Category Archives: Mobile

iOnRoad – Safety While You Drive

CES 2012, Mobile

iOnRoadI had the opportunity to speak with the guys from iOnRoad about their Android app and boy was I impressed. They have harnessed the power of a phone’s camera, gyroscope and accelerometer to create a product that helps you drive better. All you have to do is put the phone in your windshield, like many people do already for their navigation apps, and it will begin watching the road to make sure you are staying in your lane, not speeding and giving yourself enough distance between you and the car in front of you.

The first concern I had was quickly alleviated: iOnRoad can run in the background while you listen to music, have text messages read to you or even continue to use your navigator. When you inevitably get too close to another car, it will alert you and tell you the car in front of you is getting too close or that you no longer have enough stopping time if they were to stop suddenly. It also lets you know if the lane lines have shifted in its viewport, meaning you may be riding the line. This product is perfect for us being in Las Vegas where people don’t quite drive the way you would expect, nor are there any rules about driving in a single lane at a time.

While it was refreshing to see an application like this one start on a platform other than iOS, there is no way a company can ignore the size of the iSheeple flock, so the company is currently beta testing an iOS version of the application as well. The application, both on Android and iOS, works really well and truly is an innovative idea, so it is no wonder they won a CES 2012 Innovation Award.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live for the TechPodcast Network.

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Pure-Tech : PureTech Roll On Screen Protector for your iPhone

Mobile,

Bubble Free Screen Protection

At last, a way to add a poly-urethane screen protector without the squeege or smoothing out problems that almost always result in trapped air bubbles and a poor job. With a clever combination of packaging and materials (plus a QR coded instructional video) you drop your handset into the tray, clean the screen with the furnished material, and then the roller assures a perfect, bubble free screen protector.

With an MSRP of $19.95, the surface is self healing from scratches (for example, from car keys) within 24 hours and will remain active for 12 months after application.

Pure-Gear is smart and sensible and intended for active outdoor activities.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Pioneer Car Electronics: It’s ALL About Connectivity

CES 2012, Mobile, , , , , , ,

App Radio Now iOS and Android

With over 20 years of CES experience, Pioneer’s Harry Krol’s enthusiasm for the show and Pioneer products has been undiminished. For 2012, Pioneer Car Electronics is emphasizing connectivity through technologies like Bluetooth, HD Radio, in dash navigation systems, and connectivity to iPhone or iPod. Selected applications are available on a new in-dash unit on “App Radio” – a much bigger multitouch touchscreen monitor that replicates an interface that is almost identical to how you interact on your phone. It includes “Find a Parking Spot” apps, and access to your entire media library that is already on your smartphone.  App Radio 2, introduced at CES2012, adds full Android support.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallinof SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Ford Apps NPR News, Roximity, Stitcher, iHeartRadio in Ford Sync

CES 2012, Mobile, , , , , ,
Ford
Ford

Ford Sync was also updated this year. Five new apps were introduced at CES. They include:

  • iHeartRadio – the Clearchannel station app, so you can get your local radio stations wherever you are
  • NPR News – Several NPR shows right at  your fingertips
  • Roximity – Personalized, time-sensative offers when in proximity to a place
  • Stitcher – Internet radio for mobile
  • Tune-In – Listen to your favorite radio stations

There is also an app called Sync Destinations, which the location-based service gives you better turn-by-turn directions.

Sync is available on 2012 models of Mustang, Fusion, F150, and others. They are also working on an aftermarket solution to put Ford Sync in your older vehicle.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

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My Ford Touch Improves Menus, Updates Available on All Cars

CES 2012, Mobile, , , , , ,
Ford Electric
Ford

While at the Ford Booth, we got to see the new updated My Ford Touch system. Back in November, they updated the software so consumers could move around the screen without having to look at the display.

The four corner system gives you a proximity so you know where to press. One corner you will have navigation, another will see temperature settings.

The in-car navigation system also has been improved. With additional 3D view, you can get an idea which direction you are heading.

Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine goes through the systems with Bridget on MyFordTouch. Best part is this update is available now. You can download and install, or you can head to your Ford dealer and they will install for free.

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Roamz: Unexpected Pleasant Surprises

CES 2012, Mobile, , ,

Personal Tour Guide

The joy of discovering interesting things around you is the secret appeal of this free iOS app. It’s all a benefit of geographic awareness built into smartphones – and leverages the power of other social media channels that are active in the immediate area. You don’t have to be following people or try to filter the madness of 200 million tweets per day. Roamz offers suggestions about what everyone nearby is buzzing about, as it monitors Foursquare, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for traffic nearby.

 

Interview by Courtney Wallin of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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4iConcepts: Better Smartphone Typing Accuracy

CES 2012, Mobile, ,

All thumbs ? Almost anyone can feel that way on the iPhone keypad.

That’s where iConcepts and their unique 4iThumbs2 invisible keypad saves the day. It is a transparent plastic overlay for your glass screen that has built in ridges between the letters. You have the tactile feedback that you need to increase accuracy and speed while texting or emailing from your iPhone.

It’s easily removed and re-installed when needed – if your game of Angry Birds needs to resume.

Interview by Courtney Wallin of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Vertix: Wireless Helmet Communicator for Motorcycles, Skiers and Drivers

CES 2012, Mobile, , , ,

Communications with your co-rider or with other bikes on the road is always a challenge.

Vertix Ltd introduced a sophisticated system they project will reach the North American market for about half the retail price of conventional motorcycle communications gear at CES2012.

The VERTIX Raptor-i provides convenient and uninterrupted mobile communication while on the move., and features models for bothfull-face and open-face helmets. The EZ-Mount system also allows easy “attack angle” adjustments of your control unit for improved aerodynamics when you change bikes with different riding styles. The unit combines intercom, mp3 player, FM radio and features on the move charging that keeps the unit ready to go at all times.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Tylt: Adding Style and Design to the Everyday Wireless World

CES 2012, Mobile, , , ,

No matter what technology is involved, consumers are still anxious about their battery levels – and mobile connectivity is “critical path” to almost everyone’s business and personal lives.

That results in a bag full of cables, backup battery packs- usually one for each system. Add in wall adapters and tangles and the opportunity for a more elegant solution is right in front of your eyes.

Bringing Design to the world of power cables, Y adapters, power blocks, and battery chargers captures the innovative approach that comes when products are Built to Tylt.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Ford Focus Electric at 100 MPGe

CES 2012, Mobile, , , , ,
Ford Electric
Ford Electric

Eric from Ford talked with Jeffrey about the Ford Focus Electric at CES. Items discussed included the internal battery system, the interactive charging system inside, strength of the vehicle, recycled material, and how these vehicles can be 100% made in the USA.

Over 50% of the body is high-strength steel. The battery is around this steel, which will protect you and the battery in case of a crash. With the new Ford assembly line (a video Jeffrey recorded in December), a power train vehicle build can be switched at a moments notice.

The best part is the Focus Electric will get you over 100 miles per charge. That, along with recycled bottles and rubber making the seats, floormats and gaskets around your car, this is a truely green vehicle for you.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

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