Car

Macally MCUPMP cup holder mount keeps your iPhone 6 within reach

Lory Gil ∙ August 15, 2015

When it comes to iPhone mounts, people have differing opinions on where they want it to be. Some prefer a dashboard mount for convenient viewing. However, dashboard mounts are illegal in some states. An air vent mount still provides eye-level viewing, but covers your air vent. And, then there are cup holder mounts.

The MCUPMP is a cup holder mount that holds your iPhone 6 securely in place so you can quickly access maps, music, and other important apps without having to pull it out of your pocket.

TechMatte MagGrip air vent mount is a cradle-less holder for your iPhone 6

Lory Gil ∙ August 14, 2015

We've mentioned a couple of air vent mounts in the past, each one with a different feature, but all of them are cradle mounts. However, there is an easier way to mount your iPhone to your car so you can set up and go.

TechMatte's MagGrip is a magnetic mount for your car's air vent so you can simply set it on the base and drive off. There is no need to clip it or snap it to your iPhone 6. When you want your device back, pull it away from the magnetic base and you are done.

Apple designer Marc Newson criticizes auto industry over lack of progress

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

An interview with the world renown designer and recent Apple-hire Marc Newson popped up in The Wall Street Journal yesterday, covering a wide range of topics. The discussion yielded a number of interesting tidbits, including Newson's thoughts on automotive design.

When asked what his design pet-peeve is, News responds unapologetically "the automotive industry." He goes on to elaborate, "there were moments when cars somehow encapsulated everything that was good about progress. But right now we’re at the bottom of a trough."

Reuters: Apple, BMW could resume talks over electric car partnership

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

The rumors that Apple visited a BMW plant last year to learn about auto manufacturing is true, reports Reuters. Citing sources familiar with the talks, the outlet says that Tim Cook and his senior executive team traveled to BMW's Leipzig factory last fall, showing interest in its i3 electric car.

"Apple executives were impressed with the fact that we abandoned traditional approaches to car making and started afresh. It chimed with the way they do things too," a senior BMW source said. The executives asked BMW board members detailed questions about both tooling and production.

Volkswagen’s first CarPlay-enabled vehicles heading to dealers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Volkswagen announced on Wednesday that its first CarPlay-enabled vehicles have begun shipping from production facilities. The German automaker says the first 2016 models featuring its new infotainment system will start landing in dealer showrooms in "late July 2015."

It's calling the new infotainment system "MIB II," and in addition to CarPlay it will also support Android Auto and MirrorLink. In the press release, Volkswagen calls the new system "one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available."

Apple reportedly approached BMW over using i3 as basis for its electric car

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Apple approached BMW last year regarding its rumored electric car project, reports German business magazine Manager. The publication says that Tim Cook and other senior executives visited the i3 assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany during "autumn 2014" to discuss the possibility of using the i3 as the basis for its own vehicle.

For those who aren't familiar with the i3, it's BMW's urban 5-door electric car that looks like a hatchback from the future. It's been generally well-received by critics, but with a 0-60 time approaching 7 seconds and a battery range of under 100 miles, it's not turning nearly as many heads as the model S and other Tesla-made cars.

Apple adds high profile auto executive to electric car team

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

It was uncovered on Monday that Apple recently hired high profile auto executive Doug Betts, reigniting rumors that the company is building an electric car. As noted by The Wall Street Journal, Betts' LinkedIn profile says that he joined the Cupertino firm's "Operations" team this month.

It's not clear what he will be working on at Apple, but it's hard to imagine it's anything but a car. Betts was Head of Quality at the Chrysler Group, now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, for 7 years before leaving in 2014 to "pursue other interests." Prior to that he worked at both Toyota and Nissan.

EleckeyTM is a rapid car charger for multiple devices at once

Lory Gil ∙ July 18, 2015

How many times have you been out and about with friends or family when more than one person announces that they need to charge their iPhone while you are making a trip from one place to another? Probably a lot. I know it happens to me all of the time.

The EleckeyTM car charger will help get you through those tough times with two smart USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at the same time. If you have two power outlet sockets in your car, you can grab an extra Eleckey for quad charging fun.

Spigen’s Stealth offers a different take on the car dashboard mount

Lory Gil ∙ July 9, 2015

Just like smartphones, dashboard mount style is a personal thing. Maybe you like your mount to attach to your windshield. Perhaps you prefer a flexible snaking neck. There are a number of different types of dashboard mounts. Finding the right one for you is key to a happy driving experience.

Take Spigen's Stealth, for example. It looks different than other mounts in that it has a sort of clothespin style design. Instead of a suction cup that you stick to your dash, this mount sits on top for a minimalist look.

iKross Universal car mount makes good use of your cup holder

Lory Gil ∙ July 8, 2015

When driving around, having your iPhone in a convenient location for GPS tracking and music listening is not only helpful, but potentially life saving. A car mount will give you a safe place to store your iPhone, but what about charging?

The iKross Universal Car Cup Holder is a car mount for your cup holder that includes up to five additional charging ports so everyone can charge up on their next road trip without having to switch out.

Chevy’s first CarPlay-enabled vehicles heading to dealers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Chevrolet's first CarPlay-enabled vehicles have begun shipping from production facilities, reports TechCrunch. The automaker shared the above image of the cars rolling off the assembly line, and says that they are on their way to dealers and consumers.

The cars are of the 2016 Corvette Z06 variety, which features a staggering 650 horsepower and a base price of $80K. The Vette is the second CarPlay-enabled vehicle to become available for purchase, after the Ferrari FF, since it was introduced last year.

GM announces CarPlay support for 2016 Cadillac models

Cody Lee ∙ June 9, 2015

General Motors announced today that 2016 model year products from its luxury car division Cadillac will feature enhanced connectivity and control thanks to the addition of CarPlay and Android Auto. The move is part of a broader enhancement to CUE, Cadillac's infotainment/user experience portal.

GM says that CarPlay will debut in all 2016 Cadillac models that feature CUE's 8-in multitouch screen expect the SRX Crossover vehicle. Production on 2016 models will begin this summer, except for the SRX, which is moving to an all-new generation in early 2016. Android Auto will debut in late 2016.