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Pay ChargePoint with PayPal or mobile apps

ChargePoint announced that electric vehicle (EV) drivers can sign up and pay for ChargePoint with PayPal. ChargePoint stations are independently owned, some offer charging for

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.

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.

GM Chevy performance concept cars @SEMA

chevyconceptChevrolet will debut special concepts of performance versions of the SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze,  Nov. 4-7 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA concepts feature accessories designed for personalization while maintaining excellent refinement and ride characteristics. General Motors’ engineers developed most of the accessories shown on the concept vehicles.

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.

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:

Pioneer Single CD Receivers double up Bluetooth, Wideband Speech and music streaming

DoubleDinPioneer Electronics also debuted its 2015 models of in-dash single CD receivers with the technology to compliment smartphone users’ lifestyles for around $200.

Features of the aftermarket audio systems with expanded smartphone functionality include Pandora, styling and FLAC file playback. The new receivers have larger screens, better colors and brightness functions.

Hitachi & Clarion partner for fast connected car development

clarionhtichHitachi Data Systems and Clarion have partnered to develop data solutions for Clarion in-vehicle connections. They hope to give drivers and car makers information for better car performance and safety from the Internet of Things and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communications.