Category Archives: Auto

Pebble, Google Glass Apps with Mercedes Benz

January 21, 2014Auto, CES 2014emergency issues, google glass, mercedes benz, pebble watch, walking mode, wearable technologyJeffrey Powers

Mercedes Benz is working with the wearable technology in helping you drive better, safer. People who have a Pebble watch, for example, gives you customized functions via your wrist. You can stop music, change temperature and more — all dependent on what functions you program into the watch.

The Pebble app also contains an alert system. Low fuel, low tire pressure, and emergency issues Pebble will alert you with that. When the iPhone disconnects from the car, the Pebble changes to “Walking mode” so you can view more information. The watch will locate your car for you, tell you if the doors are locked, and a lot more.

Mercedes Benz also has an app for Google Glass, although that app has different functions. The Walking mode is present, but other alerts are suppressed to avoid text and driving issues.

Find out more about Mercedes Benz at mbusa.com

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Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

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Ventev Battery Packs and Chargers

January 20, 2014Auto, CES 2014, GadgetsTodd Cochrane

Ventev offers innovative combined battery packs and chargers for smartphones and tablets. Scott Franklin, Director, chats with Todd and Don about Ventev’s latest mobile accessories at CES.

External battery backs for smart phones and tablet are very common these days, but the benefit of Ventev’s unit is that the charger is integrated into the pack itself; there’s no need for additional external charger. Scott shows off three different packs in the interview;

the powercell 6000+, a 6000 mAh unit ($74.99) that plugs directly into the mains electricity socket. Two USB ports, rated at 1 A and 2.1 A.
the powerdash r900, a cylindrical 900 mAh unit ($39.99) which charges from a car cigarette lighter. One USB port rated at 2.1 A when plugged in and 1 A when running from the battery.
the utilitycharger 2100, a charger only ($39.99) but powers from both from the mains and from a car lighter. Two USB ports rated at 1 A each.

For more information on availability, visit Ventev’s website at www.ventev.com.

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

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IonAudio unveils Bluetooth cassette adapter and more

January 20, 2014Auto, CES 2014Todd Cochrane

ionaudio Yes, you read the headline correctly. The cassette may be gone from today’s market, but it certainly is not gone from a number of cars that are still on the road. The company rep points out, correctly, that millions of these vehicles are still on the road and something needs to be done for all of those drivers.

So, IonAudio has designed a cassette with Bluetooth connectivity to play your music and also allow for hands-free calls through your car’s audio system. That wasn’t all the company showed off. There was also Flashcube, another Bluetooth device, but this one is an all-in-one sound system. It can even be controlled via a mini remote control. You can control the color of the lights coming out of it and even link two together for stereo sound.

The Cassette adapter will retail for $39, while the speaker will set you back $129. Both devices will be available this spring.

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

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Ford C-Max Solar Energi Project

January 20, 2014Auto, CES 2014c-max energi, ford concept, solar energyJeffrey Powers

I talked with Ford about this very interesting concept project they showed off at CES 2014. The Energi C-Max is a Hybrid car that could be partially charged by the panels on the roof. I talked with David McCreadie about this concept and if its going to become a production vehicle.

Standing in front of the C-Max project, the idea is to recharge the vehicle without plugging in. The panels are high efficiancy Monocrystalline cells. These panels also help charge the C-Max during overcast days. Add a Fresnel lens that can concentrate the sun on the panels and you can recharge the C-Max while you are hard at work.

It would be interesting to see this development in the coming years and the possibility of not needing a charging port or plug to keep your hybrid properly charged.

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Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

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Chevy Turns Car into Hotspot, Brings Appstore into Car

January 20, 2014Auto, CES 2014app shop, app store, Chevy, hotspot car, onstar, pandora, phone number, pricelineJeffrey Powers

I stopped by the Chevy booth at CES to find out what was going on for 2014. Chevy made two announcements — the hotspot car and the Chevy app store called App Shop. Both of these help you stay connected while driving across the country while having great programs at your fingertips when needed.

The hotspot car uses Chevy’s OnStar system to communicate back and forth. With the OnStar subscription, you not only have the car as a hotspot, but your Chevy vehicle will even have its own phone number. You can definitely connect your own phone via bluetooth, but that is not needed.

Chevy also debuted their app store at CES. You won’t be able to play Angry Birds or Candy Crush, but you will be able to load apps to help you navigate and enjoy the ride. Twelve apps are available at start (Chevy will have an open API for developers) including Pandora, Glympse, Event seeker, and even Priceline (William Shatner rides with you in a Chevy…)

These features will be available in all 2015 Chevy vehicles.

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Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

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2015 Ford Mustang Invades CES 2014

January 18, 2014Auto, CES 20142015 mustang, CES, ces 2014, ford, mustangJeffrey Powers

50 years of Mustang and Ford has decided to go back to the original drawing board for this upcoming model. Putting the items you expect into the Mustang which upgrading the technology for easy, safe and fun driving.

I talked with Rakesh Patel of Ford Motor Company about the changes to the 2015 Ford Mustang. He walks us through the changes — switches that feel like airplane controls, new look of the dashboard streamlined, everything from the front to the taillights that make you realize a Ford Mustang is coming down the road. Even the “Mating call of the Mustang”. Is included.

New engines of Mustang are available with 2015. The 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine brings 305 horsepower and 300 lb foot torque to your driving style. New rear and front suspension is also a new addition to the Mustang.

Ford wants you to know there is a Mustang without it saying Mustang. Your senses will know — from sight to sound.

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More at Ford – www.ford.com

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Todd Cochrane – CES 2014 Host Introduction

December 24, 2013Accessories, Auto, Back Channel, Cameras, CES 2014, CES 2014 Team, Computers, Entertainment, Gadgets, Health, Live Show, Mobile, Photography, Special Events, Toys & Gaming, TVs, Video, WirelessTodd Cochrane

I’m Todd Cochane of Geek News Central. I am also the CEO of RawVoice the parent company of TPN.tv and the Tech Podcast Network. This will be my 9th year covering International CES and as always I am excited to be at the show. Take a few minutes and watch the video to get some background on me and the team that will be coming to cover CES.

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