apple iPhone while the app is running and it will keep an eye on the local speed limits. Should you exceed the posted limit, the music will quite literally slow down. Push that gas pedal even harder so that you are going more than 10 miles per hour over, and the tunes will go mute. All you have to do to get them back is slow down.

We wouldn't want this for ourselves because we love music and never, ever speed. However, we could see this being the perfect tool for quelling a newly licensed hot-shoe in your family. The best part about it? It's free.

Hop the jump to see the app in action.

[Source: OVK Slow Down via Engadget]

Continue reading Slow Down app curbs music tempo when you speed [w/video]

Slow Down app curbs music tempo when you speed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Motors to launch its own iPhone app

Chris Shunk — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Technology

We admit to spending an inordinate amount of time trolling eBay Motors, and soon enough we'll be able to browse the auto related goods with a dedicated iPhone, Android or iPad app. The new program will enable users to search for vehicles more efficiently than the current eBay app, eliminating much of the ancillary cruft we normally get while searching for four-wheeled rarities and oddities.

The purpose-built Motors app will make searching by year and model far easier with a custom home screen search, along with features like VIN scanning and a virtual garage. And of course you can also search for vehicles and parts through the traditional year/model format, plus you'll have access to details, specs, a photo gallery and the all-important vehicle history report.

The most trick option appears to be the garage app. The function will enable users to scan vehicles you own by bar code (via the iPhone camera) for easy retrieval, which is plenty easier than manually entering a 17-character VIN. You can also store part searches like "crankshaft for 1991 Taurus SHO" or set up a to do list for that project car you've been neglecting. The app is set to arrive in early 2011.

[Source: CNET]

eBay Motors to launch its own iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM and OnStar's mobile apps now available on iPhone and Android

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

If you own a 2011 General Motors vehicle equipped with OnStar and you also carry an iPhone or Android-based phone, then you are in for a treat. Two new apps have just been released for your smartphones: myChevrolet and OnStar MyLink. OnStar MyLink works with the onboard OnStar system in your car and offers location-based services, such as a GPS parking reminder and vehicle reference material. The MyLink app also features a searchable database of warning lights, dashboard indicator lights and a variety of commonly searched features from the owner's manual.

The myChevrolet app takes things a step further. Working in conjunction with the OnStar app, the myChevrolet application allows you to lock or unlock the doors, start the engine and access a wealth of diagnostic information. The app allows you to see fuel level, remaining oil life and current tire pressure.

These features aren't just for Chevy owners either; the app is available for Buick, GMC and Cadillac models, as well, in the form of myBuick, myGMC and myCadillac. All of the apps are available as a free download from the phone's respective app marketplace. The full details are available in GM's press blast, after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM and OnStar's mobile apps now available on iPhone and Android

GM and OnStar's mobile apps now available on iPhone and Android originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Show off your environmental (un)friendliness with the Puff illuminated pollution meter

Zach Bowman — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Now this is clever. Designer and artist Karolina Sobecka has worked up an interesting project for the World Maker Faire in New York City aimed at making motorists more aware of their carbon emissions. The system is made up of two devices - a cartoon-like cloud that attaches to the vehicle's exhaust pipe and an iPhone app that monitors the vehicle's emissions. The more carbon the car spews, the more the cloud changes color so that both the driver and everyone in the nearby vicinity knows exactly how much pollution is being spewed into the atmosphere.

The concept is pretty neat, but we don't exactly see too many car owners jumping at the chance to stick a massive, absurdly-colored cartoon cloud on the rear of their vehicle. The iPhone app sounds like a pretty fun toy to play around with from time to time, though. Unfortunately, most vehicle owners probably know just how bad their chariot of choice is for the environment - the trick is making them care. Head over to Makezine to have a look at an interview with Sobecka.

[Source: Makezine]

Show off your environmental (un)friendliness with the Puff illuminated pollution meter originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Augmented reality driving app for iPhone shows promise

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Augmented Driving App - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are perhaps as many automotive-themed iPhone apps out there as there are cars on the road. From handy programs that help you find your car to apps designed to help you avoid pesky speed traps, now couldn't be a better time to own a vehicle and an iPhone. Heck, if you're really creative, you can even drive your vehicle from the safety of your handheld's touch screen. That's not to say that every app out there is a great leap forward, though. Take Augmented Driving, for instance.

The program is an absolute wonder. Once your iPhone is fixed on a special mount, Augmented Driving can offer up lane departure warnings, vehicle speed, the tilt of the road and even pick out vehicles ahead of you. Unfortunately, you have to be paying attention to the tiny screen stuck to your windshield in order to receive any of the benefits. You do get a bevy of audible warnings, but they're largely for problems you could easily see if your eyes were up and on the road where they should be. You can hit the jump to check out Augmented Driving in action, or hop over to the app's site for more information.

Gallery: Augmented Driving App

[Source: Augmented Driving]

Continue reading Augmented reality driving app for iPhone shows promise

Augmented reality driving app for iPhone shows promise originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

A glass of water a day can help keep your fuel consumption at bay

Autoblog Staff — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:36:00 EST

The idea of driving around with a glass of water on your dashboard may seem ludicrous, but if Toyota told you that a single glass of water could help you reduce your fuel consumption by 10 percent, would you think differently? Now, Toyota doesn't want you to literally place a glass of water on the dash. Instead, the company is pushing the idea that driving in such a way that a theoretical glass of water there remains full would reduce fuel consumption significantly. To spread the word about this fuel-saving concept, Toyota has created a website appropriately called "A Glass of Water."

So, how do you keep this imaginary glass of water topped off at all times? Well, provided you aren't in a hurry to get somewhere, it should be quite simple. Begin by accelerating gracefully, leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead, brake gently, and apply tactics used by hypermillers.

If you'd like to learn more about Toyota's "A Glass of Water" challenge and are interested in giving it a try, then click here. iPhone users can also download a virtual glass of water app by clicking here.

[Source: A Glass of Water]

A glass of water a day can help keep your fuel consumption at bay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: There's a (new) app for that

Zach Bowman — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Jeep, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee iPhone App - Click above to watch video after the jump

Chrysler has decided to move the owner's manual for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out of the paper world and into the ethereal realm of the iPhone App. According to the company, users will have access to all of the standard vehicle system information they're used to, but will also be able to view videos on special vehicle features, connect with other Grand Cherokee owners across the country and Chrysler will also be able to receive user feedback through a number of social media connections.

The cool part is that the app is free to anyone. You don't have to own a Grand Cherokee or lay down any of your hard earned cash if you're curious about the vehicle. At first, the app will only be available for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but will eventually crop up on Blackberry and Android platforms as well. We're a little curious to see if the SUVs will still be available with hardcopy manuals, or if the company will forego paper all together. If it does, what happens in 10 years when the current generation of smart phones are all relics? A whole population of second-hand Grand Cherokee owners may never know what their FCW OFF light means.

Hop the jump to see Chrysler's video introducing the app.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: There's a (new) app for that

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: There's a (new) app for that originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi and EVO partner on free LeMans iPhone app

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology

In its boundless awesomeness, EVO has been so kind as to create a free iPhone App for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The slick little program was worked up with some help from Audi, and it will keep you up to date on everything from trackside news to driver bios and team information. Everything gets separated into Audi news and other, but it still manages to be fairly complete. There's even a section full of handy tips about the track for those of you lucky enough to be able to see the action for yourself.

The best part? The app is absolutely gratis. You can check it out at the iTunes App Store.

[Source: Fortitude]

Audi and EVO partner on free LeMans iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

AOL Autos debuts official iPhone app for new car shoppers

John Neff — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:14:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

AOL Autos iPhone app - Click above to learn more and download

Our brethren over at AOL Autos are having a big day today. They've just launched the official AOL Autos iPhone app, which you can download for your iPhone or iPod Touch by clicking here. The cost of the app is zero pesos, so there's nothing to lose by trying it out.

You'll want this app if shopping for a new car is in your future. Why? It basically takes all of that research you did at home on your computer and crams it into a mobile app that goes with you. That way you can visit a dealership armed with all of that information about pricing and options at your finger tips.

The app allows you to narrow down your new vehicle search by price, type and style, or you can directly hit the vehicle you want by make and model. Once you've found a model, you can pick a trim level and select options, and the app will keep a running tally of what the vehicle costs as you go.

There are also photo galleries for each vehicle, expert opinions, user reviews and the ability to save models that you've built and send them to your friends and family. We've talked with the AOL Autos folk and are encouraged to hear that this won't be an app that gets forgotten in the App Store. Their team is already working on updates to improve functionality and add new futures, which will debut in the coming months.

We know what you're thinking: Where's an Autoblog app for the iPhone? Good question. First, do us a favor and go download the AOL Autos app. The more popular their app is, the more incentive our bosses have to unleash the Autoblog news flow in an iPhone app for your portable pleasure.

[Source: AOL Autos]

AOL Autos debuts official iPhone app for new car shoppers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Turn your iPhone into a garage door opener?

Dan Roth — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology

Tech skeptics have been calling the iPhone a mere toy since its introduction, but the proliferation of apps and ancillaries tells a different story. From the "what will they think of next?" file comes MyDoorOpener, a two-pronged hardware/software solution for turning your iPhone into a garage door opener. That's right, to replace one thing, you need two! The rub is that you'll have your iPhone with you anyway, and if your car's not equipped with HomeLink, then the MyDoorOpener solution could mean one less thing to rattle around in the center console.

The software is not yet approved, oh, and you'll have to build the receiver unit, too. That's right, break out the soldering iron and get comfortable with integrated circuits and transistors. It's not simple for everyone, but it's not rocket surgery, either. Lest the tinfoil in your hat start to chafe your scalp, rest assured that communications between devices is encrypted for security. All the instructions and details are at MyDoorOpener.com, and at least they provide schematics so you can make the stuff yourself, instead of buying some black box that puts your monthly balance in the red.

[Source: MyDoorOpener.com | Photo: Oleg Alexandrov CC2.0]

Turn your iPhone into a garage door opener? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments