VW: Multi-media integration one step ahead

Here is a nice video of VW's "Gypsy" concept bringing multi media-car integration to the next generation.

The Gypsy concept uses a PC platform as the integrating device for a variety of in-car functions, ranging from audio entertainment to navigation with Google Earth.

While the demo shows off the ease with which a Gypsy-equipped Passat interfaces with iPods and SmartPhones, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the design is its "extensibility," software engineering-speak for the ability to add new functions to the system. Vw's Gypsy adds new functionality by simply installing (by wireless download, for example) software plug-ins called widgets.

So there really is a PC (why not a Mac if they call their software plug-ins like those on Mac OS Tiger?) in the car's dashboard with a slot for your iPod to be inserted and fully controlled via the screen in the dashboard.
Looking forward to see this in the VW group's premium cars from Bavaria...

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Apple, iPod, VW, multi media

Source: CNET via Autoblog

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GPS: Pioneer brings Bluetooth and iPod connectivity

More and more features in one system:

Pioneer's AVIC-X1BT SatNav System offers both Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. That means you can control your Bluetooth-connected cellphone via the touch-panel display, including accessing the phone book and dialing from memory. Looks like more and more navigation systems offer MP3 support, ensuring you are entertained even though you have lost your way. Expect the AVIC-X1BT to ship this month. Check out the features after the jump.

* Map Coverage for 26 European countries
* Advanced search, (re-)routing and guidance functions
* 6 view modes (including Driver's View and Vehicle Dynamics Mode)
* Built-in RDS-TMC tuner for real-time traffic re-routing
* DVD-Video/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 playback
* Fully motorized touch panel display

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Apple, iPod, Pioneer, Bluetooth, GPS

Source: Ubergizmo

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HD radio: Coming to your car

Read here about the next generation radio for your car:

Video may have killed the radio star, but AM and FM radio stations are not yielding to the satellite challenge without a fight.

Even as Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio strive to convince consumers to pay for a service they have received for free since its inception, the nation's broadcast radio stations are rolling out new digital technology that delivers better audio quality, less interference and a host of new features.

Twenty-three Detroit-area radio stations already offer the new technology, known as HD radio, and the industry is lobbying aggressively to get automakers to offer HD radios in their cars and trucks.

So far, BMW AG is the only one that does, but eight more automakers are planning to offer HD radios on 36 models over the next couple of years. And while the number of HD radios in use today is in the tens of thousands, it is expected to grow to 1 million by the end of the year, according to iBiquity Digital, the company that is developing and licensing HD radio technology.
That's still a sliver of the 100 million radios sold annually and the 900 million to 1 billion radios in use today. But HD radio promoters remain confident it will grow in appeal, much like high-definition television is taking root.

"It's well under way," iBiquity CEO Bob Struble told the Automotive Press Association in Detroit on Tuesday. "We've got vehicles out there. We've got products out there."

The Federal Communications Commission approved the rollout of HD radio in 2002. More than 3,000 radio stations have announced plans to convert to HD broadcasts over the next couple of years. Hundreds already have.
The nation's largest radio companies have formed an alliance to develop and promote the technology. They plan to spend $200 million to advertise HD radio on radio stations this year, making HD radio the single largest radio
advertiser in the United States.
HD radio also promises to revive the AM spectrum, which has long languished as a victim of poor, monotone-only sound. Digital AM stations can broadcast in stereo with FM-quality audio. A unique feature of HD radio is multicasting, which allows broadcasters to transmit multiple audio streams over the same frequency. That means radio stations can simultaneously broadcast several programs.
Some Detroit stations are already doing just that. For example, WNIC broadcasts a second HD channel on the same frequency that plays nothing but love songs.
HD receivers also can work with vehicle navigation systems to allow traffic accidents and other hazards to be displayed on screen in real time. Second-generation systems will allow listeners to record and rewind radio programs, retrieve more in-depth information and even make purchases with their radios.
"There's no better place to make an impulse purchase than when you're stuck in traffic," Struble said.

Visteon Corp. was the first company to produce an in-car HD radio receiver. It supplies BMW and has inked deals to supply other automakers. "We're in a good position," said Visteon technical fellow Bill Whikehart. "Things are really accelerating."
Visteon forged an alliance with iBiquity in 1999 to help bring HD radio to the world. In fact, it developed a key component of the technology, which it now licenses to other manufacturers. But Visteon also produces satellite
receivers for both Sirius and XM.

"We view the HD and the satellite as complimentary," Whikehart said.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, HD radio

Source: The Detroit News

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GPS: Value-for-money device from Packard Bell

For a very good price of below £200 comes Packard Bell's GPS 400 with great extras.

Its customised Destinator software offers both 2D & 3D views, voice guided directions, dynamic routing (with near instant re-routing), plenty of points of view options, and operates in pedestrian and car mode equally well. With an MP3 player and photo viewer thrown in, this budget package offers exceptional value. Unfortunately, the short 3 hour plus battery life when using GPS could prove a hindrance to potential buyers.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS

Source: Ubergizmo

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MP3: Sony revolutionises portable car MP3

As you know, we like cars and we like gadgets. So usually we should love Sony's new MEX1G, but somehow we are not convinced. We would prefer to use the iPod or even better Sony's PSP.

Unlike Sony's previous storage head unit, the 10GB MEX-1HD which could only rip MP3s directly onto the drive, the MEX1G has a removeable face-plate with a USB port. It works just like an external drive and doesn't require any additional software - meaning you can simply drag-and-drop up to 500 MP3s or WMAs directly onto the device.

"Sony has created a simple alternative to moving music from home to the car. A CD head unit, flash storage device and digital audio player hub, the is truly an all-in-one car entertainment device," said Nick Wilson, car entertainment product manager at Sony Australia.

There are eleven units in the range, beginning with the CDXGT150S at $249 with a 45W x 4 amplifier, and culminating in the $799 MEX1G.

The entire range includes 24-bit D/A conversion, auxiliary-input for portable players (except MEX1G), switchable subwoofer outputs, 52W x 4 S-MOSFET amplifier, and a 3-band equaliser button.

Sony has also designed its own processor, named BBE MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation), which replicates the missing frequencies from MP3s, which Sony claims increases warmth and clarity.

"With music collections growing beyond the wildest dreams of previous generations, managing those libraries has become atime-consuming concern for many customers", Wilson said.

"With the introduction of the 2006 Sony Car Entertainment range, transferring your favourite tunes from a home, PC or digital audio device is a simple and quick process. To make this possible, Sony has focused on extending options with three distinct music format CODECS and front or rear auxiliary-in on the head unit", he said.

The Sony car stereo head unit range will soon be extended to include USB and Bluetooth connections, Wilson added.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, MP3, Sony

Source: Smarthouse

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Audi: What is Vorsprung?

If you still have no clue what this site is about, watch this great video by Audi.
A must see!

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Vorsprung, Audi

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iPod: VW iPod interface (with remote control)

Somebody couldn't wait for the official VW iPod integration kit to be available, so he made his own small homebrew, even including a remote control!

This is the VWCDPIC with an iPod remote control cable. The cable was made by chopping off the cable of an iPod head phone wired remote control, then soldering it to a standard DB25M solder cup connector. The iPod-VW firmware is then used to convert commands from the head unit's buttons into remote control commands for the iPod.

Alternative Design

A similiar cable could be made to interface with the iPod's dock connector, but it is difficult to obtain bare dock connectors that you can solder your own cables to. Most off-the-shelf dock cables do not contain wires connecting to the iPod serial remote control pins. The advantage of using the dock port is that you get access to the iPod's battery charging pins, which could be connected to the optional power control board to recharge the iPod while used in the car (you should add a fuse to the yellow VW CD Changer cable for this application).

The iPod dock connector also has access to the iPod's line out signal, which might be useful. Some people find the iPod audio output to be low. We think they just need to set their iPod to higher volume setting or build the optional pre-amplifier module.

We haven't tried it, but it should also work for Audi cars.


Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, iPod, Apple, VW, Audi

Source: K9SPUD

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Parking: CarLoft - balcony parking at its best

Berlin is a trendy city, one of the most buzzy in the world. That's proven one more time by this great loft which is available with garden and garage on all floors.

One thing I absolutely abhor about apartment living is the long walk from my car to my apartment door. CarLoft is my solution. Imagine an entire apartment complex built around the concept of parking your car on your balcony and you have the basic idea.

A “CarLift” elevator takes you and your auto for a ride up to the penthouse (or less expensive lofts on lower floors) where you pull forward into the “CarLoggia”. A glass wall separates your elevated garage from your living quarters yet still allows for friends and family to appreciate your wheels.

Plans are underway to have CarLoft living spaces built in such European cities as Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg, among others. The lofts, which range in size from 2,411 sq ft to 5,802 sq ft, start at EUR 450,600 ($536,844 US).

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, CarLoft

Source: We make money not art, Engadget

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Side mirrors: An important part of car design

German magazine "Der Spiegel" has a great review of car side mirror design. A must see for all car enthusiasts and one of the most basic "gadgets" at all.
Let's see if you can guess the car attached to it.













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Source: Der Spiegel

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Headset: More wireless headsets from Sony Ericsson

Two of our favorite "gadget" brands in one pic! I love the Sony Ericsson mobile phones almost as much as Audi's cars. SE and Audi are the perfect match.

Sony Ericsson coupled the unveiling with a trio of new Bluetooth headsets. “These three excellent wireless headsets really allow our users to get more from their busy lives,” according to Corporate VP – Accessories, Ulf Persson.

The SE HBH-IV835 is hook-less, rather opting for a “push-in wearing solution”. You are given a choice of matte black, glossy black, and silver, and this headset comes complete with Digital Signal Processing for 3.5 hours of talk time, or up to 160 hours of standby. The HBH-IV835 will ship in the second quarter.

The ultra-light HBH-PV705 has 300 hours of standby and up to 12 hours of talk time. Weighing in at a mere 14 grams (0.49 ounces), the actual ear piece does not cover your ear canal. Hitting shelves in Q3, the HBH-PV705 is available in silver and sand.

The HBH-GV435 lets you chat away for about 8 hours, or up to 300 hours of standby. Like the IV835, this headset too sports DSP technology for crisp, clear sound and fast automatic volume adjustment. There is no visible boom on the HBH-GV435. Available in matte black, glossy black, and silver, this 18g (0.63 ounce) headset will start selling in early Q3.

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Source: Mobile Mag

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Foursprung: Bosch launches new tri-fuel injection system

That sounds like a cool concept from Bosch: on-the-fly switching between various sources to power your car.

With the future of automotive fuels a bit less certain, Bosch is hedging its bets and will offer a tri-fuel version of its NG-Motronic engine management system.

Operating on gasoline, natural gas, or ethanol, the system will allow on-the-fly switching between each of different fuel types. Natural gas appears to be an attractive alternative fuel in Europe and Asia, while the addition of the ethanol option is said to be driven primarily with a nod to Brazil's use of that fuel. Considering the United States' recent interest in ethanol, Bosch's timing on the introduction of this system looks to be quite fortunate.

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Source: Autoblog

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iPod: New player in car accessories game

Belkin is developing a car dock and charger for Apple's iPod. Being plugged into the cigarette lighter to power and charge your music player while an RF transmitter sends the audio over the car's audio system is nothing new. The
only thing is that Belkin is new to this game that is dominated by other player like Griffin. So we will see if they release their device and what this will mean to the market.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Apple, iPod, MP3

Source: Gizmodo

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Hydrogen: Mazda starts leasing rotary hydrogen vehicles

And the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE will be the first of it.

Mazda Motor Corporation received permission from Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) on February 10, 2006, to begin leasing the RX-8 Hydrogen RE to its first two corporate customers. These vehicles, equipped with a rotary engine, feature a dual-fuel system that allows the driver to select either hydrogen or gasoline with the flick of a switch. Mazda has started limited leasing of the vehicles and today concluded leases with two energy-related companies, marking the first lease contracts of a hydrogen-powered rotary engine equipped vehicle in the world. Delivery of the vehicles is scheduled to take place in late March 2006.

Employing a dual-fuel system, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE can run on either high-pressure hydrogen gas or gasoline. This combination offers excellent convenience because it can be driven in remote areas where hydrogen fueling stations are not readily available, easing driver concerns about running out of fuel. In addition, this system boasts great environmental friendliness--zero emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and near zero nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission when fueled by hydrogen--together with the natural driving feel of an internal combustion engine. It uses engine parts and production facilities that already exist in Mazda's inventory, so this innovative engine can be built with a high degree of reliability at a relatively low cost. The standard monthly lease price is 420,000 yen with tax included (400,000 yen/month without tax) which is almost half the monthly lease price of a fuel cell vehicle already available in Japan.

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Source: Mazda

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Audi Q7: Downhill Assist Animation

Part of the media distributed during the release of the Q7, this animation shows the Downhill Assist function of the SUV's ESP system. Pushing the ESP deactivation button while in Off-Road mode on the car's air suspension will activate the Downhill Assist function.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Audi Q7

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GPS: New Panasonic device with digital TV

Panasonic comes with with two new Strada models integrating in-car multi media device with GPS functionality. A third device from this series is also a nice in-car entertainment but comes without GPS.

The GPS models, the CN-DS120D (above) and CN-D050D, both have 7-inch screens and DVD drives. On the DS120D, the DVD drive can also be used to watch movies, and the model also includes an SD slot, presumably so you can toggle
back and forth between a film and GPS data without having to swap discs. The unit also includes a digital TV tuner (for Japanese terrestrial digital TV).
If you just want to watch TV while you drive (and that's your prerogative, as long as we don't have to share the road with you), the TU-DTV20 is a standalone digital tuner that can be paired with a matching 7-inch display.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, multi media, DVD, TV

Source: Engadget

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Hybrid: HyMotion's PHEV battery lets you plug in your hybrid

A pluggable battery for your hybrid. Nice idea somehow. But until the hybrid is widely available with a good enough mileage and price, we prefer to drive diesel, it's cheaper and comes with a better mileage.

This groundbreaking technology moves the Hybrid industry into the next level. The PHEV (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will now be even more fuel efficient and easier to use.

The Hymotion PHEV has an additional battery system that can be recharged by plugging it into a regular household electrical outlet. This extra battery system in turn, allow the hybrid car to travel longer distance solely on battery power, while still allowing it to operate as a normal hybrid car. Therefore, PHEV is a pure electric and zero-emission car for your local travel.

What does this mean for the future? A production hybrid gets about double the fuel economy of a conventional car; A Hymotion Plug-in hybrid will get again about double the fuel economy of a hybrid. While conventional Hybrid obtains its energy from gasoline, the Hymotion PHEV acquires most its energy from the electric grid during off peak hours.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Hybrid

Source: EV World

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Road safety: Europe wants to raise IQ of cars for safer roads

Oh no, another regulation by the European government. Without a doubt we should increase the road safety, but can we really handle it with another regulation from Brussels? I don't think so.

The European Commission (EC) put its weight behind high-tech ways to improve auto safety in launching its Intelligent Car Initiative, although it is more lip service than actual investment since the EC is giving very little money to manufacturers to pay for the project.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the EC has published results of a study showing that 4,000 accidents per year could be prevented in Europe if just 3 percent of cars on European roads had high-tech accident prevention technology. Among the solutions would be laser systems that can sense road obstacles and ensure adequate braking to avoid accidents, as well as traffic warning and awakeness-alert systems in cars, the EC said.

However, the paper notes that the EC is giving little money to manufacturers to help them incorporate the high-tech safety features; instead, the commission is trying to "raise awareness" in the hope that "consumer demand will be stimulated."

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Source: Inside Line

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GPS: TomTom with iPod control

Very nice idea of integration: iPod control for your TomTom satellite navigation device. That's the kind of integration I want to see. Of course there are GPS devices that are capable of MP3 playing but finally there is nothing but Apple's beautiful media device. That's want I want to keep with me and that's what I want to have integrated to my car. So the combination with my TomTom seems the perfect symbiosis.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, Apple, iPod, MP3

Source: Ubergizmo

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DSG: Stick Shift RIP

We found a great article about the Audi's DSG transmission, heating the debate of automatic transmission vs. manual. But the DSG is not an ordinary automatic transmission, it's much more!

If you were going to invent a way to control an automobile, you wouldn’t ask the average driver to develop the skill and coordination of a church organist. Note I said “average.” As far as hardcore automotive enthusiasts and skilled pipe organ players are concerned, there’s nothing more natural or satisfying than making beautiful music with a sublime dance of hands and feet. Yes, well, the average person would rather drive an automatic and download an iTune. Pistonheads and pipe worshippers may sneer, but if the majority of humans didn’t take the path of least resistance our species would still be stuck in the trees. Meanwhile, just as digital sound has invaded God’s house and rocked the organist’s world, Audi’s DSG transmission is here and tripedalists are toast.

The direct shift gearbox (DSG) features two wet plate clutches: one engages the odd-numbered gears, the second the even-numbered gears. When the first clutch is putting down the power, a computer readies the second clutch to engage the next gear (pre-selected according to engine revs and speed). When the driver bangs the paddle for another gear or the automatic calls for another cog, the first clutch is released and the second engages. Gear shifts are fast, smooth and accurate; both up and down the ratios. The DSG’s computer-- complete with 12 sensors-- stands guard against “inappropriate” gear selection; an over-twitchy paddle shifter can’t stall or blow up the engine.

It will be some time before this issue plays out, but the stickshifters will lose. Once they get behind the wheel of a DSG-equipped machine like the new Audi A3 or the VW R32, even the hardiest of these manual transmission diehards will understand the system’s clear superiority; in terms of speed, safety and, most importantly of all, enjoyment. Eventually, the tide will turn.

DSG = 100% Foursprung!

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, DSG

Source: The Truth About Cars

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GPS: Signal over IP

There are trends in technology. One of them is transmit any content via IP connections. Voice over IP (telephony over internet) makes sense from my point of view as this usually is cheaper for long-distance calls than using the land line or mobile phone.
Now there is GPS over IP.

This technology provides geographical coordinates via the Internet, sending data in a compressed form that allows "live" tracking on any Internet-ready PC or laptop using GPSoverIP. This technology can be incorporated in
clothes, cellphones, MP3 players, and even microphones.

Does that really make sense? Yes, I know, a GPS receiver cost some money. But compared to the current cost of a mobile data (IP) connection it becomes cheaper very fast. And using GPS navigation at home - where internet connection is cheap - does not really make sense, does it?


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Source: Ubergizmo

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Nissan: Now coming with Adaptive Cruise Control

Now also Nissan comes with an electronic system that helps drivers control the distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.

The system is able to determine the distance to the car in front, as well as the relative speed of both cars, using a radar sensor in the front bumper. If the driver releases the accelerator pedal or is not pressing the accelerator pedal, the system automatically applies the brakes. If the system determines that braking is required, an indicator will appear on the instrument panel and a buzzer will sound simultaneously. The accelerator pedal then automatically moves upwards to assist the driver in switching to the brakes. The new system is especially useful in heavy traffic when
frequent braking is required.
The Distance Control Assist System is the latest innovation developed under Nissan's Safety Shield concept, and accident prevention and management approach based on the idea of "vehicles that help protect people".

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Nissan, Adaptive Cruise Control

Source: Gizmag

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Audi Q7: Brake Wipe Assist Animation

Part of the media distributed during the release of the Q7, this animation shows the Brake Wipe Assist function in an animation where the braking system is used to clean the rotors of excess water.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Audi Q7

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Hydrogen: Bioengineered algae bringing hydrogen fuel-cells closer?

Maybe somebody found a way to some open questions with hydrogen for cars.

While most car manufacturers believe that hydrogen fuel cells are the long-term solution to reducing petroleum consumption and automotive air pollution, a number of problems remain unsolved at present. Two of the biggest are how to produce hydrogen efficiently, and how to store it in a vehicle.

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley have engineered a strain of pond scum that could, with further refinements, produce vast amounts of hydrogen through photosynthesis.

"An increase in solar conversion efficiency to 10 percent ... is thought to be enough to make the mass culture of algae viable," says Juergen Polle, a former student of Melis’ who now does research on algae at the City University of New York, Brooklyn.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Hydrogen

Source: Autoblog, Wired

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