Lynn Walford

Freescale Wi-Fi onboard for vehicle infotainment, clusters, telematics & entertainment

freescaleboardFreescale Semiconductor announced a hardware/software development system for Ethernet connectivity (Wi-Fi) in vehicles. The system can be used for infotainment, instrument cluster, camera telematics and rear seat entertainment designs. It supports real-time data transport throughout the vehicle.

The new SABRE (Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering) for Auto Infotainment (AI) features  i.MX 6  processors to speed and simplify Ethernet Audio Video Bridging (AVB) deployment. Freescale reports that it is Freescale’s most scalable implementation of the ARM Cortex-A9 CPU cores, with  processing speeds up to 1 GHz, and a high level of automotive-specific integration. The expansion boards range in price from $699-$799.

Apple iOS 8.1 4 iPhone 5-6+ could fix Bluetooth issue with hands-free devices/cars

iOS81buetoothfixiOS 8 has been plagued with Bluetooth bugs connecting to in-car infotainment systems.The manifest of features for iOS update shows a Bluetooth fix which hopefully will help our readers who have tried everything from complaining to Apple to “nuking” their phones to get Bluetooth work. Almost every car maker was affected including BMW, Audi, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Mercedes-Benz, VW, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai and more.

2015 Lexus LS comes with super connected car features and 12.3″ screen

lexusinteriorLexus announced the features of its new 2015 Lexus LS line with many new high-tech features including a new multimedia infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen.

The new multimedia system with navigation screen has predictive traffic with detour preview, ETA calculation and when the tank is near empty it shows gas stations nearby. The free Lexus Enform App Suite features bird’s eye map views with 3D building views, to make finding destinations easier.

iOS 8.1 Bluetooth and in-car infotainment fixes for iOS 8 hands-free?

ios81stagecolorAs many of our readers know, there have been iOS 8-8.02 Bluetooth issues with in-car infotainment systems from almost every car maker including BMW, Audi, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Mercedes-Benz, VW, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai and more. An AUTO Connected Car News commenter summed it up this way, “Apple blames the car makers and the car makers blame Apple.” Hopefully, the update to iOS 8.1 will help users connect their iPhones with their automobiles.

New automotive cyber security options ASDL, ECUSHIELD, IPS with DPI

arguscyberthreaThere have been new cyber security initiatives for the automotive industry with an alphabet soup of acronyms,  standards, algorithms and protocols. ASDL comes from SBD and NCC Group while IPS based on DPI comes from the Argus Cyber Consulting. ECUSHIELD (pronounced E.C.U. shield) from TowerSec  offers intrusion protection (IPS) and firewalls.

Telsa S super connected car is a giant iPad on wheels?

pcbmotherboardTeslaIHS is known for tearing down smartphones and tablest to find out how much they cost to make and analyse  its suppliers.

IHS recently tore apart a 2013 Telsa Model S, and found that the Tesla S is more like a giant iPad than traditional vehicles

Volvo ends pedestiran headaches & engine noise with Bayer elastic engine hoods

polyurethaneshieldnoiseBayerMaterial Science worked with Volvo and its parts suppliers to create  dual system polyurethane hoods that help protect pedestrians and reduce engine noise.

People traveling on foot in traffic live dangerously, especially in Europe, where the European Commission reported about one-fifth of all traffic fatalities in Europe involve pedestrians.

Tesla D & autopilot hands-free driving coming down the road

teslsautopilotElon Musk and Tesla revealed the next generation “Tesla D” and the upcoming autopilot feature.

The Tesla D stands for all-wheel drive and dual motor, that are upgrades to the “S” line with deliveries in February.

New car buyers want connected cars for Internet, safety, productivity and entertainment

nielsenconnectedcarstudyNielsen likes to study the reasons why people use media and their buying intentions. Recently, the company studied the features used and wanted by connected car buyers.

Safety Major Value

  • Safety is a major value among car buyers, it is the highest-ranking features for future buyers, 79% said they believe a vehicle’s safety features will make them feel safe.
  • Users of connected car technologies like the value of crash notifications (64% very important).
  • Internet-enabled navigation was found to 58% very important.
  • Safety alerts were ranked at 51% very important.
  • Connected car consumers also rated these same features as most important in their car-buying decision-making processes.

MirrorLink apps ready for Samsung Galaxy Note 4/Edge

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC),  announced that the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge are MirrorLink-enabled. They also announced apps that work with MirrorLink.

MirrorLink-enabled apps that were on display at the Paris auto show include: