Tag Archives: tech
Mazda6 Finally Gets Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
How annoying is it that Mazda6 owners will only get to enjoy the latest in technology today? For years, Mazda fans have been cajoling the brand to pre-install Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their cars. At the New York Auto Show last March, the Japanese company announced their plans to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support to the latest Mazda6.
Today, Mazda announced that the two smartphone support systems will be available nationwide to Mazda6 owners starting in September. But to those who have already purchased the 2018 Mazda6, the support would have to be installed in September. Those who will buy the car will get theirs pre-installed.
Those who own a Mazda6 other than the base Sport trim, Apply CarPlay and Android Auto will be available as a no-cost, dealer-installed upgrade. All you have to do is bring your cars to the local dealerships and they should install a more powerful 2.1-amp USB port. This will also reduce the charging time.
The installation will take two hours, no more than the time you allow for the car’s regular maintenance checkup. But starting November, the Mazda6 will come with both phone-mirroring systems pre-installed.
The interior of the refreshed Mazda6 Signature is very impressive, and car enthusiasts have raved about the luxury, comfort, and elegance of the car’s cabin. But when it comes to the infotainment system, Mazda leaves nothing to be desired. The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes the car feel ancient. It is a big disappointment to Mazda fans everywhere.
Even if Mazda did not choose to pre-install the systems, they should at least be offered as an option. This update finally fixes that issue though sadly, Mazda6 is the only car in the automaker’s lineup scheduled to receive it. All the other cars will remain lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
3 Cool Things We Like About The New 2019 BMW 8 Series
There have been rumors for years that a new BMW 8 Series is in the works but it’s not until we got to see one that we truly believed them. BMW is in dire need of something to throw against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is already far ahead of the 7 Series.
The 8 Series will sit on top of the BMW hierarchy, making it a worthy opponent of the S-Class. As such, it comes packed with amazing technology and state-of-the-art equipment.
Laser Light Tech
It’s the thinnest headlights ever seen on a car. The Laser Light Tech was first developed with the i8 Concept and then introduced in the 7 Series and the new X5. It looks like the new 8 Series is having it, too.
Why are we surprised? What set these pair of headlights apart are blue accents inside and the fact that each lamp has the chinkiest eyes. The Laser Light Tech uses 30 percent less energy, but it allows the light to shine 10 times brighter compared to LED lights. It can illuminate up to 600 meters of the road ahead.
Glass Gear Lever
Owing to the fact that the interior of the new 8 Series is on top of its class, BMW added another element that would truly amaze buyers. The glass gear lever for the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission has an illuminated number 8 inside the glass casing, adding an exclusivity to an interior that already screams money. You could also add the glass casing on the iDrive controller, the start/stop button, and the volume knob.
Digital Key
BMW promised drivers that they would not have to carry a physical key every time they have to open and start the car. They made true to their promise. The Digital Key was revealed during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
There’s an installed BMW Connected app for smartphones. The app would communicate with the car via NFC (near-field communication). The driver would be able to lock, unlock, and even start the car (when placing the phone on a charging pad).
Apple CarPlay Is Finally Getting Google Maps And Waze
Here’s the thing, Apple, no one likes Apple Maps. It is terrible and it confuses rather than helps. But news is coming in that you are now getting Google Maps and Waze to work on the Apple CarPlay. That’s great. Thank you. It is about time we stop putting our smartphones on the dashboard, on the cup holder, in front of the aircon vents, or let the front passenger hold it where we can see Google Maps or Waze. It is unsafe and it defeats the purpose of having the Apple CarPlay in our cars.
The latest iOS 12 update will finally bring Google Maps and Waze to the Apple CarPlay. These apps’ superior traffic reporting data, re-routing information, and general direction capabilities will now be available right on your car’s main display screen. It’s a safe way to navigate and use the technology provided by our cars.
Google Maps and Waze are also more superior than OEM integrated navigation systems. What’s great about these two apps is the comprehensive address and points-of-interest searches, accurate traffic reporting (since it collects information from users), and it offers multiple routes based on travel time. Waze, in particular, alerts the users about the presence of traffic officers, speed cameras, and police speed traps.
Like many smartphone apps (and unlike the integrated Apple Maps in the car’s system), the functions of the Google Map and Waze diminish when you don’t have service.
This step is a small but important advancement for Apple as the company tries to take over the vehicles’ main dashboard and increase the presence and usefulness of the Apple CarPlay.
iPhone users won’t get the Waze and Google Map working on their cars right away because the iOS 12, which will bring these two apps, won’t be available until fall. The new operating system will be compatible with iPhone 5s up to the latest models. It will also work on the sixth-generation iPod touch devices and a number of iPad models.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Gets New Safety, Infotainment Tech
There will be new safety and infotainment technology for the new lineup of the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq. There will be more voice-recognition features and standard remote charge management for electric and plug-in hybrid models.
The models will get navigation capabilities, including an enhanced, natural-language, server-based voice recognition with a new search database that can detect the locations of charging stations. Some of the new available features are driver attention alert, high-beam assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. These are standard for the SEL trim, which also included lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
To be able to make all of these promises come true, Hyundai had to partner with ChargePoint, which operates more than 32,000 charging locations. What they’ll do is provide Ioniq owners access cards and the ability to locate charging stations through the MyHyundai/Blue Link mobile app. The Ioniq electric and PHEV models will come with Blue Link, Google, and Alexa, which will enable the drivers to monitor the charging schedules even when they are not in the car. The tech would also notify the drivers of possible savings they can get during off-peak hours when electricity prices are down.
There are three variants of the Ioniq—the Hybrid, the Electric, and the Plug-In Hybrid.
The Hybrid has a 58 mpg rating from the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, 32-kilowatt electric motor and 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Electric variant has 136 mpge rating and can go 124 miles from one charge. The power comes from its 28.0 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Plug-In Hybrid, on the other hand, offers 29 miles of uninterrupted driving for electric power. It uses a 1.6-liter direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, a 44.5 kW electric motor, and 8.9 kWh battery.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet for the 2019 model, though it will be available starting this summer.
All Honda Cars Starting 2022 Will Have Honda Sensing Safety
Starting 2022, all Honda models will be equipped with the Honda Sensing Safety, a suite of features that will make it easier and safer for drivers to navigate and manage the brand’s cars. Though it is a long way from now, it’s nice to know that the Japanese automaker is making strides to make accessibility to safe cars a priority.
Right now, there is over one million vehicles in the United States fitted with the Honda Sensing Safety. That number is going to pale in comparison to Honda’s plans to have the system a standard equipment for all its vehicles starting 2022.
The Honda Sensing Safety system offers a suite of advanced safety and driver-assisted technologies that will supposedly make it easier and safer for Honda owners to drive their cars. The system includes quite a huge number of safety tech features, including a collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) that can apply brake pressure when an unavoidable collision is sensed.
It also has the lane keeping assist (LKAS), adaptive cruise control (ACC), and road departure mitigation (RDM), all of which assist the drivers in adjusting steering and braking if and when the cars cross detected lanes without signaling.
Henio Arcangeli Jr., senior vice president of the American Honda Automobile Division, said in a statement that Honda’s dream is to create a “collision-free mobile society.” The Honda Sensing Safety will play a critical and pivotal role in order to achieve that dream. Honda’s unofficial target is to reduce the number of collisions in the next three to four years.
The safety suite is now standard on only a handful of Honda models— 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, 2018 Clarity Fuel Cell, 2017 Clarity Electric, 2018 Accord, and 2018 Accord Hybrid. It will also come standard on the 2019 Insight Hybrid. Honda Sensing Safety is only available as an option for the Fit, Civic, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline.
Top 3 Features of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Launched at LA Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz just launched a new addition to its dream cars in the form of the all-new CLS. The Mercedes-Benz CLS is classified as a four-door coupe and it is currently in its third generation series.
1. Design
The CLS sits between the mid-range E-Class luxury car and Mercedes’ flagship S-Class. What makes the car distinct from its close four-door siblings is its fastback roofline that is also reminiscent of the E-Class Coupe.
The new CLS features a major overhaul in its design compared to its predecessor. The new model has smoother surfaces in its hood, boot lid and side panels, thanks to its less prominent body lines and more curvaceous corners. The other noticeable changes include the sharper lights and diamond grille styling.
The interior of the car carries many high-end design elements from the E-Class. Among them are the circular air vents and widescreen digital displays. The vents are visually enhanced by their illuminated background.
The third-gen CLS gets a new seat design exclusively made for its range. The car can hold up to five occupants, including the driver.
2. Technology
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS has no shortage in tech features that help improve its comfort, safety and driving performance. In addition to its digital cockpit, the auto has ambient lighting system to set the mood of its occupants. Optional is the Energizing comfort control that manages the heating, massage, climate and musical theme of the vehicle.
Then, its safety and navigation are enhanced by the advanced elements found in the S-Class like the Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Speed Limit Assist and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE. More advanced features are provided by the optional Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Plus packages of Mercedes.
3. Engine
At launch, the CLS comes with a six-cylinder engine in three trims. The CLS 350 d 4MATIC has 286 hp. The CLS 400 d 4MATIC has 340 hp. The CLS d 450 4MATIC has 367 hp plus 22 hp coming from its EQ Boost.
3 Ways to Prevent Thieves From Hacking Your Car’s Keyless Entry System
Recently, a couple of car thieves caught in a CCTV footage displayed that the keyless entry system of Mercedes-Benz could be exploited. The crooks were able to drive away with the car in just a minute. The more alarming part of this event though was the fact that devices similar to the ones they used can be easily acquired online. So, how can you prevent this from happening?
In a video shared by West Midlands Police in UK, a car can be seen approaching a parked Mercedes. Then, two hooded figures disembarked from it. One positioned himself beside the parked car and the other was near the house of the victim.
Using identical devices, they were able to unlock the Mercedes and start its engine. One drove off with the Mercedes and the other left using their getaway vehicle.
Watch how the whole Mercedes hacking incident transpired in the video below:
According to authorities, the crooks were using a relay system. The person near the house picked up the signal from the electronic key of the car. The data from the key was then transmitted to the other man who used it to unlock the car’s door. The second phase involved starting the engine of the auto using the same method.
Reports said that similar hacking devices can be easily bought online at Amazon and eBay. ADAC, a German motorists association, conducted a series of tests using the hacking devices against the latest keyless entry systems of popular car brands. They found out that 110 cars from 27 different automakers were at risk.
Security experts and the authorities advised car owners to be vigilant about the latest exploits that take advantage of the technical flaws in keyless entry systems using these methods:
- Make sure that the software of your car’s computer is updated at all times.
- Buy an electronic key fob that can prevent your electronic key from transmitting signals when not in use.
- Use a steering wheel lock.
Mazda3 Skyactiv-X Compression-Ignition Tech Ready For Frankfurt Show
The creme de la creme of the auto industry will gather this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Together with the debut of new models and limited editions from Ford, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and many others come Mazda‘s new Skyactiv-X Compression-Ignition Technology.
Mazda plans to debut the new technology at the Frankfurt show but it already began testing the compression-ignition driveway on the road. Spy photos of the new Mazda3 were seen last week. But what separates these prototypes from all the others is the very obvious Skyactiv-X graphics.
The photos showed a pre-refresh Mazda3, but the “Skyactiv-X” script can clearly be seen sprawled along the doors. Towards the rear fender, there’s a large “5” sign on it, which could mean that there are more prototypes being tested out there.
Though we don’t have many information yet about the next-generation Mazda3, it is more than likely that it will mirror the current version since Skyactiv-X is set to debut along with the new Mazda3.
What’s interesting about the Skyactiv-X is that it utilizes a mixture of spark and compression ignition that will reduce carbon emissions and improve the fuel efficiency of the engine. There’s also a supercharger, which can increase the torque output.
The Japanese carmaker has yet to give details on how many cylinders this new engine will have, but the next-generation Mazda3 is looking at being powered by a four-cylinder. We know that Mazda is already planning to electrify its lineup in select regions, so it is not impossible to see a hybrid or all-electric version of the Mazda3 by 2019.
The Skyactiv-X engine tech will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, when more and new details about the next-generation Mazda3 will hopefully emerge.
Top 3 Things To Know About The 2017 Skoda Octavia
The 2017 Skoda Octavia made a questionable move when it came out with a new exterior design last month. In turn, it wants to deliver more juicy details about the new driver assistance and infotainment systems.
1. Exterior
Based on a source, the most telling feature of the 2017 Skoda Octavia is the revised split headlights that are now close to the looks of the Skoda Kodiaq. It also has a much neater lower bumper with horizontal lines that emphasize the car’s width.
The Octavia falls between its competitors—the Volkswagen Gold and the Vauxhall Astra. The Octavia is based on VW’s MQB platform, which is one of the longer versions in the Group’s chassis lineup. This means that it will offer one of the class’ largest cabins. The wheelbase and overall dimensions, however, will remain unchanged.
2. Driver assistance system
What it boasts off is a slew of new driver assistance systems. This included predictive pedestrian protection for when the driver is speeding from 10 to 60 km/h (6 to 37 mph) and someone crosses or steps into the oncoming traffic. The feature, which is part of the optional Front Assist package, can automatically slam the brakes.
The Octavia also included the Blind Spot Detect, optional trailer assist system, Rear Traffic Alert, and Maneuver Assist.
The Rear Traffic Alert, in particular, will help those who are challenged by parallel parking. This is a welcome development, of course, for everyone who’s finding it hard to glide into tight spaces.
3. Infotainment system
Inside the Octavia, there’s a whole host of high-tech infotainment gadgets that will provide online services for real-time traffic info, fuel prices, news, weather, and parking options. There’s also a 9.2-inch display that supports Google Earth, Street View, and an online map update service.
For emergency purposes, there’s also the “Care Connect services,” which also includes the emergency call function.
4 Things You Should Know About the New Ford Driver-Assist Tech
The new Ford driver-assist technology portfolio has grown exponentially, thanks to its next-generation features that will help drivers park easier and avoid collisions.
The new technology will also warn drivers going the wrong way against traffic, as well as help drivers steer around slow or stopping vehicles in emergencies. Ford has since tripled its investment in driver-assistance technologies, which currently have parking, lane-keeping and speed management features.
Cross-Traffic Alert with Braking Technology
This will help drivers destress because the system will warn them if someone or something will be passing behind the vehicles. It will provide a warning to the driver, and then automatically braking the vehicle if the driver did not respond. To help with this tech is a rear wide-view camera with Enhanced active park assist that can park the car perpendicularly or vertically with a push of a button.
Evasive Steering Assist
This is one of the neat features of the new Ford Driver-Assist tech. The evasive steering assist is the first in the industry. It will help the drivers steer around slow or stopped vehicles to avoid collision. It is activated once there is insufficient space to avoid a collision by braking, and when the driver decides to take evasive action. The tech can be tested at city and highway speeds.
Wrong-Way Alert Technology
The technology means a camera will be mounted on the windshield because the information from that and the car’s navigation system will be used to issue audio and visual warnings should the driver begin driving in the wrong direction against traffic.
Enhanced Active Park Assist
Because parking is one of the most stressful parts of driving, Ford decided to further enhance its park assist. It now controls steering, gear selection and forward and reverse movement with just a push of a button. It can help the vehicle enter and exit a parallel and perpendicular parking space.