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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[Will car radios disappear by 2020?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/will-car-radios-disappear-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/will-car-radios-disappear-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/will-car-radios-disappear-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Infotainment

FM Radio

The Detroit News reports it may not be long before AM/FM radios disappear from cars altogether. The newspaper spoke with Thilo Koslowski, vice president for the research firm Gartner, Inc., who said that "AM and FM as a delivering mechanism isn't going to be the most important in cars anymore." According to Koslowski, manufacturers will focus their efforts on smartphone integration as well as internet browsing and music streaming. That means while listeners may still enjoy their favorite radio stations, it's less likely they'll rely on traditional broadcast systems to do so.

Automakers from nearly every corner of the globe are already pushing smartphone app integration in a big way, and General Motors recently announced its vehicles will soon be available with 4G mobile internet. But, as you might expect, there's a sizable push against abandoning the airwaves entirely. For starters, current technology doesn't produce a reliable high-speed cell signal everywhere, whereas AM and FM signals are largely reliable over vast distances.

While the CD player is already fading from prominence in new vehicles, other analysts don't see in-dash radios going the same route. While speaking with The Detroit News, John Canali, a senior analyst in automotive multimedia for Strategy Analytics said he believes AM and FM aren't going anywhere due to the fact that automakers don't want to alienate customers.

Will car radios disappear by 2020? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20553423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fm-radio-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fm-radio-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai working to replace car keys with smartphones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Technology, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai smartphone for car keys

Hyundai is working on technology that may allow you to access your vehicle with nothing more than a swipe of your smartphone. The automaker's i30 Connectivity Concept boasts an embedded NFC tag that allows the user to open the doors with a quick swipe. Drop the phone in the center console, and the driver can pair with the on-board touch screen and start the car. An inductive charging plate takes care of keeping the phone alive without having to fuss with cords or adapters. What's more, Hyundai says that the system can recognize individual smartphones, which means each user can have a customized experience.

Using the company's MirrorLink, the car can automatically sync not only contacts and apps, but also navigation destinations and streaming audio. More interestingly, the system uses technology available right now, and Hyundai says the system will be available on its next-generation of vehicles starting in 2015. While we're all for sending bulky key fobs to the scrap heap, hurdles like previous owner security concerns and the hitch of what happens if your phone dies before you can make it to your car will need to be overcome. You can read the full writeup over at Wired.

Hyundai working to replace car keys with smartphones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car keysconnectivity concepthyundaihyundai i30 connectivity conceptkeyssmartphonesmartphone for car keysFri, 28 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST

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20412716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smartphone-garage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smartphone-garage-628.jpg <![CDATA[Researchers developing washless coating for cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/#commentsFiled under: Technology

We could have easily filed this under "Too Good to Be True" or "Snake Oil," but it sounds legit, and certainly has our attention. Researchers in The Netherlands' Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have developed a self-healing vehicle coating, meaning that one day, you may not have to wash your car.

Catarina Esteves of the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at TU/e and her team claims to have invented a solution to the problem of minor scrapes. Apparently the nano-capsule technology features special chemical groups that are able to re-orient themselves in the event that a surface with this compound is scratched.

The potential automotive use for this technology is obvious; it allows for the development of coatings that are not only water-resistant, but scratch resistant. A minor rain shower is all it would take to keep the car clean.

The implementation of this technology is not limited to the automotive world - it can also be employed on contact lenses, smartphone screens, and solar panels.

The benefit it could provide to the aviation industry would be two-fold. A plane employing this coating would not only need less frequent cleaning, but the inability for algae and dirt to build up means that the aircraft would allow for less wind resistance, resoling in more fuel efficient flying.

Researchers developing washless coating for cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20284650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jettawash01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jettawash01.jpg <![CDATA[Reckless Racing 2 video game turned into radio-controlled reality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/reckless-racing-2-video-game-turned-into-radio-controlled-realit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/reckless-racing-2-video-game-turned-into-radio-controlled-realit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/reckless-racing-2-video-game-turned-into-radio-controlled-realit/#commentsFiled under: Convertible, Etc., Technology, Videos, Toys/Games, UK

Reckless Racing 2 in real life

If you've never played Reckless Racing 2, odds are you've taken the helm of similar games in the past. Players are given control of a vehicle viewed from above as it bashes its way around a dirt track with other cars.

Sony Ericsson recently partnered up with noted car hacker James Brighton to create a real-life version of Reckless Driving 2 using a pair of droptop MG models and Sony's new Xperia Studio smartphone. Sony and Brighton then invited Martin Noriander, the developer behind Reckless Racing 2, and journalist Hunter Skipworth to compete head-to-head with the real-life cars.

Who came out on top? We won't spoil it for you, but we will say there was a good bit of carnage as the duo tried to manipulate their chariots around the course. See below to check out the quick video for yourself.

Continue reading Reckless Racing 2 video game turned into radio-controlled reality

Reckless Racing 2 video game turned into radio-controlled reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20186704 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/reckless-racing-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/reckless-racing-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Belgium offering adventurous location-based RAV4 discounts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Toyota

RAV4 Black Edition

Toyota Belgium has just launched a new campaign for the Toyota RAV4 Black Edition that allows participants to earn discounts for the vehicle based on their location. Smartphone users download the RAV4 Adventure Discount App, travel to a so-called adventurous location within Belgium and sign in with the application. The app then calculates a discount based on just how daring you are. While far-flung wilderness locations are an obvious choice for big discounts, Toyota has hinted there are plenty of adventurous spots in city locales as well.

The campaign seems pretty brilliant to us, though we have to wonder how many RAV4 buyers will be willing to cover hill and dale in pursuit of a few extra hundred euros off of their bottom line. So far, it appears the app and the discounts are only good in Belgium, though it wouldn't surprise us if Toyota used a similar marketing ploy in other markets. Hit the jump to check out an ad for the app after the jump, complete with a mustachioed woodsman.

Continue reading Toyota Belgium offering adventurous location-based RAV4 discounts

Toyota Belgium offering adventurous location-based RAV4 discounts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20174990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/rav4-black-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/rav4-black-edition-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: Car Buying, Auctions, Etc., Technology

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.

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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[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: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

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.

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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 <![CDATA[Volkswagen shuts down after-hours e-mail, allows employees to have lives again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/volkswagen-shuts-down-after-hours-e-mail-allows-employees-to-ha/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/volkswagen-shuts-down-after-hours-e-mail-allows-employees-to-ha/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/volkswagen-shuts-down-after-hours-e-mail-allows-employees-to-ha/#commentsFiled under: Europe, Technology, UAW/Unions

Porsche Design Blackberry

Add this one to the list of reasons Europeans have it better than we do, right after diesels and manual transmissions: No more "catching up on e-mail" while you should be spending time with your family. Or sleeping. Or watching Baywatch reruns.

According to the BBC, Volkswagen has bowed to demands from its trade unions to limit corporate e-mail access by turning off its Blackberry servers 30 minutes after the close of business, and leaving them off until the next morning. The agreement comes after some workers complained that their home and work lives were overlapping. The BBC says this may be part of a growing trend in Europe, where CEOs are recognizing that tethering their employees to smart phones may not be such a good thing.

Volkswagen shuts down after-hours e-mail, allows employees to have lives again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20134495 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche-design-blackberry-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche-design-blackberry-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Yes, Porsche Design has made its own Blackberry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/yes-porsche-design-has-made-its-own-blackberry/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/yes-porsche-design-has-made-its-own-blackberry/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/yes-porsche-design-has-made-its-own-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Porsche, Design/Style, Infotainment

Porsche Design P'9981 Smartphone from BlackBerry

While its styling has refined over successive generations, you don't buy a Porsche for how it looks. You buy one for how it works. And the same could be said of a BlackBerry. The favorite communications tool of businesspeople worldwide and a number of private consumers as well, the BlackBerry is - like a Porsche - more about function than form. Leave it to Porsche Design, then, to up its style factor.

Having already produced phones on its own, Porsche Design has long been rumored to be working on a project for Research In Motion, the Canadian company responsible for unleashing the addictive device upon the world. And here it is.

The co-branded "Porsche Design P'9981 Smartphone from BlackBerry" packs a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video camera, eight gigs of internal (expandable) memory, a QWERTY keyboard and BlackBerry 7 OS into a slick forged stainless steel case with leather back and a touch display screen. A personal concierge service is included with the P'9981, which still doesn't make its estimated $2,000 price tag any more reasonable. Then again, it's the kind of thing you'd expect a style-conscious business executive to be talking on when he cuts you off in his Panamera. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Yes, Porsche Design has made its own Blackberry

Yes, Porsche Design has made its own Blackberry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20094520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web-pd-bb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web-pd-bb.jpg <![CDATA[Craftsman AssureLink redefines remote garage door opener [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/craftsman-assurelink-redefines-remote-garage-door-opener-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/craftsman-assurelink-redefines-remote-garage-door-opener-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/craftsman-assurelink-redefines-remote-garage-door-opener-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Videos

Craftsman AssureLink

Craftsman has paired the company's garage door openers with smart phone technology to give home owners remote control of the door from anywhere. Anyone who's ever left home and forgotten to close up shop after they've departed can appreciate the value of the system. Craftsman Assurelink users must sign up for an annual $19.99 activation fee and purchase a compatible opener for around $275. Afterwards, they can control their garage door from any internet-enabled smartphone, computer or tablet. Sounds pretty handy.

Craftsman has even protected against the unlikely event of someone getting squished by the automated door with audio and visual warnings that work in conjunction with the standard pressure clutch that protects against flattening toddlers or causing other undue harm. The technology borrows from the same thinking that allows some vehicle owners to access features like door locks and remote starting from their handheld devices. Hit the jump for a video of the device in action.

Continue reading Craftsman AssureLink redefines remote garage door opener [w/video]

Craftsman AssureLink redefines remote garage door opener [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20071511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/craftsman-assurelink-628-1317500886_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/craftsman-assurelink-628-1317500886.jpg <![CDATA[Race of Champions coming to a smartphone near you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/race-of-champions-coming-to-a-smartphone-near-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/race-of-champions-coming-to-a-smartphone-near-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/race-of-champions-coming-to-a-smartphone-near-you/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Toys/Games

Race of Champions smartphone game screenshot

Not everyone can compete in the Race of Champions. You have to be, you know, an actual champion of something. (That something being a professional racing series of some sort.) But us ordinary Joes can do the next best thing: pretend like we're champions while playing with our smartphones.

The organizers of the annual event, which brings a wide variety of racing talent together each year for head-to-head competition, is launching its own video game for iOS and Android devices. The game features various track layouts from past runnings of the RoC, and benefits from the input of professional racing drivers like rally veteran Michele Moutan and endurance and rally champion Marc Duez.

It's being developed by Hungarian studio Invictus, and is set to launch in app stores online later in October ahead of this year's race scheduled for December 3-4 in Düsseldorf. Organizers have also recently announced that 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button, WTCC vet Andy Priaulx and DTM champ Mattias Ekstrom have signed on to join Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher for the event, and that the 270-horsepower Skoda Fabia S2000 rally car will one of the cars they'll be driving there come December.

Continue reading Race of Champions coming to a smartphone near you

Race of Champions coming to a smartphone near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20067365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webraceofchampionsscreenshot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webraceofchampionsscreenshot.jpg <![CDATA[Devs granted access to TomTom speed camera database]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/devs-granted-access-to-tomtom-speed-camera-database/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/devs-granted-access-to-tomtom-speed-camera-database/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/devs-granted-access-to-tomtom-speed-camera-database/#commentsFiled under: Safety, Technology

TomTom Speed Camera

TomTom is giving developers a big gift at the CTIA wireless show in Orlando, Florida. The navigation company will begin providing access to its speed camera database, allowing devs to incorporate the location of speed traps into their own smartphone applications.

TomTom claims it has more than 50,000 speed cameras in its ever-expanding database, covering some 34 countries, including the U.S. The goal is to allow developers to tap into the fixed speed, red light, average speed and toll road cameras, enabling motorists to avoid the fuzz throughout the world. And with developers gaining access to the database, it's not hard to imagine major automakers incorporating the data into their own in-dash navigation systems.

TomTom will be rolling out the API in the coming months and you can get all the details in the press blast after the jump.

Continue reading Devs granted access to TomTom speed camera database

Devs granted access to TomTom speed camera database originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19889675 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/494522.1-lg-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/494522.1-lg-630op.jpg <![CDATA[AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/applink-software-for-sync-comes-to-fiesta-first-adds-iphone/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Ford

Sync AppLink

It's a good day for Ford Sync users. The Blue Oval has officially announced two big leaps forward for the company's infotainment system for smartphone users. For the first time, Apple users will find that their iPhone is now fully compatible with Sync. Previously, the system was only usable with devices that used RIM or Android operating systems. What's more, users can now control the applications on their smartphones using a hands-free, voice-operated system. So far, there are only a handful of apps that will gel with Sync voice activation, including Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak (a Twitter client), though Ford says that there are more on the way.

The new and improved Sync will first show up in 14,000 Ford Fiesta models, though the free Sync application will eventually be equipped on every Sync-equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicle. Fiesta owners can get the ball rolling by logging into their Sync account online and pointing their browser toward the Update and Customize section of the site. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone

AppLink software for SYNC comes to Fiesta first, adds iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19773977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Volkswagen developing Terminal Mode for full smartphone control through nav screen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/video-volkswagen-developing-terminal-mode-for-full-smartphone-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/video-volkswagen-developing-terminal-mode-for-full-smartphone-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/video-volkswagen-developing-terminal-mode-for-full-smartphone-c/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen's Terminal Mode

Volkswagen and Nokia's Terminal Mode - Click above to watch video after the jump

Bluetooth connectivity is getting better all the time. No longer content with just connect your phone, new systems also allow you to wirelessly stream music to your car's speakers. Volkswagen is working on a system which takes the idea of pairing a phone to your car, and brings it to a whole new level. The system, called Terminal Mode, allows VW's touchscreen display to become an extension of the your smartphone - weather, GPS, music, phone and text messaging are right at your fingertips in a highly visible location.

Currently, the system is still under development and promises to get better as Volkswagen upgrades its infotainment screens. The current units use resistive touchscreens which can be slightly slower to respond compared with the capacitive units, which will make their way into VWs in the near future.

The Terminal Mode system opens up a potential Pandora's box of opportunity. Developers could build a whole slew of apps designed for use in automobiles and phones could be built with this integration in mind. There are many pluses to this concept, however this easily falls into the distracted-driving discussion. How soon before we see anti-Facebooking-while-driving laws? Hop the jump to watch video of the system in action.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Video: Volkswagen developing Terminal Mode for full smartphone control through nav screen

Video: Volkswagen developing Terminal Mode for full smartphone control through nav screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19655465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/terminal-mode-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/terminal-mode-3.jpg <![CDATA[Latest OnStar focuses on infotainment, adds audio Facebook integration, voice texting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/latest-onstar-focuses-on-infotainment-adds-audio-facebook-integ/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/latest-onstar-focuses-on-infotainment-adds-audio-facebook-integ/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/latest-onstar-focuses-on-infotainment-adds-audio-facebook-integ/#commentsFiled under: Safety, Technology, GM

OnStar Chevrolet Volt

After 15 years of offering comprehensive safety coverage to General Motors vehicle owners, OnStar will be getting a well-deserved boost in functionality to better take on Ford's Sync and other upstart systems.

New infotainment systems are one of the hottest trends in the automotive marketplace, and GM certainly can't afford to be behind the curve. Because of this, OnStar will be relaunching its brand image, citing the phrase "responsible connectivity" as the motto for everything moving forward. This means that OnStar won't just be about safety anymore, though its core values will continue to be improved.

Two of the main infotainment technologies being tested right now are audio Facebook integration and voice text messaging. OnStar recently released a brief bit of information about these two functions, but we were able to attend a presentation to see these new social functions firsthand.

OnStar's Facebook integration will allow subscribers to post audio status updates directly from the car. These messages will appear as audio updates on the Facebook news feed, and drivers will also have the ability to have their personal news feed read back to them. Even though this technology is still undergoing beta testing, the whole process works relatively seamlessly, though the read-back audio could still benefit from some smoothing-out.

Voice text messaging piggybacks on this same audio technology. Using a Bluetooth-paired phone, drivers can have text messages read to them via the car's audio system. From there, the driver can press a button on the steering wheel to verbally select one of OnStar's four pre-set replies - things like, "I received your text message, but am currently driving," or, "Please call me."

All of this being tested in correlation with OnStar's ninth-generation hardware, which improves voice recognition, adds a Bluetooth phonebook, help 'wizard,' improved navigation and uses advanced notification services for traffic and weather alerts. This is just the start to what OnStar is working on, though. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the future technologies OnStar is working to bring to GM vehicles. In the meantime, hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: OnStar]

Continue reading Latest OnStar focuses on infotainment, adds audio Facebook integration, voice texting

Latest OnStar focuses on infotainment, adds audio Facebook integration, voice texting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19633516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/x11chvt014-630op-1284499048_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/x11chvt014-630op-1284499048.jpg <![CDATA[Waze app may be the way of the navigation future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/waze-app-may-be-the-way-of-the-navigation-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/waze-app-may-be-the-way-of-the-navigation-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/waze-app-may-be-the-way-of-the-navigation-future/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Safety, Technology

Navigation has come a long way since Mapquest first hit the scene. Few of us are bumbling around our nation's highways with print-out directions anymore thanks to the wide availability of manufacturer and aftermarket nav systems. Even most phones have some sort of turn-by-turn directions on them, but even the best systems have a hard time keeping track of up to minute variations in traffic conditions. Which is why our curiosity has been peaked by the Waze app.

The concept is pretty simple. Users drive around with the app open on their phone and the program samples GPS data to determine whether traffic is moving at speed or at a standstill. From there, you can report accidents, speed traps or road work to keep those around you from winding up in the same mess. Meanwhile, you can check the status of traffic on alternate roads around you thanks to the same technology.

Waze is also on the verge of rolling out a handful of new features that should improve the experience, including Twitter and Facebook integration. Instead of just sampling other Waze users, the program will cull through tweets from all over the globe. If someone happens to take the time to shoot off a tweet that says traffic on Mullholland sucks, you'll get a notification if you're headed in that direction. We've yet to get a chance to play with the app in traffic, but it sounds handy. For more info, check out the Waze guided tour.

[Source: Waze]

Waze app may be the way of the navigation future originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19538870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/waze-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/waze-250.jpg <![CDATA[BMW develops microNavigation, augments in-car GPS with downloadable microMaps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/bmw-develops-micronavigation-augments-in-car-gps-with-downloada/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/bmw-develops-micronavigation-augments-in-car-gps-with-downloada/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/bmw-develops-micronavigation-augments-in-car-gps-with-downloada/#commentsFiled under: Technology, BMW

BMW microNavigation - Click above for high-res image gallery

That ultra-expensive in-dash navigation system can be a huge help when finding a destination in an unfamiliar area. Unfortunately, if you're just a visitor, it might not be clear where to park your car or enter the building once you get there. Current navigation systems, both in-dash and hand-held types, have limited databases of such detailed information.

That's why BMW is developing a microNavigation system called Pathfinder to supplement the data stored onboard the car. Pathfinder allows you to download more detailed information about your destination in the form of a MicroMap to a memory card before you leave the house. When the card is inserted into the car, the data is added to the built-in navigation information. The more detailed information can even work with a camera used for lane departure warning to tell the driver which lane they should be in to catch ramps and entries to highways or parking structures.

Once the car is parked, the data can be transferred to a smartphone or other mobile device for the final leg of the trip. The phone can guide you directly to your destination and in can even remember where you parked. When more vehicles are offered with their own mobile data connections, this data could even be downloaded directly straight to the car on the fly. Of course, all of this requires the creation of far more detailed maps than exist today, and it's not clear if current map data providers will produce these microMaps. Google Is incorporating much of this information from its search index, however, and following its recent deals with Ford and General Motors' OnStar, it could soon be the default provider for every automaker.

Gallery: BMW Micronavigation

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW develops microNavigation, augments in-car GPS with downloadable microMaps

BMW develops microNavigation, augments in-car GPS with downloadable microMaps originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19516751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/p90061719highres-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/p90061719highres-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Acer phones it in with Ferrari edition Liquid E smartphone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/acer-phones-it-in-with-ferrari-edition-liquid-e-smartphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/acer-phones-it-in-with-ferrari-edition-liquid-e-smartphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/acer-phones-it-in-with-ferrari-edition-liquid-e-smartphone/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Ferrari

For safety's sake, most of what we hear about phones and cars in the same news piece is about not dialing or texting while driving. The rest is usually about connecting your phone to your car... so you don't have to dial or text while driving. But once in a while it comes down to phones inspired by cars. Porsche Design has done a few, and so has Ferrari - with a range of manufacturers from Motorola to Vertu. The latest, however, is the product of Maranello's partnership with Taiwanese computer firm Acer.

The tie-in has already spawned a number of laptop computers, but as phones get smarter and smarter, they've evolved into small computers to the point that computer companies are becoming some of the biggest players in the mobile phone market. Acer's flagship model is the Liquid E, a touchscreen smartphone with a Snapdragon processor running Google's Android 2.1 mobile operating system. Now they've done up a special edition for Ferrari, decked out all in Rosso Corsa and coming paired up with a similarly trimmed Bluetooth earpiece.

Aside from the racy color treatment, the Ferrari edition Liquid E comes emblazoned with the Prancing Horse badge surrounded by carbon fiber trim, a microphone cutout designed after the air intake on the side of a Scuderia Ferrari F1 car, and will surely come packed with Ferrari-themed wallpapers, icons, screen savers and ring-tones. The model's just been unveiled at the Computex trade show, so no word on pricing just yet, but expect that to be suitably Ferrari-inspired as well.

[Sources: Ferrari, Acer, Engadget]

Acer phones it in with Ferrari edition Liquid E smartphone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer ferrariAcer Liquid eacer liquid e ferrari special editionAcerFerrariAcerLiquidEAcerLiquidEFerrariSpecialEditionandroidferrariferrari acerFerrariAcerliquid eLiquidEsmartphoneFri, 04 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST

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19500462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ferrari-acer-liquid-e_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ferrari-acer-liquid-e.jpg <![CDATA[BMW introduces smartphone app for roadside assistance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/bmw-introduces-smartphone-app-for-roadside-assistance/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/bmw-introduces-smartphone-app-for-roadside-assistance/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/bmw-introduces-smartphone-app-for-roadside-assistance/#commentsFiled under: Safety, Technology, BMW

BMW Roadside Assistance smartphone app - Click above for image gallery

When it comes to the side of the road, let's just say you're not looking to get more familiar with it. Being stuck there is bad enough; being stuck there in a luxury car might be considered even worse. BMW wants to take a some of that edge off by making it easier to get help, introducing a personalized smartphone app for its BMW Roadside Assistance.

If Ultimate Service was included with your new or pre-owned BMW, then you can take advantage of it, or those who adopted too early can purchase an annual subscription. It works on iPhones, BlackBerries and Android phones - sorry, Palm and WinMo - and expedites requests for any BMW registered in the U.S. since 1975. Follow the jump for the press release, and look what you can do with your smartphone in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: BMW Roadside Assistance smartphone app

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW introduces smartphone app for roadside assistance

BMW introduces smartphone app for roadside assistance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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