GM to offer wireless in-car phone charging pads

GM announced this week that their venture capital arm called GM Ventures will invest $5 million in a small company called Powermat. The company makes a charging system that uses wireless technology to charge smartphones and other devices, and is considered a pioneer in the filed.

What is Powermat? If you’ve recently visited your local Best Buy, you’ve probably seen the Powermat product in the ‘Mobile’ section. The product allows you to place your cell phone and other mobile technology on a mat and charge them without having to plug them into the wall.

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it’s also safer and more efficient.

Powermat already sells wireless charging devices for the home to consumers at major U.S. retail outlets such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

Source: GM





Press Release

GM, Powermat to Put Added ‘Charge' in Chevy Volt

Automaker Invests in Start-Up to Do Away With Charging Cords

LAS VEGAS - General Motors and Powermat, a pioneer in wireless charging technology, announced a commercial agreement today that will eliminate the need for charging cords for personal electronic devices in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products beginning mid-2012.

GM Ventures, the company's venture capital subsidiary, will invest $5 million in Powermat to accelerate the technology's development and support efforts to grow Powermat's business globally.

Powermat's technology allows electronic devices - smart phones, MP3 players and gaming devices - to be charged safely and efficiently, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine.

The Chevrolet Volt, conceived as a reinvention of the automobile that would help reduce America's dependence on oil, while providing the assurance of an extended driving range, will be one of the first GM vehicles to offer this technology. The technology is expected to revolutionize how electronic devices are charged in a car.

"Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you're driving on a family vacation," said Micky Bly, GM's lead electronics executive, including infotainment, hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

"The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio," Bly said.

Powermat, a private firm, was founded in 2007 and offers wireless charging products for the home in a number of retail stores, including Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart.

Poliakine is excited to start with the Chevrolet Volt, which has swept major Car of the Year awards to date.

"GM is among the rarest of giants in today's business climate: a forward-thinking innovator with the courage and good sense to care about the well-being of the consumer and the well-being of our planet," Poliakine said.

Jon Lauckner, who helped create the Volt concept and now is President of GM Ventures, has been dreaming about a technology like Powermat for years.

"We first developed the Volt concept car in 2006," Lauckner said. "The intent was to revolutionize every aspect of the car, not just the propulsion system. We had something like this in mind even then, and we think it will have widespread appeal."

About General Motors

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Russia. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

About Powermat

Powermat was the first company to perfect inductive-based wireless charging and to bring it to consumers in a widely available, meaningful way via mainstream retail channels. The undisputed leader in wireless charging, Powermat leads the category in all facets including technology, retail footprint, consumer experience, and brand. Powermat allows users to enable their electronic devices once with a Powermat receiver and then set down up to three devices on the charging mat for fast, safe and effective wireless charging. It's simple, effortless, and provides consumers with first-of-its-kind freedom from the need to constantly plug/unplug as well as the angst of running on empty.

2010 Mini Cooper Christmas Gifts

MINI has released its 2010 MINI Christmas Collection and autoevolution has photos of the items available. The new collection includes Mini Cooper Christmas gifts suited for all ages, from the youngest Mini fans, to people who got the chance to drive the original Mini.

MINI's latest Lifestyle Collection includes numerous items ranging from the Sonoro Internet Radio that can receive over 18,000 web radio stations via WiFi or LAN and the Cuckoo Clock, to the Snow Rocker toboggan, a Baby Racer, pedal cars, the Baby Rocker Newborn Set and various other toys.

Furthermore, the MINI Cuckoo Clock comes in a classic chrome look and has an original MINI speedometer-style dial. Also, you can store Christmas photos and videos on the MINI-branded USB Stick.

The list of Mini Cooper Christmas gifts for her includes in 2010 various boots, a briefcase, a Rooftop Cabin Trolley, a Lapeer Hat and a stylish umbrella.




Press Release

Munich. Time flies, and before you know it Christmas is just around the corner. To make the annual gift hunt that much easier, MINI has put together a selection of the best ideas for all the family. The MINI Lifestyle Collection has something everybody will enjoy unwrapping under the Christmas tree.

The best gift ideas for him.

MINI has teamed up with design audio products experts sonoro audio to bring sounds from around the world into our living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and offices. The result of the cooperation is the MINI Limited Edition sonoro Internet radio, which combines urban chic with a boundless musical experience. The MINI rocks sonoro limited edition of the elements W Internet radio can receive over 18,000 web radio stations via WiFi or LAN. The design radio also boasts a media player function for streaming music libraries direct from a computer. The alarm clock, sleep and snooze functions, Radio Frequency remote control and eDock external iPod® docking station with charging function are all easy to use.

Whether you’re setting off on a road trip with your motorbike or taking a tour on a quad bike, trike or snowmobile, you’ll always be playing safe with the stylish MINI Jet Helmet. The helmet meets all the relevant safety standards and plays the stylish understatement card to perfection. A Union Jack print and bonnet stripes provide a spotless retro look, while high-quality workmanship ensures the requisite protection. The Jet Helmet is made from a fibreglass and synthetic compound, and has a polycarbonate visor. Other features include a quick-release fastener and an antiallergenic, removable and washable inner lining.

The MINI Calendar 2011 is the work of Hamburg artist and graphic designer Wolfgang Block. “Transformation and Crossover” is the basic idea behind each month’s image. The artist blends differing techniques – such as Rorschach, graffiti and pop art – in a personal interpretation of the collision between fantasy and reality in the MINI Accessories world. It’s enough to turn any bare wall into an eye-catching canvas.

This cult MINI Cuckoo Clock comes in a classic chrome look and has an original MINI speedometer-style dial. At the strike of each hour the garage on the underside opens its doors and a detailed miniature MINI moves around the dial, accompanied by faithfully reproduced MINI engine and horn sounds. A small photo sensor enables the clock to distinguish between day and night, and therefore ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.

The elegant MINI USB Stick borrows the unmistakable design of the MINI ignition key and features a handy neck strap. With 8 GB storage capacity it offers ample accommodation for Christmas photos and the like.

The best gift ideas for her.

For anyone heading for faraway places, MINI has the perfect travelling companion. The robust MINI hardshell suitcases from the Rooftop line can take anything you throw at them. The MINI Rooftop Cabin Trolley, for example, represents a stylish and reliable means of carrying your kit. Decked out in either the Union Jack or racing stripes, it has an extending telescopic handle, two strong carry handles and smooth-running wheels. The main compartment is fitted with packing belts and a divider, while the centre section has two small side pockets. Also provided are a protective transportation cover, an integrated lock and a nameplate to help the trolley find its way home should – perish the thought – owner and case become separated.

The design of the extensive Black Jack luggage line from MINI stands out with its classy black finish and tone-in-tone Union Jack motif. The MINI Black Jack Briefcase ensures you have everything you need for a day at the office. It boasts a clever inner compartment system with pockets for a mobile phone, pens and business cards, and your laptop slides away securely into a separate padded compartment. The briefcase can be fixed easily to the trolley’s telescopic handle with the help of the slide-in pocket on its reverse side.

Should the inevitable happen and the long awaited white Christmas fail to materialise, the MINI Countryman Boots will keep your feet dry amid the mud and rain. With their Union Jack motif, rock-style print and Countryman badge, the black unisex wellies make a stylish statement, as well as a fine Christmas gift. The British flag also crops up on the inside of the boots.

Its snug fake fur lining makes the trapper-style MINI Badges Lapeer Hat a good bet for warm ears during the chillier times of year. Badges on the “dog ears” provide the de rigueur vintage look. On warmer days, the ear flaps can be neatly folded up and fixed to the top of the head section.

Fashion meets pop art as ‘Pop Style’ series accessories in contrasting shades – from radiant yellow to electric blue – recall classic Andy Warhol creations. The bright and colourful MINI Pop Style Umbrella opens and closes automatically, and lightens the mood on grey days. The design of the handle takes its cue from the MINI gear selector.

The best gift ideas for the youngsters.

The hot-heeled MINI Snow Rocker toboggan is destined to give both kids and adults hours of sliding fun. Made from robust and ultra-slick material, the Snow Rocker is suitable for all snow conditions. Measuring 66 cm long and weighing just 2,500 grams, the toboggan is easy to steer through slight shifts in weight. A Union Jack print and racing stripes on the seat surface ensure it attracts envious glances on any sledge run.

The MINI Baby Racer brings the hallmark MINI driving fun to fledgling drivers aged 1 to 3. The design of the red push-car combines high levels of safety, impressive quality and an eye for detail – from the MINI style front and rear lights to its modern wheel rim design and the original MINI colour shade Chili Red. The wide plastic wheels ensure a quiet ride, without leaving marks on parquet floors, so budding drivers can set off on their first few laps around the Christmas tree without ado.

Dads will also be tempted to take the blue, single-seat MINI Cooper S Convertible – for car fans aged between 3 and 5 – out for a spin. The sporty pedal-drive system ensures impressive output potential, but for those looking for a more leisurely experience there’s also a motorised version. Special rubber tyres help to minimise “road roar” and ensure stress-free indoor use.

After nine months on tour, you’re crying out for style. So this ultra-soft MINI Baby Rocker Newborn Set of romper suit and bib makes the perfect gift for all MINI rockers aged 6 to 12 months. The neutral grey will suit both boys and girls, and guarantees the littl’uns will make a big impression.

With his MINI collar and black dog shirt, the furry MINI Bulldog Soft Toy will melt the heart of any animal lover. Kids will take the four-legged charmer with the cute nose straight to their hearts, while grown-up MINI fans will surely agree that this dog is not just for Christmas.

The soft and cuddly furry MINI Bulldog Plush Cushion with bulldog design is just what you need to unwind after the Christmas hurly-burly. An endearing bulldog appliqué adorns this otherwise simple and plain coloured chill-out cushion. Bring on Christmas!

2011 Audi A8 - taking the fast lane onto the World Wide Web

The new 2011 Audi A8 is allegedly the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed WLAN hotspot for Wi-Fi access. Of course, this means that all your passengers will probably spend less time talking to you and more time on their laptops, Apple iPads and iPhones or netbooks.

To activate, the driver simply inserts a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone or by using a compatible cellular device with a SIM Access Profile.

All this is made possible through a rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car’s own UMTS module. This enables the most connection stability with great reception quality.






via:egmcartech

Press Release

• First factory-installed WLAN hotspot in a car

• Wireless access for iPads, laptops and netbooks

• Secure encryption, stable connection

The new Audi A8 is the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed WLAN hotspot for wireless Internet access. Passengers in the front and rear can simultaneously access the Internet through the car's integrated WLAN module and via UMTS, using up to eight terminal devices such as laptops, Apple iPads or netbooks.

Wireless surfing, accessing information, data and e-mails from company networks, and downloading the latest apps for the iPad - passengers in the front and rear can conveniently and securely use all of these features while traveling in the Audi A8, just as if they were in their own office. WPA2 encryption provides the necessary security for the transfer of data.

Using the WLAN hotspot is remarkably simple. To activate Internet access with speeds up to 7.2 Mbit/s, the driver merely needs to insert a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone. Alternatively, an Internet connection can be established via Bluetooth by using a compatible mobile phone with a SIM Access Profile. Any existing mobile phone contract can be used for this - often coupled with a flat-rate data plan.

Communication with the Internet takes place through the rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car's own UMTS module. This enables utmost connection stability with outstanding reception quality.

FORD FIRST TO ENABLE iTUNES TAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF NEW HD RADIO CAPABILITY IN ITS LINEUP

• Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD RadioTM technology with iTunes® Tagging capability; this new functionality will be available next year

• HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts, which eliminate static, fadeout and other problems associated with conventional analog radio signals; the result is FM audio that's comparable to near-CD quality and AM audio that sounds like today's FM broadcasts

• HD Radio digital technology provides a number of advanced services not available with an analog radio. Extra FM channels, called HD2/HD3 channels, are delivered, as well as useful on-screen Program Service Data such as artist name and song title

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 29, 2009 - iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio technology are the latest features on Ford's growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be newly available in 2010.

HD Radio receivers pull in digital radio signals and play them with dramatically improved sound. FM stations, for example, have near-CD quality, making it convenient for customers to select songs they want to download and purchase.

"iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we're offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "This is another example of Ford's commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people."
In 2010, Ford vehicles will offer familiar terrestrial radio, HD Radio technology, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio as well as Internet radio through Ford SYNC® from a Bluetooth®-streaming audio-capable smartphone.

"Ford continues to lead the market in bringing advanced capabilities to popular vehicles. We are very pleased that HD Radio technology is an integral part of Ford's broad offering of new features," said Jeff Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio technology.

Like the song? You can tag it
The world's first implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radioreceiver will launch in 2010 on select Ford vehicles. Through the SYNC system, iTunes Tagging will provide Ford customers with the ability to capture a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase. With a simple push of the "TAG" button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio's memory.

Up to 100 tags can be stored on SYNC until the iPod is connected to receive the download of metadata. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of "tagged" songs will appear. Customers then can preview and, if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store.

All HD Radio-enabled receivers in Ford vehicles also will provide Program Service Data - information that appears on the radio screen and includes song title, artist name and more.

Familiar controls with better quality
HD Radio technology enables more listening options and increased sound quality by using the same radio interface customers are used to as well as the same antennas and analog tuners with an added digital decoder inside the radio. Additionally, HD Radio-enabled receivers provide listeners with unique advanced services.
To operate, there's no difference from today's radio operations - customers just tune in their favorite stations. If the station is broadcasting with HD Radio technology, the system automatically picks up the signal and will transition to digital audio once decoded.

Exclusive to HD Radio receivers are HD2/HD3 channels, which resemble mini-stations that could be spun off the "mother" station or completely new content for the local market. HD2/HD3 channels are found directly adjacent to the main (HD1) channel on the dial if available.

If additional HD2/HD3 channels are available, the radio will indicate how many on a multicast information bar. Users may tune up to the new available channels like they would tune to any other analog station. Users also may store HD2/HD3 presets, just as they do with today's radio.

HD Radio technology enables better audio and exclusive unique content choices
One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission - FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like terrestrial FM broadcasts. Also, the sound itself is much clearer and more consistent, without issues such as pops or hisses. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren't susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

Most stations use the additional HD2/HD3 channels to provide more unique coverage of sports, music or other niche programs often tailored for their individual markets - all for free. For example, in Dallas there is now a dedicated 24/7 Cowboys channel on 105.3-HD3. In Pittsburgh, there is a dedicated 24/7 Penguins channel on 105.9-HD2.Broadcasters may choose any genre they wish for their additional channels.

Nearly 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in digital HD Radio sound, with more than 1,100 stations also airing HD2/HD3 channels. Approximately 85 percent of the U.S. population is served by a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology.
via:worldcarfans

Muschallaro: Camaro , Challenger and Mustang

A talented modeler named Robert D. came up with the wacky idea of creating a scale-model that combines elements from the latest editions of Detroit's pony cars: the body of a Chevy Camaro, the front end of a Dodge Challenger and the rear-end of the Ford Mustang. And this here is the result.


We have a "Retro in the Metro" theme for our NNL in 2 weeks. We have a Challenger, Camaro, and Mustang illustrated on our flyer. One of my cohorts was planning to build one of each for the show. I realized I might be able to do all three in one model.


"I like the main body of the Camaro better than the Challenger. I like the Challenger front end better than the Camaro. Once the idea was in my head to add Mustang to the equation, it all came together, because I found out pretty quickly that the three could combine into one," Robert stated in a forum for model cars.


The Camaro front end is longer than the Challenger, I cast the stock hood and lengthened it using two resin hoods grafted together. The front is longer, but the model will use Camaro chassis/interior, wheelbase is shorter than Challenger.



More Photos

New Audi A8 - with Google at the leading edge of Connectivity

• A8 searches for and retrieves internet content via the mobile phone network

• Online point-of-interest search powered by Google integrated with the Audi navigation system

• Google Earth available for the first time in a production vehicle

In early 2010 Audi will be bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship and its online services further demonstrate the brand's proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik, by bringing a variety of Google services and information to the luxury sedan via the internet. The services will be available in selected markets.

The new A8 has set the bar at new heights with regard to multimedia technology. Its multimedia interface (MMI) navigation plus features among other innovations, a highly evolved operating concept incorporating a touchpad - known as MMI touch. Also included are an integrated hard disk for navigation, phone and audio data and a graphics processor capable of generating high-quality, three dimensional images. The MMI analyzes navigation data predictively, relaying information to the control units managing the automatic cruise control with Stop & Go, adaptive lights and the 8-speed tiptronic gearbox so that these systems can precisely adapt their function to conditions well in advance.

Equally state-of-the-art are the Audi online services which allow the new A8 to retrieve up-to-date information from the internet via the optionally integrated GPRS/EDGE modem in the MMI navigation plus. The user can search online with Google for points-of-interest directly from within the MMI, the versatile search engine accepting such free text search queries as "delicatessen" or "shoe boutique". The results are then displayed on the onboard map or used as destinations for route calculation.


Highly comfortable: Destination planning at home

The data connection enables a further comfortable feature. A8 customers can plan their navigation destinations in Google Maps or the Audi web portal at home or in the office and retrieve these on demand in the car.

In mid 2010 Audi will further enhance its suite of online services with a new UMTS modem. This enables faster data transfer as well as simultaneous voice and data connections, and allows Audi to set a world first with the integration of Google Earth in the MMI navigation plus. High resolution three-dimensional satellite and aerial imagery for the entire globe and a worldwide database of photos and information articles are only some of the fascinating new features. With Google Earth on the MMI's 8 inch LCD display the new Audi A8 allows its occupants to discover the world from above. The Google Earth imagery and 3D terrain model are combined with the detailed street network from the onboard navigation database as well as calculated routes in a seamless integration of online and offline content.

To use the new online services the customer simply needs to insert their SIM card in the MMI Navigation plus or pair their mobile phone with the MMI over the Bluetooth SIM-Access-Profile. Aside from the Customer's existing mobile phone data plan, no additional contracts are required.

First shown as a prototype with Google in January 2006 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas/USA, the new online services can be experienced in the new A8 as a result of a close collaboration between Audi and Google development teams worldwide.
Source:Audi