Archive for June, 2012

Viper outs SmartStart 3.0 knows where your car is and what it’s up to

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Viper reckons it can be your singular, all-round vehicle app judging by the considerable leap in features for version 3.0 of its Android, iOS or Blackberry SmartStart. On top of previous car lock, security and ignition controls, the aux channels now let you monkey with other parts from afar, like the sunroof, windows, stereo, AC and more. The new SmartSchedule pings you when it's time to (remotely) start 'er up, and vehicle diagnostics flag engine issues through DTC repair codes, if you drive certain models. The jazziest addition is the Directed Cloud Services which let you monitor your car's status and position through GPS, and start it, lock it, or access the other aforementioned controls -- regardless of where in the world you both are. 

Source: engadget.com

Pioneer Reveals AppRadio 2

Monday, June 11th, 2012

 

So long, AppRadio. Hello, AppRadio 2. Here at CES 2012, Pioneer was on-hand to showcase its newest smartphone powered in-vehicle audio system. The latest iteration touts the same functionality as the original, but adds compatibility for many of the latest Android smartphones equipped with either the Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) or a micro HDMI connection. It's boasting a 7-inch (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, an input for an optional vehicle-mounted rear facing back-up camera, an input for interfacing with the vehicle's steering wheel controls and two sets of pre-amp outputs for connection to external amplifiers.The new guy will be shipping in April for $499, and if you're looking to keep steady with the original, that one will continue to be available for $399. 

Soucre: engadget.com