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Audi Presents: Spock vs. Spock

Posted by JenThorpe at 5:58 PM on May 7, 2013

Audi LogoIf you are like me, then you probably do whatever you can to avoid having to watch commercials. Once in a while, though, it is worth taking a few minutes to check out an exceptionally well done ad. Such is the case with Audi’s new commercial, which features Mr. Spock vs. Mr. Spock… sort of.

Most people would recognize that Leonard Nimoy played the role of Spock in Star Trek the Original Series, (as well as in several Star Trek movies). The newly rebooted version of the Star Trek movies features Zachary Quinto as a young Spock. The Audi commercial has each actor playing himself, with the actor’s version of Spock overlapping him.

Basically, the two agree to have a race to the country club. Whoever gets there last has to buy lunch. The entire ad is sprinkled with subtle (and more obvious) things that Star Trek fans will immediately recognize. At the start, the two Spocks are playing a game of 3 Dimensional Chess against each other.

What might not be as obvious to viewers is the song that Leonard Nimoy sings in the commercial. It is called “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” which appears on the “Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy” album. Yes, he really did record that song!

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Posted in advertising, automotive

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Is Your Subaru a Self-Starter?

Posted by JenThorpe at 9:29 PM on March 7, 2013

Subaru logoCars that suddenly start themselves might sound like something out of a novel by Stephen King. Its a creepy concept! Your car, a man made object that definitely is not sentient, somehow develops the ability to start itself and run its engine via unknown means. This is the type of thing one expects to see in scary movies, not in real life.

Yet, that is exactly what has happened. Subaru is recalling 47,419 vehicles in the United States that have become “self-starters”. The recall affects some Legacy and Outback cars from the model years 2010 through 2013. It also affects Impreza sedans from 2012 through 2013 and XV Crosstrek crossover vehicles from 2013. This information comes to me from Reuters, who got it from documents filed from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

How are these vehicles able to start themselves? The answer has nothing to do with magic or the supernatural. Instead, it is due to an unexpected quirk in the remote starter key fob. Dropping the key fob can result the vehicle’s engine starting – even if the ignition button on the fob was not pressed. The engine can then run for up to 15 minutes. It is also reported that the vehicle can continue to start, and stop, all by itself until either the battery in the key fob dies or the vehicle finally runs out of gas.

If you are the owner of one of these creepy vehicles that has gained the ability to start itself, you should be getting a letter from Subaru shortly. They will replace the remote starter fob at no charge. The recall only affects vehicles in which Subaru of America remote starter accessory kits have been installed. The recall will begin in April.

When I think about the key fobs that let drivers start their vehicles remotely, it makes me think of convenience. It lets a person warm up his or her car before they have to get in and drive to work. After learning about the Subaru recall, I’m going to be wondering how many “zombie” vehicles were out there, spontaneously starting themselves, in the wee hours of the night.

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Posted in automotive, Technology, Weirdness

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Ready for Car Sharing? – FORD2GO Launching in Germany

Posted by Mike Dell at 12:50 PM on March 4, 2013

Ford_logo Ford Motor Company will launch FORD2GO in about 50 German Ford dealerships in the second quarter of 2013. FORD2GO will be the first automotive manufacturer-backed car sharing program in Europe. The program is a partnership between Ford, The German Ford Dealers Association and DB Rent (the people behind Flinkster car sharing). They will start out with around 500 cars.

DB Rent has developed a web-based reservation and booking system including an iOS and Android app.

A Ford Motor Company-sponsored poll shows that 56 percent surveyed said they would consider car sharing. Of the people interested, 27 percent would be most attracted by reduced travel costs, 26 percent by convenience of place and operating hours, 23 percent by a straightforward booking system and 22 percent by a reduced impact on the environment.

Ford2Go_02

Ford’s German trade network includes 527 Ford dealers, 257 affiliated branches and 1083 Ford authorized repair shops, any of which would be able to take part in the program.

What do you think of car sharing? Would you make use of it if it were available in your city?

For more information about Ford Motor Company, go to http://corporate.ford.com/

Posted in automotive, Ford

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Hyundai’s Technology BlueLink and More

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 8:45 PM on February 26, 2013

Bluelink Hyundai showed off a lot of technology at CES 2013, BlueLink, haptic control, gesture control, face recognitions, advance heads up display and connectivity with your smart device. The infrared motion sensor, senses distance, motion and proximity. It allows you to change things with just hand gestures.  You can even reconfigure your gear cluster. They are also working on eye tracking software that can warn the driver if they are falling the asleep. They are developing face recognition software that would prevent the car from being stolen plus make things better for the driver.  When you buy a car a profile is set up for you and anyone else that is going to drive the car. When a person gets in the driver seat if the car recognizes that person (they have a profile) it will adjust the seat position, audio and climate control to the person’s preference based on their profile. If someone tries to steal the car and the car doesn’t recognize the person the car will not start or do anything.

It uses MHL Protocol to connect to your smart phone. Everything is in real-time. Navigation is projected on the windshield, so the driver can see the directions without ever having to take their eyes off the road. BlueLink Telematic System allows things to be  reconfigured remotely from an app, the web or using the in-car system. You can reconfigure heating, air conditioning, gage cluster, fan position and power. It keeps track of the health of the car and whether it needs maintenance. It can even tell you where your car is located when you lose your car in the parking lot of a mall. It is like putting remote start on steroid.

You can find more information about BlueLink and other Hyundai technology at the BlueLink website and the Hyundai website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of F5 Live.

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Posted in automotive, Information, Technology

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Chrysler’s Uconnect System

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:10 AM on February 12, 2013

Chrysler Uconnect Chrysler showed off improvements to its UConnect infotainment system. Chrysler is working on adding its many features as possible to the system, while making it as easy to use as possible. They are working with human interface experts in order to achieve this end. The various radios that are included within the Uconnect interface are AM/FM radio, HD radio and also Sirus XM radio with Premier lineup. If you use Sirus XM radio and you mark a song or sports team as a favorite, than when those songs or that sport teams appears on a Sirus station you will an alert and shortcut straight to it. The radio system also has a replay feature which works similar to a DVR it captures data in the background while you’re taking call. When the call is finished you can then come back to what you are listening to and rewind it back for up to an hour. In the center console there is a media hub which includes: a USB port, Bluetooth streaming audio port, SD port, aux port and a USB charging port. The USB charging port is a 2.5 amp charger and can be used to charge an iPad. You can use the system to change the climate inside the car using your voice.

They have also improve the navigation system within the car. Chrysler has also included one step navigation using voice command, requesting navigation information either using an address or “find nearest” (as in find nearest coffee shop). The on-screen map also shows traffic indicators from the nearest Sirus XM traffic center. These indicators include accidents, road work and general traffic information. The UConnect access in Chrysler vehicles has been integrated with MAP (Message Access Profile) system that is used by Android and Windows phones. This allows you to send text messages using the voice recognition button on the steering wheel. The message goes to Nuance which translates it into text and then back to the phone and then it is sent off. You can also use it to read off incoming text messages. This allows you to send and receive messages without your hands ever leaving the steering wheel.

The Uconnect also has embedded apps which have an integrated cell connection using the Sprint Network. This allows you to make certain calls without having to use your phone. There is a 911 button which will take you directly to the nearest 911 center. There is also an assist button which will connect you to either roadside assistance, a Uconnect assistant or vehicle specific assistance.

The Via mobile system that Chrysler is introducing integrates internet radio stations that are on your smart phone into the Uconnect system. You enter your login information for your favorite music applications including Pandora, Slacker Radio, and iHeart Radio into the Via mobile website (once you register your vehicle with Uconnect ) then those apps are paired with your vehicle. This forces you to use your vehicle controls so you’re not distracted by your phone. It does use the cellular data from your phone.

Chrysler will be announcing later which vehicles this full system will be available on, they were showing it off at CES 2013 in the Ram 2013.

Interview by Scott Ertz for the F5Live.tv network.

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Posted in automotive, Gadgets, Information, Special Media

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Livio Connect Adapts Apps for Cars

Posted by Andrew at 6:58 PM on February 3, 2013

Livio Connect APINicole from Livio chats to Todd and Don about how the company has changed its approach to the market and the success it’s having in the automotive space.

Over the past year, Livio have moved away from consumer products and instead has started licensing its technology to other app developers. The Livio Connect API makes it easy for app developers to customise their apps for in-car and hands-free use, typically using the car stereo’s features to access and control the apps.

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Posted in application, automotive, ces, Special Media

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Ford Launches the OpenXC Program at CES 2013

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:17 PM on January 10, 2013

OpenXC Today, January 10 Ford announced the launch of the OpenXC Program at CES 2013. OpenXC is an API to your car. It works off a small hardware module which reads and translate information from a car’s internal network. The module is isolated to ensure it can’t be used to brick your car. The module is based on the Arduino platform. The information can then be access by most Android applications using the OpenXC library. This allows the developer to make applications for the vehicle that have a better interface based on context. They can also integrate with other connected services offering you more insight into your cars operation.

OpenXC is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Bug Labs. What makes this program different from other existing programs is it is open-source and is built with the hobbyist and independent developer in mind.   It runs on a combination of Arduino and Android platforms. The code to get started will be released on Github and the Ford team will be monitoring Google Groups to answer any questions. OpenXC is not just a software program it can also be used to develop hardware that will extend your vehicle, like for example a Bluetooth Heads-up display.

“Ford is committed to innovating with the help of software and now hardware developers,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president and chief technical officer. “By connecting cars and trucks to wireless networks, and giving unheard-of access to vehicle data, entirely new application categories and hardware modules can be explored — safety, energy efficiency, sharing, health; the list goes on. OpenXC gives developers and researchers the tools they need to get involved.”

If you are an Android software or hardware developer who is interested in working on a project involving cars then you may want to look into Ford’s OpenXC Program.

This article written @ GeekNewsCentral.com and if seen anyplace else has been illegally re-posted.

 

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Posted in automotive, ces, Information

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Ford Launches App Developer Program at CES 2013

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 12:42 PM on January 9, 2013

Ford When I saw this headline “Ford Launches App Developer Program” in my email. I thought of two things right away, the first was I wish I owned a new Ford and the second and more importantly I wish I was a developer. This is the first open mobile app developer program in the automotive industry. It works through the SYNC connectivity system and AppLink. The package includes a software development kit, technical support from Ford engineers and the development community. For developers who have an idea but are not sure how to proceed they can work with jacApps who has been chosen to provide development and technical support for third-party developers.

The Ford Developer program has been beta tested with a group of invited developers. This group has included everything from two-man startup like Roximity to large organizations like National Public Radio and Major League Baseball. Ford also worked with Facebook and participated in TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon during the creation of the program. There are currently more than 3 dozen AppLink-compatible apps available on iOs and Android. During the beta testing Ford worked out the details of the software development kit (SDK), documents and the technical support systems. Ford now feels the program is mature enough to release to the general developer community.

The Ford program is similar to those created by Apple, Google and Facebook. Developers who are interested in the program can register at the Ford Developer Program and download the AppLink SDK. The SDK includes code libraries and documentation for the APis. Once the AppLink code is added to the developer’s app they can then submit it for review by Ford engineers. The Ford engineers make sure the app works properly and is suitable for use in a vehicle. Ford then works with the developer to provide a distribution license. The app is then ready to be submitted to the relevant app marketplace. If you are a developer and are interested in having your app be integrated into an automobile now is your chance. New app partners that joined the existing Ford AppLink program recently include Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Amazon Cloud Player, Aha Radio, Rhapsody, Greater MediaGlympse and BeCouply.

 

This article written @ GeekNewsCentral.com and if seen anyplace else has been illegally re-posted.

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Posted in application, automotive, ces, Information

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Ford C-MAX Hybrid Review – First Drive Impressions

Posted by Mike Dell at 3:29 PM on August 27, 2012


I had the chance to drive the New 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid in sunny Los Angeles along with Jeffery Powers from Geekazine.

My first impression of the car is that is a very nice looking vehicle. It defiantly has a Ford family resemblance. From the Grill and headlights on back, you can tell it’s a new Ford. The C-MAX is a name plate that has been used by Ford since 2003 in Europe and late this year, they are bringing it to the US. Totally redesigned for 2013, the C-MAX is built on the global chassis that the Ford Focus is based on, and will be built in Wayne Michigan for the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (Energi) versions.

Our drive started off in West Hollywood California towards the coast and up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. We drove in a good mix of Highway, City, and Mountains. In the 100 or so miles we put on the car, it averaged 38MPG according to the on-board readout. The EPA Estimates that the C-MAX Hybrid will get 47mpg highway and 47mpg city if driven conservatively.

The C-MAX has 50 more horsepower than the Prius V, which is a similar sized vehicle, and gets 7 more MPG. I did get a chance to drive the Prius V as a comparison and in the Mountains, the C-MAX definitely didn’t seem to be working as hard to climb the hills. I could really feel that extra 50hp!

The C-MAX Hybrid will be hitting the Ford showrooms sometime later this year at a price of around $25k.

If I were in the market for a small car (Hybrid or not) the C-MAX would be high on my list.

For more information about the C-MAX check out http://www.ford.com/cars/cmax/

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Posted in automotive, Ford, Special Media

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Fisker Answers Questions About Their Recent Karma Fire

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 3:07 PM on August 19, 2012

Fisker has made a lot of news lately, most of it better than this story, since they are the hot electric car maker on the market these days.  You may have read recently about the Fisker Karma that burst into flames on the side of a road on August 10th.  Many people assumed that the fire was caused by the large battery pack that powers these sleek machines, but the investigation seems to indicate otherwise.

Surprisingly, Fisker executives determined that a cooling fan was the culprit behind the fire.  Fisker has decided that the sealed component here had an internal fault, thus causing it to fail and overheat, starting a slow burning fire.  A recall will be coming shortly for those “lucky” enough to have already received their vehicles.

A portion of the official company statement has been posted below.

Fisker has already contacted its retailer network. Customers are expected to be contacted by retailers, ahead of their receiving formal notice from the company by mail, to have the cooling fan replaced with a unit that meets the required specifications. At the same time an additional fuse will be installed for added protection.

In their investigation, independent experts established that the incident was not caused by the Lithium-ion battery pack, new technology components, engine component packaging or unique exhaust routing of the Fisker Karma.

“We are committed to responding swiftly and decisively to events such as this to ensure total customer satisfaction,” says Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Henrik Fisker. “This incident resulted from a single, faulty component, not our unique EVer powertrain or the engineering of the Karma. As this situation demonstrates, Fisker Automotive is dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to address safety and quality
concerns.”

The owner of the car involved in the Woodside incident, Mr. Rudy Burger commented: “I have been incredibly impressed with the way Fisker has handled this incident. I have personally started seven technology companies and know from direct experience that the US needs more innovative companies of this type, especially in the automobile sector.

“Fisker is a great company and one that I am personally planning to invest in. I look forward to getting behind the wheel of my next Fisker.

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Posted in automotive

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