Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/future-ford-sync-upgrade-could-include-pandora-streaming/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/future-ford-sync-upgrade-could-include-pandora-streaming/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/future-ford-sync-upgrade-could-include-pandora-streaming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above to view a video of the new SYNC system after the jump

At the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Ford announced that three new features would be included on the next iteration of the SYNC system: traffic data, GPS-guided directions and the ability to snag information from the web through the user's data/GPS/Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to display or read weather conditions, sports scores and other information through the stereo.

On May 26th, the upgrade will be made available to all current 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners (you download the update to your PC, then transfer it to the SYNC system through a thumb drive) and all new 2010 models will be equipped with the upgrade from the factory. But as Ford CEO Alan Mulally promised, there's more on the way.

Ford and Microsoft plan to continually update SYNC, and according to Charlotte Fisher from Ford's Design and Technology team, "every six to eight to twelve months we'll be delivering new services." One of the possible features Ford could include on future iterations of SYNC is streaming internet radio, and Fisher confirmed that Ford is currently "talking with Pandora." Can you say XM-killer? Hit the jump to watch a video of the new system in action.

Continue reading Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming

Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford mustang2010 ford taurus2010FordMustang2010FordTauruscesfordford syncFordSyncsyncMon, 18 May 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/ces-2009-hands-on-with-d-box-and-simcraft-racing-simulators/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/ces-2009-hands-on-with-d-box-and-simcraft-racing-simulators/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/ces-2009-hands-on-with-d-box-and-simcraft-racing-simulators/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



They're more than glorified game consoles with force-feedback steering wheels strapped to a lounge chair. Costing as much as $44,000 apiece, they're racing simulators, and we got to play with a couple of them at CES.

Simcraft says its $44K model is meant for training real race car drivers, like Indycar driver Sarah Fisher, who stopped by CES on Wednesday to show off the company's Apex SC830. The U.S. military is also using the high-dollar simulator to train its soldiers to drive in the tricky sands of Iraq. D-Box's top-of-the-line GP Pro 200 is a much more affordable high-end racing simulator. It'll only set you back $14,000.

Both are PC-based and both offer much more realism than your Laz-E-Boy being moved around by your little brother. The SC830 is definitely more hardcore, with the seat and displays mounted on a tubular-steel frame. The GP Pro 200 sits lower, is more compact and looks less complicated than the Simcraft. But how do they drive? Click through to the jump to read our impressions and for more photos.

Gallery: CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators

Continue reading CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators

CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009d-boxmotorsports simulatorMotorsportsSimulatorracingracing simracing simulatorRacingSimRacingSimulatorrfactorsimcraftSat, 17 Jan 2009 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: The cars of CES Part II]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/ces-2009-the-cars-of-ces-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/ces-2009-the-cars-of-ces-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/ces-2009-the-cars-of-ces-part-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Click above to view a high-res gallery of the cars of CES 2009

While CES is and should be known for its unabashed display of geekery, it has also become a venue to display some top-notch custom automobiles. Take for instance the Ford Flex at Sony's XPlod display. Sony says it wears an "urban-themed custom paint job" on the outside and a long list of the company's XPlod audio products on the inside. The urban decor impressively even extends to the doors' kickplates and interior frames. Now that's attention to detail.

A couple of booths over (which in CES speak means several thousand yards away), Monster skipped the fancy paint and just went for the fancy cars. Their super-blue Bentley GT looked almost stock until closer inspection revealed Monster's logos imprinted on the roof and the Bentley trunk badge replaced with the Monster's corporate red M. Monster's booth was also home to a Lambo Murcielago whose exterior was mercifully left unscathed by such blatant branding.

Other cars of note were Toyota's Ducati Tacoma from SEMA and a really bad-ass, turbocharged, LSX-powered Cadillac wearing some sweet leather seats and a Strut S grille and wheels. Check out the gallery for high-res photos of the second round of the cars of CES. You can also peruse the Round 1 cars by clicking here.

Gallery: CES 2009: The cars of CES Part II


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

CES 2009: The cars of CES Part II originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cars of cesCarsOfCescesducatiducati tacomaDucatiTacomaford flexFordFlexgraffiti flexGraffitiFlexgrafitti flexGrafittiFlexmonstermonster bentleymonster lamborghiniMonsterBentleyMonsterLamborghiniSEMAsony flexSonyFlexStrut SStrutSWed, 14 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Dodge Journey to get OnStar-like features this summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-dodge-journey-to-get-onstar-like-features-this-summer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-dodge-journey-to-get-onstar-like-features-this-summer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-dodge-journey-to-get-onstar-like-features-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



On our final night in Vegas, Hughes Telematics invited us over to talk about their work in... well... telematics. Among their demo vehicles was a Dodge Journey outfitted with what is essentially Chrysler's version of OnStar. The Journey will be Chrysler's first product with the service and should be available this summer.

We're not certain what name the new service will get, but it essentially offers the same basic services General Motors' vehciles have. Press a button on the rearview mirror and talk with an assistant at Hughes' own call center to unlock doors and provide directions. The system will also alert rescue agencies of an crash.

Pricing and exact date of availability are both unknown. Hughes reps said that their company is in talks with Chrysler to develop much more elaborate systems with many more features, some of which we were able to check out. We'll be able to post more on that later. But until then you can refresh on what Hughes Telematics told us at CES 2008.

CES 2009: Dodge Journey to get OnStar-like features this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge journeydodge telematicsDodgeJourneyDodgeTelematicshugheshughes telematicsHughesTelematicsonstartelematicsTue, 13 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-alpine-keeps-in-touch-with-ipod-users/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-alpine-keeps-in-touch-with-ipod-users/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-alpine-keeps-in-touch-with-ipod-users/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Alpine has had iPod compatibility for years, but the user interface has been decidedly un-Apple. Alpine hopes to rectify matter with its new touch-screen iXA-W404 unit works, which boasts a new interface, new features and all the connected goodies audiophiles on the move require.

iPod and iPhone owners will notice that the Alpine's 4.3-inch, touch-screen face displays album art of the current song, and the names of the next two and most recent songs played. Song selection can be made from an alphabetical list just as on the iPod Touch and iPhone or by flipping through the album art in an animation similar to Apple's Cover Flow. Alpine's newest unit also supports video playback from an iPhone or any 30-pin iPod. W404 owners can choose to display three of five "widgets" included with the unit, which include a clock, calendar and photo viewer. The unit can be upgraded by adding components from Alpine's lineup, ranging from GPS, HD Radio, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The W404 head unit can even control video display on rear-seat monitors.

The 2DIN iXA-W404 will be available in April for a suggested retail of $550. Alpine's HD radio tuner is a $230 add-on, the rear-view camera system is $220, the Bluetooth module is $180, navigation capability is $350 and a dual seven-inch headrest monitor package is $750.

Gallery: CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users

Continue reading CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users

CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinealpine cover flowalpine iphonealpine ipodalpine touch screenAlpineCoverFlowAlpineIphoneAlpineIpodAlpineTouchScreencesces 2009Ces2009ixa-404touch screen alpinetouch screen audioTouchScreenAlpineTouchScreenAudioTue, 13 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Navigon takes routing personal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-navigon-takes-routing-personal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-navigon-takes-routing-personal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-navigon-takes-routing-personal/#commentsFiled under: ,


Navigon and Rand McNally have teamed up to develop some interesting new GPS features that make it easier for users to personalize their trips.

Landmark View 3D is s a $40 upgrade for Navigon's 2200T model and has the ability to display 600 North American landmark buildings in 3D to aid directions... or at least add some novelty to your nav. In keeping with the tourist theme, scenic routes and city guides will be available for $20 each. The scenic routes will feature weekend getaway suggestions, picturesque tours and regional trips. More than 1,400 cites are covered in the guides and routes can be customized to fit your interests. And for another $30 a year, Navigon owners can now be alerted to red light camera locations.

Headed overseas? Add maps of 38 European countries to your Navigon for $130. The update comes pre-loaded on an SD card and covers 4.5 million miles of road and millions of points of interest. The new features will be available for download from the Navigon Fresh software website sometime in the Spring.

CES 2009: Navigon takes routing personal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsnavigationnavigonrand mcnallyRandMcnallySat, 10 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Visteon shows off dashboard of the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-visteon-shows-off-dasboard-views-of-the-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-visteon-shows-off-dasboard-views-of-the-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-visteon-shows-off-dasboard-views-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of Visteon's CES 2009 display

Visteon, a major supplier of automotive instrument panels, has a vision for future car interiors that will soon give you a different view of your dashboard.

One of the most interesting ideas Visteon has developed is a user-customizable gauge cluster that they say will be available soon from a major manufacturer. Like traditional gauges, Visteon's Reconfigurable Cluster displays speed and RPMs using classic needles and numbers. Untraditionally, though, the new design simulates those gauges with LCD displays that can be modified to present the information in almost any way imaginable. End customers could potentially even upload their own designs, skins, etc. to make their instrument panels their own unique design.

The clear plastic hood surrounding the cluster isn't merely decorative. As you can see in the photo above, when a door is ajar, the hood glows red. When high-beams are on, it turns a subtle blue. Turn signal indicators light up the entire left or right side yellow. It's a simple and elegant feature.

Click through the jump to read more about Visteon's instrument technologies and click here for a high-res gallery from the company's booth at CES.

Gallery: CES 2009: Visteon's reconfigurable gauge cluster


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading CES 2009: Visteon shows off dashboard of the future

CES 2009: Visteon shows off dashboard of the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive electronicsAutomotiveElectronicscesces 2009Ces2009instrument panelinstrument panel designInstrumentPanelInstrumentPanelDesignIP designIpDesignvisteonFri, 09 Jan 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Hands on with heat-sensing FLIR-equipped BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2008-hands-on-with-flir-equipped-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2008-hands-on-with-flir-equipped-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2008-hands-on-with-flir-equipped-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Click above to view a high-res gallery of photos from FLIR's CES 2009 demo.

Just like we thought, FLIR wasn't on board with our plan to drive their night-vision BMW through the Nevada desert, but we did get to check out the car's in-dash display.

Our demo was indoors only, though we still got a good idea of how it works. Showgoers passing in front of the BMW's heat-sensing camera appeared in nice detail despite the relatively small difference in their temperature and their surroundings. FLIR rep Jay James said the camera can detect a .05 degree difference in temperatures, which translates into many more shades of gray on the monitor.

The system is tuned to look several yards down the road and so was thrown off by the number of pedestrians within inches of its bumper. But whenever someone walked through its danger zone, the system's display indicated a pedestrian by outliing that person with a yellow rectangle.

The demo BMW had been retrofitted with the system, but new BMWs with the factory-installed version flash a yellow triangle in the head-up display to alert drivers to take action.

Gallery: CES 2009: FLIR demos BMW Pedestrian Detection


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

CES 2009: Hands on with heat-sensing FLIR-equipped BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW FLIRBMW pedestrian detectionBMW SafetyBmwFlirBmwPedestrianDetectionBmwSafetycesces 2009Ces2009FLIRpedestrian detectionPedestrianDetectionFri, 09 Jan 2009 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Add V8 sound on an I4 budget]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-add-v8-sound-on-an-i4-budget/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-add-v8-sound-on-an-i4-budget/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-add-v8-sound-on-an-i4-budget/#commentsFiled under: , ,



ATTENTION HYBRID CAR DRIVERS: Are you feeling depressed? Inadequate? Does your spouse look at you the same way she/he did 20 years ago? Are you able to satisfy their needs? Is your commute a drudgery in monotonous mediocrity?

Now you can feel decades younger, impress your fellow commuters and give your lover the thrill they seek with SoundRacer. For only $45 this FM transmitter can transform your weak-sounding ride into the snarling, growling sportscar you desire. Gently slide it in your car's accessory power plug and listen as your car's stereo speakers produce the sounds of hundreds of horsepower. Press the accelerator to increase the virtual RPMs and heartbeat-speeding roars. Your lover will certainly show appreciation for your virtually enlarged engine and stamina. And when the mood is right, the SoundRacer will stream Barry White from your iPod. All. Night. Long.

Disclaimer: SoundRacer will not fool anyone who has ever actually ridden in a V8-powered car. Use at your own risk in street races, muscle car rallys and NASCAR track parking lots. SoundRacer is not responsible for any adverse situation caused by SoundRacer including severe mocking, name-calling and even ass beating. Use at your own risk of humiliation and embarrassment.

SoundRacer's managing director, Kenneth Palmest'l, tells us he's currently looking for distributors of his device, so don't rush out looking for one.

CES 2009: Add V8 sound on an I4 budget originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soundracerv8 soundV8SoundFri, 09 Jan 2009 07:33:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: SYNC could one day add app development like iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-sync-could-one-day-add-app-development-like-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-sync-could-one-day-add-app-development-like-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-sync-could-one-day-add-app-development-like-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford's head of electronics told Autoblog today that the future of SYNC is already in the works, including the possibility of one day opening up the platform to the developer community.

Jim Buczkowski, Ford's director of electronics and electrical systems said he sees SYNC as a platform on which creative innovation could be built. He said if such a developer program were ever to be implemented, it would work much like Apple's program where outside developers build apps that would be evaluated by Ford before being made available to customers. Buczkowski said the first priority in evaluating apps, though, would be to ensure safety for drivers.

There are no definite plans for a "SYNC SDK" anytime soon, but it is an indication that Ford is busy working to keep SYNC ahead of the competition.

Ford's Executive Vice President Mark Fields told us in another CES interview that with SYNC, Ford is now able to behave more like a technology company than an automotive company. New sheet metal takes much longer to design and implement than a software update that would give Ford owners many new features. To keep up the innovative pace, Fields said they seek input from customers in the blogospheres, focus groups and from Ford's SYNC My Ride Web site.

CES 2009: SYNC could one day add app development like iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeAppStoreford syncFordSyncsyncsync appssync developmentSyncAppsSyncDevelopmentFri, 09 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Ford shows off future of SYNC, Best Buy partnership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-ford-shows-off-future-of-sync-to-partner-with-best-bu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-ford-shows-off-future-of-sync-to-partner-with-best-bu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-ford-shows-off-future-of-sync-to-partner-with-best-bu/#commentsFiled under: , ,



On top of those new SYNC features we've already told you about, Ford showed off what its SYNC system might one day look like with configurable controls and a personal assistant "avatar" named Eva. The concept is meant to provide a more human interface with the vehicle to help drivers be safer and more efficient. Instead of the disembodied voice of KITT, Eva is an animated character on your instrument panel that converses with you in plain English. She's a little creepy, but chalk that up to the Uncanny Valley phenomenon.

Ford also says it will be taking SYNC to European markets in 2010 then to Asia Pacific and Australia.

Earlier today, Ford Executive VP Mark Fields also told us that his company is working with Best Buy to educate mobile phone customers about SYNC. CEO Alan Mulally (that's him in the red cardigan) went into more detail about the partnership later in his keynote speech at CES. Fields said sales reps in Best Buy's standalone mobile phone stores would educate customers on SYNC's new capabilities when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smart phone and then point out what phones are compatible with Ford's infotainment system. Check out the video above, the gallery of Ford's big CES keynote below, and an official press release from the Blue Oval after the jump.

Gallery: CES 2009: Alan Mulally's keynote address


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading CES 2009: Ford shows off future of SYNC, Best Buy partnership

CES 2009: Ford shows off future of SYNC, Best Buy partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuyevaeva syncEvaSyncford best buyford syncFordBestBuyFordSyncsyncThu, 08 Jan 2009 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-sony-xplods-with-new-automotive-units/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-sony-xplods-with-new-automotive-units/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-sony-xplods-with-new-automotive-units/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Sony is expanding its Xplod car stereo lineup with eight new models, including the company's first double-din unit in several years.

The most feature-filled of the new models is Sony's MEX-BT5700U model (in photo above) with a front USB port for music players including iPhone and iPod. Its Bluetooth connection can also transfer phonebook info from a phone to its display and allows access to phone functions through the head unit. And when using Bluetooth to play music from a media device, the Sony unit displays song name, artist, etc. Sony says the MEX-BT5700U is their top of the line head unit and expects it to go on sale this June for about $300. Follow the jump for info on all seven of Sony's other models announced this week at CES as well as the official Sony press release.

Gallery: CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units

Continue reading CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units

CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009sonysony automotiveSonyAutomotiveThu, 08 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Wireless gadget charging coming to your car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-wireless-gadget-charging-coming-to-you-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-wireless-gadget-charging-coming-to-you-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-wireless-gadget-charging-coming-to-you-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view a high-res gallery of eCoupled photos

You've probably heard of wireless battery charging technology, but soon you might just see it showing up in your car. Fulton Innovation has teamed up with Leggett & Platt to bring eCoupled Intelligent Wireless Power Technology to your mobile phone, MP3 player, radar detector or just about anything else that needs electricity.

Instead of a web of snarled power cords, the eCoupled system charges any enabled gadget resting on the power pad. As in the illustration, enabled devices resting within range of the pad would be juiced up just as if they were plugged in.

Bret Lewis, director of Fulton Innovation, gave us a demo of the eCoupled system Wednesday night. Fulton had outfitted an iPhone and a Motorola Bluetooth headset with an eCoupled coil. Lewis took the two devices, laid them on a wooden bowl and, as if by magic, the two began to charge. The only indication the bowl was anything but dead tree was an electrical cord running from the back. Underneath, the bowl had been hollowed to accommodate a metal plate with the coil inductor. The same type system could easily be incorporated into a car's console or instrument panel.

Ideally, Lewis says, gadget manufacturers would incorporate the technology into portable devices as they're designed. In the real world, of course, there are potentially billions of legacy devices that could benefit from a third-party attachment to allow the wireless batter charging.

But it gets better! Lewis says the system can also transfer data, potentially allowing wireless coupling of music players and mobile phones with you car.

We also spoke with Ross Haith Jr. of Leggett & Platt who let us in on some commercial vehicle projects they have ready to launch as soon as this year. Read about that as well as press releases from the two companies after the jump.

Gallery: CES 2009: Wireless gadget charging coming to you car


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading CES 2009: Wireless gadget charging coming to your car

CES 2009: Wireless gadget charging coming to your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009consumer electronic showConsumerElectronicShowecoupledecoupled automotiveEcoupledAutomotivefulton innovationFultonInnovationleggett plattLeggettPlattwireless chargingwireless charging automotiveWirelessChargingWirelessChargingAutomotiveThu, 08 Jan 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: SYNC updated with Traffic, Directions and Information]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-microsoft-ford-update-sync/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-microsoft-ford-update-sync/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-microsoft-ford-update-sync/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford and Microsoft debuted SYNC at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show, updated the system at last year's event and now keep the tradition alive with more enhancements for 2009. The next iteration of SYNC will sport new features able to take full advantage of a user's GPS-enabled bluetooth smartphone.

Boiled down to the bare essentials, these features are summed up as Traffic, Directions and Information. The Traffic feature sends texts messages with traffic alerts to the user's phone, or the SYNC system can read them aloud in the car. The Directions function mimics a full-feature navigation system by displaying directions on the radio and speaking them audibly through the sound system. And finally there's information, which allows users to access sports, weather and news of all types through SYNC.

The best part is that all of these features follow you to any vehicle equipped with SYNC via your smartphone. Ford even claims that the iPhone works with these new capabilities despite the fact Apple limits the phone's Bluetooth capability and AT&T doesn't allow data tethering. We'll be sure to get more details on how all this works later today when we meet with Ford execs and get a demonstration.

The big Blue Oval says it will offer these new SYNC features on almost all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with three years of service included right up front. Check out Ford's full press release and see a video demonstrartion of the new features after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading CES 2009: SYNC updated with Traffic, Directions and Information

CES 2009: SYNC updated with Traffic, Directions and Information originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces 2009Ces2009ford syncFordSyncmicrosoftmicrosoft syncMicrosoftSyncsyncThu, 08 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: The cars of CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-the-cars-of-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-the-cars-of-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-the-cars-of-ces/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view a high-res gallery of the cars of CES 2009

The doors to the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show don't officially open until Thursday morning, but we got a sneak preview of the setup going on in the LVCC's North Hall. That's where most of the automotive action will be concentrated and there are plenty of wild rides lining the halls.

You'll notice that in most of the photos, like the Galpin Scythe (above), the exhibitors' booths are far from complete. As the week unfolds, we'll bring you more from the floor and attempt to get our hands on some of the best car-related tech in Vegas. For Alex, the original KITT's here - or at least a close facsimile - and for all you Pontiac G8 ST fans, Azentek/Navigon has everyone's favorite stillborn ute on hand, although it could just be a Holden Commodore with a G8 nose job. We'll find out more tomorrow, so stay tuned.

UPDATE: We spoke with Azentek about their G8 ST. Apparently it is indeed one of the only G8 STs in existence. Donnie Zanney of Azentek says his company is just down the road from GM and, like a good neighbor, lets the tech company borrow a car every now and then. Unfortunately, yes, they have to give it back.

Gallery: CES 2009: The cars of CES


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

CES 2009: The cars of CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009ces automotiveCes2009CesAutomotiveg8 stG8Stgalpin auto sportsgalpin scythegalpin scythe conceptGalpinAutoSportsGalpinScytheGalpinScytheConceptkenwoodWed, 07 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009 preview: Panasonic connects your electric car to your house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/ces-2009-preview-panasonic-connects-your-electric-car-to-your-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/ces-2009-preview-panasonic-connects-your-electric-car-to-your-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/ces-2009-preview-panasonic-connects-your-electric-car-to-your-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Panasonic first showed off its HD-PLC system at CES in 2004 and, being car nuts, we totally ignored it. Other than letting all our gadgets talk to each other over a house's electrical lines, it did nothing for what we drive.

Now, Panasonic is announcing the ability of its PLC system to also communicate with that electric car charging in your garage. Officially, Panasonic is touting the technology in the name of security. The company claims that electric car owners can view video from an in-car camera to make sure their EV is charging safe and sound, while keeping tabs on the charging status of their cars from inside their home.

Unofficially, The Earth Times speculates that the system could also transfer music to the car's stereo, along with sending travel routes and movies to the in-car entertainment system. The setup could also include a command to adjust the seats for individual drivers.

HD-PLC Magazine says Panasonic's PLC has the potential to make electric cars lighter, replacing looms of wiring with a smaller, simpler, PLC-linked wiring system. We'll have to wait until Panasonic's press conference this week at CES for the official announcement.

[Source: The Earth Times]

CES 2009 preview: Panasonic connects your electric car to your house originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric car rechargingElectricCarElectricCarRecharginghd-plcpanasonicpanasonic hd-plcPanasonicHd-plcpower line communicationPowerLineCommunicationTue, 06 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



FLIR, the maker of BMW's night-vision system, will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week showing off its PathFindIR thermal imaging camera. The company says its system isn't confused by oncoming headlights, works well in cold weather and can even see through fog, dust and smoke.

FLIR also says its camera is based on the same technology used by the military to provide a 36° field-of-view of the road ahead.

We plan to check out the company's claims in the 6 Series they're bringing to CES. Maybe they'll even let us take it out and recreate that urban rumor of 200-mph desert highway sprints with no headlights. No, probably not.

CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowflirnight visionNightVisionpathfindirvegasSun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009 Preview: Internet radio in the car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-internet-radio-in-the-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-internet-radio-in-the-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-internet-radio-in-the-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



At next week's Consumer Electronics Show, Blaupunkt and miRoamer will announce the first in-dash Internet radio receiver. The press release we received says the radios will be offered as "built-in original equipment" but doesn't go into detail about what automakers will offer the system or even how the radios receive the data.

"The beauty of Internet car radio is the customized user experience," said George Parthimos, Founder and CEO of miRoamer said in a press release. "Today, users want to jump in their car and go - no pulling out third-party devices or plugging in cords to access their music and information. miRoamer's development with Blaupunkt is the first seamless Internet radio solution. Now, with the simple push of a button, users can access AM/FM stations or Internet radio's thousands of music, entertainment, news and talk stations from around the world, all from the same car stereo."

Users of the new head units will be able to tune into Internet radio stations offered by miRoamer as well as add stations of their choosing by simply inputting the URL. The photo above is of Blaupunkt's prototype New Jersey head unit.

We're looking forward to getitng the details on this next week, and will put up a post as soon as we do.

CES 2009 Preview: Internet radio in the car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive internetAutomotiveInternetblaupunktcar internetcar internet radiocar stereoCarInternetCarInternetRadioCarStereointernet radioInternetRadiomiroamerradioSun, 04 Jan 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford CEO Alan Mulally to keynote CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-keynote-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-keynote-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-to-keynote-ces/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Looks like the biggest gadget convention on Earth is becoming the place for big automotive announcements. You'll remember that two years ago at the Consumer Electronics Show, Ford and Microsoft announced their partnership on Ford's SYNC system, and last January General Motor's CEO Rick Wagoner chose Las Vegas to unveil the all-electric Cadillac Provoq concept. It was the first time in the convention's 40-year history an automaker had revealed a concept car to the world there.

This year it's Ford's turn again at CES, with CEO Alan Mulally taking the keynote spot. CES runs January 8-11 next year, but there's no word yet on what day Mulally will make his appearance. There's also no word on what he'll be saying or revealing to the thousands of people gathered in that Vegas ballroom. New SYNC features are a given, but will Ford also choose CES to roll out its plug-in hybrid project? Stay tuned for full coverage from the Autoblog team.

Gallery: CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Live reveal


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty]

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to keynote CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyalan mulally cesAlanMulallyAlanMulallyCesallan mulallyAllanMulallycesconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowfordmulallyFri, 29 Aug 2008 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VW begins polling everyone... about everything]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-begins-polling-everyone-about-everything/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-begins-polling-everyone-about-everything/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-begins-polling-everyone-about-everything/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Volkswagen knows that 73% of the people want to take the tiny soap and shampoo from hotel rooms. They also know that 60% of ice cream buyers prefer cones over cups. On an apparent quest to learn everything, Volkswagen's just-announced multi-faceted polling effort, known as It's what the people want, "...is a way of keeping in touch with what matters to people today," according to Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing for VW of America.

In addition to the web-based polling, VW has also taken their efforts to Times Square where consumers may participate in live-polling, via text SMS, with the ABC Supersign (pictured above). If music is more your style, VW is also encouraging people to visit pandora to influence the playlists of two Volkswagen radio stations. While we endorse any effort by an automaker to understand what the public really wants, this obsession to learn everything may have gone too far. We just can't seem to overlook the notion that while Volkswagen accepts the fact that 65% of the people want boxers, not briefs, they still haven't fully grasped the concept that we also want the new Scirocco on our shores. Where's that poll?

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW begins polling everyone... about everything

VW begins polling everyone... about everything originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ABC SupersignAbcSupersignadvertising campaignAdvertisingCampaignVolkswagenWhat the people wantWhatThePeopleWantTue, 29 Apr 2008 09:33:00 EST