Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Apple wants to embed iOS in your dash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/apple-wants-to-embed-ios-in-your-dash/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/apple-wants-to-embed-ios-in-your-dash/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/apple-wants-to-embed-ios-in-your-dash/#commentsFiled under: ,



In a move that will likely forever change the relationship between handheld wireless devices and automotive infotainment systems, reports say that Apple is working closely with multiple automakers to integrate its iOS Maps and Siri voice-activated systems seamlessly into vehicles. According to those familiar with the plans, Apple is designing updated versions of center consoles that allow iOS devices (like the iPhone or iPad) to be plugged directly into the vehicle. When initiated, the vehicle's built-in display becomes the iOS interface - with direct access to Apple Maps and other Siri-enabled services. Future plans may include even deeper interaction, with the Apple device assisting with realtime vehicle diagnostics.

This isn't the the first time Apple's name has come up on the pages of Autoblog, as it has been synonymous with the industry for years. The technology giant has not only admitted that it once considered making its own car, but it has integrated iPod/iPad devices into vehicles, replaced owner's manuals and supported specialized vehicle apps for countless brands. But this latest news is much more aggressive, as it shows that Apple isn't just interested supplying aftermarket solutions, but embedding itself into the industry as it seeks to replace OEM equipment.

Apple wants to embed iOS in your dash originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iosiosipadiphoneThu, 02 May 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554708/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/apple-wants-to-embed-ios-in-your-dash/20554708/article-detail.xml 20554708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/apple-license-plate-opt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/apple-license-plate-opt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Apple fans have been itching to see the tech giant flex the full muscle of its iOS operating system in an automotive infotainment system for years, which is why we turned all sorts of excited when we caught wind of the Volkswagen iBeetle. The machine is headed to the Shanghai Motor Show for a debut, and VW promised it would be one of the "first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple." Listen closely, and you can hear the contented sigh of a million wallets opening.

Go ahead and close those up, kids.

In reality, the iBeetle offers little more than a dash-mounted dock and a special app that shows a few vehicle functions, which is about as far from an infotainment revolution as you're likely to find. In fact, the setup is little more than a factory rehash of aftermarket items, and hardly worth a whole model debut at an international motor show. And that's to say nothing of the fact that Apple relishes in changing the shape and form of its darling handheld at every generation. Volkswagen better be prepared to keep pace with appropriate docking mechanisms for the upcoming iPhone 5S, 6, 6S, et al.

This is the kind of kit we expect to see as a bullet point on an option sheet, but instead, VW has made this dock+app an entire model by including special "Disc" wheels and iPhone-matching color schemes. The iBeetle will land on dealer lots in the US in 2014, but you can probably make something similar yourself today with an aftermarket dock and an iTunes gift card's worth of third-party apps. Scroll down for the full press blast.

Update: Now with live images from the show floor in Shanghai. Enjoy.

Continue reading Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]

Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showappleiphoneshanghaishanghai motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen ibeetleFri, 19 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544590/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/20544590/article-detail.xml 20544590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-ibeetle-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-ibeetle-628.jpg <![CDATA[Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Apple Maps is the beautiful but flawed pile of poo that just keeps on steaming. Not long after it appeared in the company's latest operating system, people noticed that it had a habit of showing destinations in the wrong locations, like a museum located underwater, or refusing to show locations at all, like the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon and most of a few world metropolises. The CEO apologized once, was met with hilarious rejoinders, then apologized again and recommended other map solutions, and the guy in charge of Apple Maps was shown the door, which Apple was indeed able to find.

None of that has apparently helped drivers looking for the town of Mildura, in Victoria, Australia however. Apple Maps still places the hamlet in the middle of the Murray-Sunset National Park, about 44 miles southwest of its actual location. The displaced location map issue has reportedly left six drivers lost or stranded in the national park for up to 24 hours without food or water, in temperatures that can reach up to 115 degrees in the Outback with no phone reception. Six people have had to be rescued in the past two months, and now Mildura police have issued a statement calling the situation "a life threatening issue," urging caution when using Apple Maps.

Check out the Newsdesk video below for more details, and be very, very careful when you go in search of Mildura.

Continue reading Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video]

Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple mapsaustraliaaustralian outbackgpsios 6ios6ipadiphonemilduramurray sunset national parknavigationvictoriavideoTue, 11 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/20399410/article-detail.xml 20399410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mildura-victoria-apple-maps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mildura-victoria-apple-maps.jpg <![CDATA[Siri can now start your car with Viper SmartStart app]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/siri-can-now-start-your-car-with-viper-smartstart-app/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/siri-can-now-start-your-car-with-viper-smartstart-app/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/siri-can-now-start-your-car-with-viper-smartstart-app/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Viper SmartStart app on Apple iPhone 4

Siri has made it pretty easy to do many tasks on your iPhone, but thanks to Viper Alarm, she can now help you start your car, too. Viper's SmartStart 3.0 gives any smartphone the ability to perform many remote functions on a car by using the alarm system's app, but only iPhone 4S and 5 users can get their car running simply by saying, "Siri, start my car." The future is now.

In addition to starting your car and locking and unlocking a car's doors, the latest SmartStart 3.0 now lets you know if you left a door open, send a reminder to start your car if it's cold outside and even use GPS to find your car from just about anywhere. The GPS function does require users to spring for a $399 GPS module and pay for a service plan, with prices ranging from $49.99 for a one-year basic contract up to $239.99 for a three-year premium plan. SmartStart alarm systems alone range in price from $399 up to $599.

Check out how Viper's new SmartStart 3.0 system works with Siri in the video below.

Continue reading Siri can now start your car with Viper SmartStart app

Siri can now start your car with Viper SmartStart app originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appiphonesirismartstartvideoviper alarmviper smartstartviper smartstart 3.0Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356360/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/siri-can-now-start-your-car-with-viper-smartstart-app/20356360/article-detail.xml 20356360 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/viper-smartstart_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/viper-smartstart.jpg <![CDATA[GoPro unveils Hero3, free app for Apple iPod and iPad [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/20/gopro-unveils-hero3-free-app-for-apple-ipod-and-ipad-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/20/gopro-unveils-hero3-free-app-for-apple-ipod-and-ipad-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/20/gopro-unveils-hero3-free-app-for-apple-ipod-and-ipad-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GoPro Hero3

GoPro AppThe minds at GoPro have been busy lately. Earlier this month, the company pulled the wraps off its long-awaited app for the iPhone and iPad. When combined with the optional WiFi BacPac for the Hero2, the application can link to multiple cameras to change settings on the fly, as well as preview video and photos without having to remove the camera from its case or mount. Even better, the software is free, though GoPro will ask you to pony up around $60 for the WiFi add on. While the app is only available for Apple devices at the moment, GoPro says an Android version is in the works.

That's exciting and all, but not nearly as much as word that the new Hero3 has officially hit the market. The Hero3 Black Edition is a full 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, which means its also a quarter lighter. Designers made the gadget twice as powerful, though, building in 1440p video at 48 frames per second, 1080p at 60 fps, and 720p at 120 fps. Even more surprising, the camera can click off 12-megapixel photos at a staggering 30 shots per second. WiFi is now built in, and the Black Edition includes the handy WiFi remote. Check out the videos below to see the new gear in action while we update our holiday wish lists.

Continue reading GoPro unveils Hero3, free app for Apple iPod and iPad [w/video]

GoPro unveils Hero3, free app for Apple iPod and iPad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplegoprogopro appgopro hero3hero3ipadiphonevideoSat, 20 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20350597/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/20/gopro-unveils-hero3-free-app-for-apple-ipod-and-ipad-w-video/20350597/article-detail.xml 20350597 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hero3-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hero3-628.jpg <![CDATA[Sega porting <em>Crazy Taxi</em> to your iOS device]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/sega-porting-crazy-taxi-to-your-ios-device/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/sega-porting-crazy-taxi-to-your-ios-device/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/sega-porting-crazy-taxi-to-your-ios-device/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sega Crazy Taxi

When you purchased your first copy of Crazy Taxi for your Sega Dreamcast back in 2000, you probably didn't realize that it would go on to be a huge franchise. Actually, that's overshooting by a little bit, but Crazy Taxi proved to have a lot more staying power than most of us would have thought.

You might not realize (we had to look it up), but Crazy Taxi has already seen five major releases including the original arcade version, as well as a ticket-redemption game, a themed remote-controlled car toy, and no fewer than two aborted attempts at movies. (No kidding. We read that the first go failed because due to an "absence of plot elements." You can't make this stuff up.)

Anyway... Sega is now preparing to port its golden goose over for iOS users to enjoy, potentially meaning that a whole new generation of gamers will be exposed to that wacky Axel, and that darn crazy taxi of his. Scroll down to watch the video while we park our wayback machine.

Continue reading Sega porting Crazy Taxi to your iOS device

Sega porting Crazy Taxi to your iOS device originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crazy taxicrazy taxi appiOSiphonesegaSat, 13 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348971/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/13/sega-porting-crazy-taxi-to-your-ios-device/20348971/article-detail.xml 20348971 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/crazy-taxi-ios-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/crazy-taxi-ios-628.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti registers highest emotional attachment among car brands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/infiniti-registers-highest-emotional-attachment-among-car-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/infiniti-registers-highest-emotional-attachment-among-car-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/infiniti-registers-highest-emotional-attachment-among-car-brands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Infiniti JX

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.

Continue reading Infiniti registers highest emotional attachment among car brands

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brand loyaltyconnectivityforbesinfinitiipadiphoneipodtechnologySun, 23 Sep 2012 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329847/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/infiniti-registers-highest-emotional-attachment-among-car-brands/20329847/article-detail.xml 20329847 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-infiniti-jx35-review-628_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-infiniti-jx35-review-628.jpeg <![CDATA[Apple Store fights back against BMW X5-driving burglars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/apple-store-fights-back-against-bmw-x5-driving-burglars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/apple-store-fights-back-against-bmw-x5-driving-burglars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/apple-store-fights-back-against-bmw-x5-driving-burglars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A Los Angeles man is being accused of using his 2003 BMW X5 as a battering ram to break into an Apple Store in Temecula, CA last week. The morning robbery on September 6 was caught by surveillance cameras, which show the BMW barreling through the store's glass front and a number of masked men hopping out to snatch iPhone and iPad display models.

What the LA driver didn't anticipate was the Apple Store not giving up its goods without a fight. After the BMW went grille-first through the glass, a security gate dropped down, trapping the criminals and their getaway car inside. The video below shows the driver repeatedly ramming the gate with his BMW, pulling forward and knocking over displays covered in iPhones, iPads and computers each time to do it.

The driver eventually extricates his X5 from the Apple Store, but the CUV was in such bad shape that police report it didn't make it far from the scene. Having to deal quickly with two flat tires, the driver and his crew reportedly swapped out one for the spare and visited a nearby 7-11 to steal some Fix-A-Flat. The accused driver, Equonne R. Howard, was detained near the scene of the crime a few hours later. Police think he returned looking for his license plate that fell off in the kerfuffle with the security gate.

Howard is being held on $600,000 bail, which is what reports say the damage to the Apple Store is estimated at. He's been charged with enough counts to fill two pages of complaints, which include vandalism, burglary and theft of electronics. Apple Store burglaries have become increasingly common as the popularity of the company's products has gone meteoric, but we've never seen one botched so thoroughly, nor one that clumsily uses a BMW to pick the lock.

Continue reading Apple Store fights back against BMW X5-driving burglars

Apple Store fights back against BMW X5-driving burglars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple storeapple+store+break+inapple+store+burglaryapple+store+temeculaapplestorebreakinapplestoreburglaryapplestoretemeculabmwbmw+apple+storebmwapplestoreburglaryequonne r howardequonne+r.+howardequonner.howardipadiphonevideox5Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20323653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/14/apple-store-fights-back-against-bmw-x5-driving-burglars/20323653/article-detail.xml 20323653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/apple-store-burglary-bmw-x5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/apple-store-burglary-bmw-x5.jpg <![CDATA[iPhone 5 gets native turn-by-turn navigation, car connectivity questions remain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/iphone-5-gets-native-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-connectivity-q/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/iphone-5-gets-native-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-connectivity-q/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/iphone-5-gets-native-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-connectivity-q/#commentsFiled under: ,



The big news yesterday in the tech world (and most of the rest of the world) was the debut of the iPhone 5. If you have not yet been left with a feeling of inferiority due to your current device, this should put you over the top. The new iPhone will come with the Apple Maps app. Maps is Apple's rebuttal to the hugely popular Google Maps, and comes with a host of functionality.

One of the key features of the app is turn-by-turn navigation with voice prompts from Siri. Just like an in-car navigation system, as you approach a turn, a 3D view appears to better show the user where to turn. This may ruffle a few feathers at the wireless service providers, as many already offer paid-subscription navigation apps, such as AT&T Navigator, VZ Navigator and Sprint Navigation. According to Apple, you can use Siri to search for a destination and engage the navigation system, all by voice command.

Maps also offers real-time traffic data much like an advanced in-car GPS system. This will give users the option to select alternate routes as a way to bypass heavy traffic. The app also has a flyover feature that lets a user view a 3D replication of the map, with major landmarks presented in high resolution.

This is all well and good, but Apple also announced the new Lightning connector, which replaces the 30-pin connector to which we have become accustomed, and is more of a mixed bag in terms of in-car connectivity.

The new connector still works with USB ports, so any automaker that employs such an outlet in its vehicles will have no issue. Several automakers, however, have connection ports specifically built for the 30-pin connector. Apple will offer an adaptor for that setup, but that may not be enough.

The new 8-pin connector is fully digital, and is not able to transmit analog signals. Kia. Hyundai and older BMW models feature a connector that sends both USB and eighth-inch analog signals through the 30-pin connector. It appears Apple's adaptor will not work with the connectors provided by these vehicles.

The new app will be available with iOS 6, which is standard on the new iPhone 5. It will also be made available to compatible devices on Sept 19.

iPhone 5 gets native turn-by-turn navigation, car connectivity questions remain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple mapsapple maps appgoogle mapsgoogle maps appiphoneiphone 5iphone5navigationsiriThu, 13 Sep 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322634/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/13/iphone-5-gets-native-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-connectivity-q/20322634/article-detail.xml 20322634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/apple-iphone-5-maps-628-1347551143_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/apple-iphone-5-maps-628-1347551143.jpg <![CDATA[Apple testifies in court that it once considered making a car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/apple-testifies-in-court-that-it-once-considered-making-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/apple-testifies-in-court-that-it-once-considered-making-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/apple-testifies-in-court-that-it-once-considered-making-a-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apple license plate

In the ongoing court battle between Apple and Samsung over copyrights and patents, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing took the stand yesterday. The majority of his testimony was centered around tablets and smartphones, and what defines intellectual property, but at one point he revealed a big nugget. Schiller told the court that Apple had been considering other projects well before smartphones, including a camera, and designing a car.

Schiller also claimed that Samsung copied, stole, and ripped-off Apple's designs in creating their own smartphones.

While Google is the tech giant most heavily involved in the automobile business with its autonomous car, it is unclear what direction Apple would have taken. Perhaps a new system of touch screen gestures to control the car. We can't be sure, other than to speculate based on a single comment from a lengthy testimony on tablets and smartphones.

Apple testifies in court that it once considered making a car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple carapple icarautonomousgoogle caricariphonesmart carSat, 04 Aug 2012 17:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293429/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/04/apple-testifies-in-court-that-it-once-considered-making-a-car/20293429/article-detail.xml 20293429 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/apple-license-plate-opt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/apple-license-plate-opt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Who knew exhaust manifolds make great iPhone docks?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/who-knew-exhaust-manifolds-make-great-iphone-docks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/who-knew-exhaust-manifolds-make-great-iphone-docks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/who-knew-exhaust-manifolds-make-great-iphone-docks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

iXoost Exhaust Manifold iPhone Dock

The era of engine-as-art has been over for quite some time, done in by computers, both the ones controlling our cars as well as those used to design them. But if popping the hood today reveals only a giant slab of ugly black plastic - or worse, a tangled mess of wiring and piping that looks like it was assembled by kindergarteners rather than engineers - thankfully there are still plenty of artistes outside the auto industry who appreciate and celebrate the beauty of internal combustion.

We're talking about people like Matteo Panini and Mirco Pecorari, Modenese partners in iXoost, a company that's building beautiful audio systems out of Formula One exhaust manifolds. Their iPhone/iPod docking system comes in 8-, 10-, and 12-cylinder models, and features 420 watts of power driving either six or nine separate speakers. An iXoost will set you back between €5,000-€8,000 (roughly $6,100-$9.800), which is a lot for a docking system, but chump change in the audiophile world. We'd be happy if it sounds even half as good as it looks.

Who knew exhaust manifolds make great iPhone docks? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exhaust manifoldexhaust manifold iphone dockexhaust manifold ipod dockf1formula 1formula oneiphoneiphone dockipodipod dockixoostMon, 30 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/who-knew-exhaust-manifolds-make-great-iphone-docks/20287261/article-detail.xml 20287261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ixoost-exhaust-manifold-ipod-dock-01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ixoost-exhaust-manifold-ipod-dock-01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New iPhone 5 may come with incompatible connector for cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/new-iphone-5-may-come-with-incompatible-connector-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/new-iphone-5-may-come-with-incompatible-connector-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/new-iphone-5-may-come-with-incompatible-connector-for-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebluetoothconnectivityiphonestreamingusbwirelessThu, 26 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20286008/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/new-iphone-5-may-come-with-incompatible-connector-for-cars/20286008/article-detail.xml 20286008 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/p0039045-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/p0039045-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Apple gives Google Maps the boot, adds free turn-by-turn navigation to iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/apple-gives-google-maps-the-boot-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/apple-gives-google-maps-the-boot-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/apple-gives-google-maps-the-boot-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigat/#commentsFiled under:

Apple Maps shown on iPad 2The big news in the tech world right now is the World Wide Developer's Conference which Apple just concluded. That's where the House that Jobs Built unveiled its latest operating systems for both computers and mobile devices, its latest laptop computer design and more. But what does this all have to do with cars, you ask? Plenty.

First off, Apple used the high-profile press conference extravaganza to announce the integration of its Siri voice service into cars, starting with nine automakers (among them the massive General Motors group) that will be putting a dedicated button on their steering wheels to allow drivers to activate the service on their iPhones and iPads without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. But that's not all that's of relevance to motorists from WWDC 2012.

Apple has also announced the launch of its own Maps application, replacing the Google Maps utility it had begrudgingly integrated into its devices until now. Resulting from Apple's acquisition of several erstwhile independent digital cartography operations, Maps aims to improve on the popular Google service with such features as spoken turn-by-turn directions with real-time ETA, smooth-scrolling 3D imaging, aerial flyover views of city centers and important landmarks, Siri integration and real-time traffic information.

The latter is reportedly crowdsourced anonymously from other users, leaving us with some questions regarding privacy issues. But we'll leave that to the guys with the tin-foil hats while we blissfully revel in Big Brother's latest offering to the masses. Follow the links below to see what Apple has in store in greater detail.

Apple gives Google Maps the boot, adds free turn-by-turn navigation to iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple mapscrowdsourcecrowdsourcingiosipadiphonemapsnavigationsat navsat-navsatellite navigationworld wide developers conferencewwdcwwdc12Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20256566/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/12/apple-gives-google-maps-the-boot-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigat/20256566/article-detail.xml 20256566 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ios-maps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ios-maps.jpg <![CDATA[Apple adding a new button to your car, will activate Siri]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/apple-adding-a-new-button-to-your-car-will-activate-siri/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/apple-adding-a-new-button-to-your-car-will-activate-siri/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/apple-adding-a-new-button-to-your-car-will-activate-siri/#commentsFiled under: ,


Apple's 2012 Worldwide Developer's Conference keynote is winding down as you read this, and while many car enthusiasts could care less about the next version of iOS or the MacBook Pro's new Retina Display, they will probably care about one piece of news just delivered by Apple's VP of iOS Software, Scott Forstall: Apple is going to add a new button to your car.

Called Eyes Free, it's basically just a steering wheel-mounted button that will activate Siri on the iPhone or iPad (yes, they announced Siri is coming to the new iPad, too) you have with you in the car. Likely paired over Bluetooth, Eyes Free will let you talk to Siri through the car, giving you access to a wealth of information without using both your eyes and hands (except for that initial button press). And since this is Apple, automakers are apparently lining up to add Siri buttons to their steering wheels. Apple reports that BMW, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda are all signed up to start offering Eyes Free within the next 12 months.

We find it curious that GM has chosen to participate, considering that what Siri offers is not at all unlike what the automaker's subscription-based OnStar service provides. Conspicuously missing from the list of on-board automakers is Ford, whose Sync infotainment systems are all based on Microsoft-branded technology.

Apple adding a new button to your car, will activate Siri originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleeyes freeiosipadiphonesiriworldwide developer conferenceMon, 11 Jun 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20256126/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/apple-adding-a-new-button-to-your-car-will-activate-siri/20256126/article-detail.xml 20256126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/siriapplewwdc2012liveblog3777-1339439480_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/siriapplewwdc2012liveblog3777-1339439480.jpg <![CDATA[New DOT mobile app tells you how safe your bus is]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're an Autoblog reader, we suspect you probably prefer not to leave the driving to others - regardless of who they are. But even car nuts like us have occasion to take the bus every so often. The dog can be a cost-efficient way to go pick up a car you've spontaneously bought on eBay when no buddies can be rounded up for a road trip, for instance.

Of course, in this age of paranoia, you might wonder if your bus is held together with bailing wire and duct tape, or whether your driver habitually shows up for work three sheets to the wind, which brings us to The SaferBus app.

A free iOS app, courtesy of the United States Department of Transportation, SaferBus allows mobile access to the US DOT's database for motor coach safety violations, including five categories of records, according to The Consumerist. The app gets monthly database updates and the information dates back a full two years, plus you can use the app report a safety complaint yourself.

New DOT mobile app tells you how safe your bus is originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busbus safety appdepartment of transportationdotiosiphonesaferbussafetyunited states department of transportationSun, 25 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20198729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/20198729/article-detail.xml 20198729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/saferbus-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/saferbus-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz integrates iPhone, Siri into all-new A-Class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/mercedes-benz-integrates-iphone-siri-into-all-new-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/mercedes-benz-integrates-iphone-siri-into-all-new-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/mercedes-benz-integrates-iphone-siri-into-all-new-a-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The paradigm has shifted. Normally an automaker's range-topper gets the latest and greatest technology, but with the introduction of the all-new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is flipping that order on its head.

At next month's Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes will show off the next A-Class and with it, its updated COMAND infotainment system. The user interface has undergone a complete overhaul, ditching the black and beige color scheme for a sharp, modern, three-dimensional design and a range of new features and functions, nearly all of which are centered on the iPhone 4S.

The new Digital DriveStyle app allows drivers to stream AUPEO! radio (Europe's equivalent to Pandora), connect with Facebook and Twitter to read out status updates, find your car in a crowded parking lot and get real-time traffic data and point-of-interest searches through a new Garmin navigation system. All of which is available with the entry-level "Audio 20" setup.

More intriguingly, Mercedes is the first automaker to support and integrate Apple's Siri voice-recognition technology, allowing users to make appointments, send text messages and emails, get weather status and access all their songs through voice commands.

While all these features will be limited to the Euro-only A-Class at first, Mercedes says that the iPhone-integrated COMAND Online suite of services will be coming to the B-, C- and E-Class models this fall. Hit the jump for the full details.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz integrates iPhone, Siri into all-new A-Class

Mercedes-Benz integrates iPhone, Siri into all-new A-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz a-classa-classcomandgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showiphonemercedesMercedes Benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz a-classmercedes-benz comandsiriFri, 24 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/mercedes-benz-integrates-iphone-siri-into-all-new-a-class/20178843/article-detail.xml 20178843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-a-class-iphone-siri-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-a-class-iphone-siri-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dash marries your car and iPhone [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/dash-marries-your-car-and-iphone-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/dash-marries-your-car-and-iphone-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/dash-marries-your-car-and-iphone-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Devium Dash

Aftermarket smartphone integration leaves plenty to be desired. Most systems limit the usability of your device and require a tangle of cords or battery-sucking Bluetooth. Then there's the headache of trying to figure out how to access your files and applications via the stereo's cryptic controls. A new Kickstarter project aims to fix all that. Dash is a standard double-din head unit that uses a unique magnetic CNC-aluminum faceplate to dock your phone straight into your vehicle's dashboard. From there, accessing GPS, sending texts (by voice, of course) and playing music is as simple as swiping your screen. Pretty slick.

Dash features a video pass through so users can play video on external monitors, and the system keeps your phone charged while in use. The unit pumps out 4x50w of power and includes two preamps for front and rear subwoofers.

We typically get antsy any time we see technology that encourages distraction. To that end, Dash also includes an app to make all of your auto-themed applications easily accessible from one home screen. While that should cut down on the amount of time spent flipping through the main menu, it still appears that drivers will have to squint at their phones from behind the wheel.

The system features some interesting innovations, too. In addition to carrying the traditional FM tuner and an AUX in, Dash will eventually allow users to connect to their vehicle's computer. That, we can get behind.

The system is expected to begin shipping in June 2012. At first, Dash will only support the iPhone 4 and 4S, but Devium, the company behind Dash, hopes to support other smartphones in the future. Check out the Kickstarter page for more information, and click past the jump for a quick video of the system in action.

Continue reading Dash marries your car and iPhone [w/video]

Dash marries your car and iPhone [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashdeviumdevium dashiphoneSun, 19 Feb 2012 16:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/19/dash-marries-your-car-and-iphone-w-video/20174985/article-detail.xml 20174985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dash-628.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Motors app adds search-by-image feature]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/ebay-motors-app-updated-with-search-by-image-feature/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/ebay-motors-app-updated-with-search-by-image-feature/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/ebay-motors-app-updated-with-search-by-image-feature/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

eBay Motors smartphone application

The eBay Motors smartphone application has a clever new feature. Users can now take a photo of any car they see on the street and the app will find similar listings for them automatically. Want to know how much that 2005 BMW M3 in the parking lot is going for right now? Just point and shoot. We tested the app ourselves and found it to be fairly accurate. It had no trouble honing in on a Toyota Sienna, but struggled a bit with editor-in-chief John Neff's 1991 Ford Taurus SHO.

The good news is that if the app gets confused, it just asks you for more information about the vehicle. Users can also be notified when they've been outbid on an item, share their auctions via Twitter, and watch special racing coverage with host Justin Bell. Hit the jump to check out the full press blast.

Continue reading eBay Motors app adds search-by-image feature

eBay Motors app adds search-by-image feature originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationauctionebay motors appebay motors applicationiphonesmartphoneSun, 05 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160701/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/ebay-motors-app-updated-with-search-by-image-feature/20160701/article-detail.xml 20160701 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ebay-iphone-app_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ebay-iphone-app.jpg <![CDATA[Cherry.com offers car washes anywhere* for $29]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/cherry-com-offers-car-washes-anywhere-for-29/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/cherry-com-offers-car-washes-anywhere-for-29/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/cherry-com-offers-car-washes-anywhere-for-29/#commentsFiled under:

Cherry.com

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]]>car washcarwashcherrycherry.comiosios appiphoneiphone appWed, 01 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/cherry-com-offers-car-washes-anywhere-for-29/20153026/article-detail.xml 20153026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cherry-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cherry-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan creates first self-healing iPhone case]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/nissan-creates-first-self-healing-iphone-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/nissan-creates-first-self-healing-iphone-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/nissan-creates-first-self-healing-iphone-case/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan has been working on its self-healing clearcoat technology called Scratch Shield for more than seven years. While it's been applied to the company's cars for four years now, it's first non-automotive application is here: an iPhone case.

Called the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case, it appears aimed at the doubly-retentive types who not only don't like their phone getting scratched, but also don't even like their cases to show any wear. The healing finish is applied to an ABS-plastic case, so that the case protects the smartphone and the Scratch Shield protects the case. Nissan claims another benefit is that the glossy finish is easier to grip.

It's in beta-trial now, but if real-world testing brings accolades it could go on sale later this year - hopefully with some more subtle choices of branding.

Continue reading Nissan creates first self-healing iPhone case

Nissan creates first self-healing iPhone case originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneiphone casenissan europeNissan Scratch Shieldnissan scratch shield iphone casenissan ukscratch shieldsmartphoneTue, 17 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149884/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/nissan-creates-first-self-healing-iphone-case/20149884/article-detail.xml 20149884 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissaniphonecase_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissaniphonecase.jpg -1 2