Toyota EVs Prius Can Charge While Parked without Plugs Using WiTricity

TToyotachargingoyota’s electric cars are charging into the future with a new way of charging provided by WiTricity that allows batteries to be charged over  a distance.

Instead of plugging a cord into the car, the car is parked over the wireless charging system and is automatically charged.

Audi A3 LTE, Features, Pricing and Phone Cell Signal Boosting

Audi connectThe Audi A3 will have some new technology innovations that include AT&T LTE, picture mapping, special software and cell phone signal boost.

We finally have pricing for the AT&T LTE service in Audi A3 cars, owners can pay $99.99 for 5GB for a six month period or pay $499 for 30GB over a period thirty months. All new Audi A3 autos with Audi connect will receive a free six month trial of LTE service.

The fee works out to be $16.50 a month for the six month plan and $16.63 a month for the thirty month plan. (Obviously the place that called the $499 plan the best value was incorrect).

Siri Move Over James 2025 is Our 2025 VW Driver

James2025In Hannover, germany at CeBIt, Volkswagen CEO Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn showed James 2025 as the car cockpit of the future.

The comfy virtual cockpit allows drivers to relax and lets the car drive itself through a few buttons on the dash. When the car is in automatic driving mode, the head unit screen system shows the car’s planned driving maneuvers while a second screen gives access to infotainment functions. The steering wheel moves away. At any time like when an airplane is using auto-pilot the driver can take over driving the car.(see video below)

Will Pandora Radio Dominate Connected Cars & Great Live Streaming Music @SXSW?

PandoraLivePandora is one of the most popular streaming media apps and the company is hoping to be as ubiquitous in the automotive space. Pandora is opening up its box with great music at SXSW at the Gatsby inAustin’s Red River District. More than 35 acts are scheduled to perform over four days March 12-15 that will streamed live. Types of music played will include electronic, pop, hip hop, R&B, Americana, indie rock and eclectic music.

In an interview with iMedia Connection, Heidi Browning is the SVP of strategic solutions at Pandora, said some interesting things bout Pandora:

Zubie iControls Connected Car and Home @developersgarage

zubiewithphoneConnected car OBII device and app maker Zubie  has partnered with iControl Networks. Together, they plan to offer home automation through cars and  smartphones seamlessly.

Zubie lets family members know when you are your own way home or share locations with fellow Zubie users.  Zubie connects to the OBII computer port on cars.