Car

Senate asks Apple and other tech companies for distracted driving solutions

Cody Lee ∙ February 7, 2014

The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation host a daylong summit yesterday to discuss the growing problem of distracted driving. Drivers texting and doing other phone-related activities are now causing more than 1 million accidents per year.

A number of representatives from major tech companies attended the summit, including executives from Google, Samsung, AT&T, Sprint and Apple. The Senate is asking that they all work together to come up with more robust technical solutions to distracted driving...

Apple’s iOS in the Car project reportedly plagued by ‘organizational issues’

Cody Lee ∙ January 28, 2014

Apple announced iOS in the Car at WWDC in June of last year. The company said that the new feature will allow iOS 7 device users to connect to the in-car displays of compatible vehicles, and that it would be launching it in the near future.

But here we are, roughly 6 months later, and while we've seen photos and videos of it in action, we have yet to see any sign of a public iOS in the Car release. So what's the holdup? A new report attributes the delay to 'organizational issues.'

Purported screenshots of ‘iOS in the Car’ surface

Cody Lee ∙ January 21, 2014

Developer Steven Troughton-Smith posted several images on Twitter this afternoon of what looks like Apple's iOS in the Car project. The screenshots don't show the entirety of the feature, but if legit, they do offer some insight on what the Maps app will look like when in use.

For those unfamiliar with iOS in the Car, it's an interface that deepens the integration between iOS devices and cars far beyond playing music. First introduced at WWDC, the feature will allow users to view and manage many iOS applications using their in-vehicle hardware...

Honda introduces new HondaLink services for deeper iOS integration

Cody Lee ∙ Updated August 26, 2017

Honda has introduced two new technologies today for its HondaLink service that will further integrate iOS devices with its newer vehicles. The first is a built-in 7-inch touchscreen display called Display Audio Interface, and the second allows users to mirror apps from their smartphone to the display.

The new tech will be available first in the 2014 Honda Civic, which launches tomorrow, and the 2015 Honda Fit, which is expected to debut early next year. The car-maker says that this is not a complete realization of Apple's new 'iOS in the Car' feature, but it's their first step in implementing it...

Honda says iOS mirroring will be available in 2014 Civic

Cody Lee ∙ November 22, 2013

It looks like Honda is going to be one of the first auto-makers to ship a vehicle compatible with Apple's new iOS in the Car feature. A representative for the company confirmed with a customer via Twitter that the tech will be available in its 2014 Civic.

For those unfamiliar with iOS in the Car, it's essentially Apple's next level of in-car device integration. Where 'Eyes Free' only let users access Siri, this will allow users to access apps like Phone, Maps, Music and more via their car's built-in touchscreen...

Check out this tricked-out Toyota 4Runner run by iPads

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Apple likes to tout the fact that people are using iPads in a wide variety of professions and situations. From doctors to film-makers, musicians to photographers, it seems like everyone is finding a use for the popular tablet.

And that includes car enthusiasts. A tricked-out Toyota 4Runner from Herbst Smith Fabrication made some noise at the SEMA trade show in Las Vegas this week for its unique iPad-controlled electronics and stereo system...

Griffin introduces new iOS-controlled ‘Moto TC Rally’ car

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Folks in the market for a new remote control car that you can control with an iOS device should check out Griffin's new 'Moto TC Rally' offering. It's half the price of the recently released Anki Drive kit and uses Bluetooth 4.0.

The fact that it uses Bluetooth 4.0 is huge for a few reasons. In addition to requiring almost no power, this means that you won't be restricted to line-of-sight, nor will you have to attach a bulky controller pack to your device...

Car-maker Nissan unveils new Nismo smartwatch, and it’s actually pretty awesome

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

To say the smartwatch industry is on the verge of exploding would be an understatement. In addition to the Pebbles and the i'm watches, both Samsung and Sony just made major plays in the space. And rumor has it that Apple is also working on a wearable.

But out of all of the smartwatches we've seen thus far, this new one from Nissan might just be the best-looking. That's right, believe it or not, the auto-maker just introduced a connected watch of its own called the 'Nismo.' And it's actually pretty awesome...

New Audi app uses augmented reality to help you find stuff on your car

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Audi has recently launched a new iOS app that could offer a glimpse into the future of vehicle manuals. It's called eKurzinfo, and it uses the camera of an iOS device, along with some augmented reality tech, to help users identify parts and features on their car.

Built for the popular A3 hatchback, the app covers over 300 elements of the car from windshield wipers to the oil cap. Engine overheating? No problem, simply launch the app and pan the camera across the A3's engine bay to find where to put your coolant...

New ‘iOS in the Car’ feature to work over WiFi via AirPlay

Cody Lee ∙ July 8, 2013

Among the many new features Apple introduced in iOS 7 is an interesting one called 'iOS in the Car.' It enables you to mirror your iPhone on your in-car display, allowing you to access Maps, Messages and other apps without having to take your eyes off the wheel.

Outside of that, and a list of the handful of auto-makers that have pledged to support it, not much has been said about the feature. A new report is out this afternoon, though, that offers up some new details on the whole thing. And apparently it's going to work over Wi-Fi...

Drive Awake uses eye-tracking tech to keep you from falling asleep while driving

Cody Lee ∙ May 23, 2013

This is kind of cool. Raise your hand if you've ever gone on a lengthy road trip and found yourself falling asleep while driving. I know I have. Just last month I drove halfway across the country, and I caught myself dozing off on a number of occasions.

But there's an iPhone app out that promises to make that a thing of the past. It's called Drive Awake, and it uses eye-tracking technology to keep tabs on you while you drive. Close your eyes for too long, and the app will emit a shrieking audible alarm...