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Hands-on with Jaguar’s next-gen mobile integration for Blackberry

Filed under: Technology, Jaguar

Jaguar Connect and View

Jaguar shows off next generation Blackberry interface – Click above to watch the video

Jaguar trotted out a modified version of its XJ to Blackberry World 2011, RIM’s international developer’s conference, with a prototype smartphone integration system developed in conduction with Denso, RealVNC and RIM.

The setup works much like Terminal Mode, porting the smartphone’s (in this case, a Blackberry Torch) UI directly into the eight-inch screen mounted on the dash. Rather than displaying a watered-down interface, the “Connect and View” system allows users to interact with the exact UI through the touchscreen, mirroring all the functionality of the Blackberry – from maps to apps to the music interface – along with softkeys to replace the device’s physical buttons. The system also allows Jaguar to block apps and functionality that could be distracting to the driver. The VNC protocol is transferred over USB and keeps the phone constantly charging, while audio is streamed over Bluetooth. Connect and View has been developed specifically for the Blackberry, but Jaguar claims the system is device-agnostic, so Android and Windows Phone 7 versions could be in the cards. But don’t hold your breath for iOS implementation.

Jaguar says the system could come to market as early as next year and our compatriots at Engadget got a hands-on with the system at the show. Check it out after the jump, along with more details on Connect and View and Jaguar’s latest iPhone app – “Driven Intelligence” – that’s available as a free download from the Apple App Store.

[Sources: Jaguar, Engadget]

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Hands-on with Jaguar’s next-gen mobile integration for Blackberry originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile tapped for Audi Connect service, LTE not coming until 2015

Filed under: Technology, Audi, Luxury

2012 Audi A7

2012 Audi A7 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has announced that T-Mobile will supply wireless data for its growing line of net-connected vehicles, allowing drivers to access a range of Audi Connect services on the go. That’s the good news. And there’s a bit more.

The service will debut on the 2012 Audi A7 (with integration for the 2012 A8, A6, Q7 and Q5 Hybrid coming later) and allow drivers to access Google Local Search and Sirius Traffic data, which combined with voice-controlled Google Earth integration will provide drivers with topographical and satellite imagery – the first of its kind in the industry.

Other services include real-time news, weather data and fuel prices, and if your passengers have a WiFi-capable device, Audi Connect will turn the vehicle into a secure, rolling hotspot. All of this will be accessed directly through Audi’s MMI control system, with a T-Mobile sim card provided by the dealer, plugged into the dash and owners given a six-month trial period for the service. After that, you’ll have to sign up for a monthly plan, which Audi and T-Mobile have yet to announce pricing for. So… all good stuff. Now for the bad news.

Markus Putze, VW/Audi’s Senior Engineer on the program, told Autoblog from the CTIA Wireless show that Audi’s much-hyped implementation of 4G LTE connectivity won’t be coming anytime soon. “There are no automotive grade [LTE] modules available at this time,” says Putze, and because of that, integration of high-speed wireless broadband into Audi’s lineup isn’t due to arrive until 2015. At the earliest.

And before the naysayers jump in and say T-Mobile already offers 4G, we’ll stop you right there. According to the definition provided by the International Telecommunication Union, T-Mobile’s HSPA+ system doesn’t provide the speeds necessary to be defined as 4G – that’s at least 100 Mbps down and T-Mobile’s “4G” service only clocks in at 12 Mbps.

However, the agreement between Audi and T-Mobile is set for a minimum of eight years – plenty of time for the carrier to roll out its own real 4G LTE network – and if the deal with AT&T goes through (at least nine months to a year away), that could escalate the development of the service.

Gallery: Audi A7

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T-Mobile tapped for Audi Connect service, LTE not coming until 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: VW blends print and mobile advertising to illustrate new technologies

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen iPhone test drive

Volkswagen’s iPhone test drive – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Volkswagen its flexing its tech-savvy muscles with a new form of interactive advertising that combines print and online media. They’ve written a new Apple iPhone app that shows how prospective customers how some of the company’s available advanced technologies work out on the road.

To use the app, participants hold their iPhone above a VW ad in a magazine or newspaper with a road printed on it. Following the curve of the road with the phone shows how some of the car’s safety features respond to real-world driving conditions.

Want to test VW’s adaptive headlights? Switch on the app and put it in Adaptive Lights mode, and the headlights on your virtual VW will follow the curve of the road. In Lane Assist mode, the phone vibrates when your car gets too close to the edge of the virtual road. There’s also an Adaptive Cruise Control mode, which puts a second virtual car in front of your VW and keeps them an equal distance apart as you move across the page.

Volkswagen’s virtual test drive is a neat way of combining different forms of media, an advertising tactic likely to be more common in the future. As a means of figuring out whether or not you want a Volkswagen, well, we’d just as soon head to the nearest dealer for a real test drive, but for now, you can head over to the jump to see how it all works.

[Source: Volkswagen via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: VW blends print and mobile advertising to illustrate new technologies

Video: VW blends print and mobile advertising to illustrate new technologies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2011: Hands-on with MyFord Mobile

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford, Electric

MyFord Mobile Hands On

MyFord Mobile app – Click above for high-res image gallery

On the eve of Ford’s big unveiling at CES, we got an exclusive hands-on with MyFord Mobile, a smartphone app that keeps track of all the information an electric vehicle owner would want. Why does Ford need an app for an EV? That’ll be unveiled tomorrow, but you know what’s coming…

The app – which will launch on Android and Blackberry, with iPhone support coming later on – connects with an EV to provide the owner with a range of charging, location, telematics and driver-oriented information. If you’re an iPhone owner, you can also access all the features through any HTML5 browser (Safari) or from your desktop PC. And before you ask, the demo unit in the photos was running Windows Phone 7, but it isn’t supported just yet.

When you load up the app, you’re greeted with the vehicle’s state of charge, how long it will take to charge to different levels and the exact time the battery will be topped off. There’s also a page that lists how much CO2 you’ve saved, the amount of cash you’ve stolen out of Big Oil’s pockets and a rating of your driving style – a sliding scale that moves between ‘zippy’ and ‘zen.’

Ford partnered up with MapQuest to provide location data, including where the nearest charging stations are located, along with color coding (green, yellow and red) that indicates your charge status when you arrive. The mapping software also can calculate the distance to and from multiple destinations – round trip – and determines if you’ll have enough juice to get back home. It even takes into account the outside temperature and how it affects the battery’s discharge.

Finally, there’s the My Car section that covers everything from location, vehicle information (battery health, tire pressure, etc.), charge settings and how your personal driving style is affecting the amount of range you’re getting. Ford has also partnered with Microsoft to provide smart charging data, allowing you to only juice up your EV during non-peak use hours.

That’s all we can divulge for now, but you can get more details in the press release after the jump, the photos in the duo of galleries below and check back tomorrow at 11 AM PST/2 PM EST for official details on Ford’s new electrified XXXXX.

Gallery: Hands On: MyFord Mobile App

Gallery: MyFord Mobile App

MyFord Mobile App

[Source: Ford]

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CES 2011: Hands-on with MyFord Mobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford launches SYNC Destinations mobile app

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Ford SYNC Destinations Around this time last year, Ford debuted its brand new MyFord Touch system, an infotainment setup that will be spreading like wildfire to the full host of Blue Oval products. To further build upon Ford’s SYNC technology, the automaker will now be releasing a free mobile application called SYNC Destinations, available for iPhone, iPad and Android-based phones. (Don’t worry, BlackBerry folk – your app is in the pipeline.)

This app allows customers with the SYNC TDI (Traffic, Directions and Information) service to search for and save destinations to their individual cloud-based software for easy access back in the car. What’s more, the app uses predictive traffic, powered by INRIX, which provides recommended departure times along with estimated travel times for commutes.

Ford says that by using SYNC Destinations, TDI users will be able to better plan the “when and where” of their commutes, simply by using the INRIX features found within the app. Specifically, aids like traffic maps with real-time speed and accident information, traffic forecasts and easy look-up of addresses will make adding new destinations to the user’s SYNC system easier than before, and more accessible while on the go (and not in the car).

SYNC Destinations will make its official debut at CES in January. For the full details, follow the jump to read Ford’s press release.

Gallery: Ford SYNC Destinations

Ford SYNC Destinations Ford SYNC Destinations mobile app

[Source: Ford]

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Ford launches SYNC Destinations mobile app originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: LaHood mulling nationwide ban on all in-car mobile phone use?

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Technology

Ray LaHood at Distraction.gov lectern

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants to make our roads a safer place. Distracted driving is arguably his number one issue, and LaHood is waging a concerted campaign to try and curb it. Is he taking things a step too far, though? According to Automotive News, LaHood has now stated that he believes motorists are distracted by any use of a mobile device while driving. This includes making hands-free calls through the use of in-car or in-ear Bluetooth devices. LaHood’s department is going to begin researching all types of mobile device usage to see how they affect drivers. He also plans to meet with automakers to try and gain support for his campaign to eliminate distracting driving.

According to the report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration feels that Ray LaHood is focusing too closely on one area of motoring safety, rather than the bigger picture. NHTSA officials are quoted as saying that current distracted driving crash statistics may be inflated because not all law enforcement agencies are properly trained to recognize a distracted driving accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even went so far as to release a study showing that new texting laws have not influenced accident rates in a positive manner.

Ray Lahood has quite an uphill battle on his hands. Even if he and his team can prove that hands-free usage of mobile devices increase accident rates, the practice is so deeply ingrained in the brains of the overall driving public – not to mention the businesses associated with it – that it will be difficult to convince motorists to not use their phones while driving at all. LaHood is optimistic, however,

“The bottom line for me is to get where we’re at with seat belts and with drunk driving. When those programs were started, people were very skeptical that you could get people to buckle up.”

So don’t adopt the “You can pry my iPhone from my cold dead hands” attitude just yet. Secretary LaHood is merely investigating the matter at this point. There are no plans to call for a ban just yet, but at least one NHTSA official admits it’s a possibility.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.| Image: Mark Wilson/Getty]

Report: LaHood mulling nationwide ban on all in-car mobile phone use? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaHood suggests mobile phones should come with warning labels

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology

Texting Kills

Judging from the statistics that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently released, distracted driving is a big problem here in the States. Researchers have found that one of the largest sources of distraction behind the wheel comes from hand-held devices – cell phones, smart phones, media players and the like. According to The Detroit News, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has mentioned that he would like to see some sort of visual warning on cell phones alerting users to the dangers of using the devices while behind the wheel.

However, the suggestion isn’t likely to evolve into a full-fledged motion by NHTSA. LaHood simply made the comment off-hand during an interview, but that doesn’t mean that mobile phone makers weren’t paying attention. The handheld phone industry has said that it will meet with LaHood to discuss the possibility, though its products come with a warning about being careful while operating them.

Would it help? We seriously doubt it. Mobile phones have evolved into too great a temptation for most drivers to ignore while behind the wheel, and another visual warning isn’t going to do too much to change that.

[Source: The Detroit News]

LaHood suggests mobile phones should come with warning labels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Top Gear game headed to iPad, mobile phones

Filed under: Toys/Games

Top Gear

For a show from another country that only produces 14 episodes a year, Top Gear is everywhere. And it’s going to be even more everywhere soon, thanks to a licensed video game reportedly being developed for PC, console, mobile and tablet platforms. There’s no word on exactly how the developers plan to game-ify the Top Gear television experience, but we guess we’ll find out soon enough – it’s due by the end of the year.

[Source: Know Your Mobile]

Report: Top Gear game headed to iPad, mobile phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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