Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford extending MAP text support to more models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/ford-extending-map-text-support-to-more-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/ford-extending-map-text-support-to-more-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/ford-extending-map-text-support-to-more-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In the sixth major software update to Ford's SYNC system, the automaker is extending Message Access Protocol (MAP) Bluetooth support to select 2011 and 2012 models, giving drivers the ability to have text messages and emails read aloud in their SYNC-equipped vehicles.

MAP Bluetooth support has been available on a number of Ford vehicles since its introduction this year, but the software update (G1 V3.2.2) extends the functionality to supported a number of bluetooth equipped smartphones to allow users to hear SMS, MMS and email messages over the stereo. The update is set to roll out later this month and you can get all the details in the press blast below the fold.

Continue reading Ford extending MAP text support to more models

Ford extending MAP text support to more models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applinkfordford syncmapmap supportsyncTue, 18 Oct 2011 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/18/ford-extending-map-text-support-to-more-models/20083585/article-detail.xml 20083585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/11edgemyfrdtouchdnd-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/11edgemyfrdtouchdnd-628.jpg <![CDATA[Study: Average male drives extra 276 miles/year because he won't stop for directions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/study-average-male-drives-extra-276-miles-year-because-he-wont/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/study-average-male-drives-extra-276-miles-year-because-he-wont/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/study-average-male-drives-extra-276-miles-year-because-he-wont/#commentsFiled under: ,



That long-running joke about men unwilling to stop for directions? Well, it's no joke, at least not according to British insurance firm Sheilas' Wheels. In fact, the average male motorist in Britain travels some 276 extra miles per year simply because he refuses to ask for directions. Worse yet, that amounts to £2,000 ($3,100) worth of wasted fuel over the stubborn man's lifetime.

In the UK, 25 percent of all men would rather wander aimlessly for up to a half hour before stopping to ask for directions, and one in 10 simply refuse to ask altogether. On the flip side, three quarters of women polled have zero qualms about asking for help. And here's our favorite stat: 41 percent of men admitted to telling their passengers that they knew where they were going... even though they didn't.

Though the study took place in the UK, we'd bet that, if anything, it's worse here in the States. After all, as a much larger country with sometimes huge stretches between destinations, we probably waste more time and fuel pretending like we know exactly where we're going.

[Source: Telegraph | Image: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images]

Study: Average male drives extra 276 miles/year because he won't stop for directions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask for directionsAskForDirectionsasking for directionsAskingForDirectionsdirectionslostmapmapsmen directionsMenDirectionsFri, 27 Aug 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19611314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/27/study-average-male-drives-extra-276-miles-year-because-he-wont/19611314/article-detail.xml 19611314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/men-maps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/men-maps.jpg <![CDATA[Chronolyze unleashes the potential of Porsche's Sport Chrono Plus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/chronolyze-unleashes-the-potential-of-porsches-sport-chrono-plu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/chronolyze-unleashes-the-potential-of-porsches-sport-chrono-plu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/chronolyze-unleashes-the-potential-of-porsches-sport-chrono-plu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

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


Gallery: Chronolyze Screen Shots


[Source: Chronolyze]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnalysisBluetoothChartChronographChronolyzeConnectivityDataDigitalDownloadGraphMapPCMPDKPorscheSport Chronosport chrono packageSport Chrono PlusSportChronoSportChronoPackageSportChronoPlusTelemetryUSBWed, 09 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19509638/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/09/chronolyze-unleashes-the-potential-of-porsches-sport-chrono-plu/19509638/article-detail.xml 19509638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/chronolyzess_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/chronolyzess.jpg <![CDATA[I'm sorry, Dave - more autonomy in the name of safety?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"Open the pod bay doors, HAL."
"I'm sorry, Dave, I can't do that."

That type of belligerence might be coming to your car under the guise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Many cars can already be had with the necessary hardware like GPS navigation systems that help a vehicle determine its position, and stability control that can already fire individual brakes to effect course corrections. Is the next step writing the software to interconnect those systems into an active safety net? This would effectively enable the car to steer you out of trouble if it compares your trajectory with the nav system and determines you're off-course.

Passive safety systems have seemingly hit a wall, and the mass that all that crash safety adds must be either offset through the use of more exotic and expensive materials, or the result is a stupendously heavy vehicle. The next step will be active safety, a baby-step that has already been made with stability control and active cruise control. Current maps in navigation systems aren't adequate for driver aids, as they're mainly bird's-eye-view positional representations. Once maps with more data become available, the possibility of your car bringing all its situational awareness equipment to bear so that it can execute lane changes and warn you about a blind hairpin curve coming up might not be such fantasy.

[Source: Automotive Design Line]

I'm sorry, Dave - more autonomy in the name of safety? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptive cruise cont...AdaptiveCruiseCont...automotive x-prizeautomotive-x-prizeautomotivex-prizeautonomousautonomous vehicleautonomous vehiclesAutonomousVehicleAutonomousVehicleshal 9000Hal9000mapmappingmultitaskmultitaskingmultitasking-helpersnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsafe drivingSafeDrivingsafetystability controlStabilityControlFri, 28 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1150279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/1150279/article-detail.xml 1150279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/jag_hal_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/jag_hal_450.jpg <![CDATA[Joy to the World: Honda F1 ditches globe livery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/joy-to-the-world-honda-f1-ditches-globe-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/joy-to-the-world-honda-f1-ditches-globe-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/joy-to-the-world-honda-f1-ditches-globe-livery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Honda Racing F1 Team didn't win a lot of fans when it pulled the bold move of ditching its sponsors and painting the 2007 car like a globe. Thankfully, the Japanese team has revealed that it'll be ditching the map scheme for next season's car, the RA108.

The world map livery was instituted last year to promote Honda's environmental conscience, but came off as an ironic statement considering that it was painted on a gasoline-slurping F1 car. The only slogan on the car was the rear wing that pointed spectators to the team's tree-hugging website, myearthdream.com. But while the 2008 car won't carry the global map theme itself, the new livery will bear some sort of environmental slant to it. We'll have to wait for the it's unveiling on January 29 to see exactly what Honda has in store for us.

In related news, Honda F1 announced that it's hired veteran Austrian racer Alexander Wurz as its test driver. Wurz had announced his immediate retirement from F1 in the middle of last season, and cited the opportunity to work with Honda's new chief Ross Brawn as a principal motivating factor for his return.

[Sources: F1-Live and autosport]

Joy to the World: Honda F1 ditches globe livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1globehondaliverymapmy earth dreamMyEarthDreamplanetracingThu, 10 Jan 2008 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1083137/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/10/joy-to-the-world-honda-f1-ditches-globe-livery/1083137/article-detail.xml 1083137 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/honda-ra107-globe_web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/honda-ra107-globe_web.jpg <![CDATA[Gas map shows shades of rising prices]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/24/gas-map-shows-shades-of-rising-prices/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/24/gas-map-shows-shades-of-rising-prices/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/24/gas-map-shows-shades-of-rising-prices/#commentsFiled under: ,

Found this map via a link at Digg.com that shows gas prices around the country by county. The map is color coded with the lowest prices glowing green in the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Montana. The color red indicates the counties in which the price of gas is on fire. California is not surprisingly burning up. Santa Barbara seems to have the highest cost per gallon of gasoline at $3.20/per, although reports have pegged a gallon or two above $4 in Hollywood.

[Source: GasBuddy via Digg]

Gas map shows shades of rising prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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