Audi shows off new technology at SEMA Part.2

Yesterday we had the pleasure of receiving a private demonstration of the new CarMonitor system. Now I’ll be up front and say that I am far from an iPhone fanboi. I have owned an iPhone in the past and currently own an iPod touch so I was excited to see that this program wasn’t limited to just the iPhone. The first thing I noticed is that the phone was connected to a Can-Bus emulator that has some cool knobs on it that adjust the make believe speed and engine performance data so that the software has something to read and emulate real life use.

Audi Car Monitoring System

Once you are ready, you can start logging and then just set the phone down and drive. Not only does the program log the vehicle data but is also logs GPS data. So not only do you know how your car performed, but you can then correlate that data to the actual route that you drove. To me, this is just like racing technologies where race teams log a car’s performance data around a track but instead of Laguna Seca, your data can be overlayed over your morning commute or even your favorite canyon or mountain road.

Drill down even one step further and you can actually see a 3D Overlay of your data right on top of the satellite imagery of your route!

But the true genious of this new system is the ability for you to upload the data and share and compare with your friends and/orsend to your technician or tuner. Not only can you share your data, but their online website allows you to create groups and share and compare the data! I can’t wait to create a “QuattroWorld.com” group and you will be able to share and compare with other QuattroWorld.com readers.

While this software is fully operational it is still technically in “Beta” meaning that it may be a bit longer before you can download from the iTunes store. QuattroWorld is working with Audi to start beta testing this product and we are hopeful to bring you even more detailed information as that develops. Now I probably missed some important details so I will post the official press release from Audi here below.

Audi owners with an Apple iPhone will soon to be able to download an application that will monitor, analyze and store key performance characteristics for their vehicle, whether it be for pure performance, eco-friendly driving or simply providing a log of any particular trip.

The technology, developed by Audi’s Electronics Research Laboratory, is being shown at the SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products event in the world, scheduled for Nov. 2-5, 2010 in Las Vegas.

The Audi-designed iPhone CarMonitor App uses the vehicle OBD-II port to access real- time performance data, which the App then analyzes, also in real time. Characteristics include engine RPM (especially useful with older Audi vehicles that do not have an RPM gauge) along with emissions information, including the amount of CO2 a driver is saving by adjusting driving performance.

Drivers using the iPhone CarMonitor App also have the option of uploading the data collected to www.MyAudiLabs.com, use the CO2 data for other analyses, and even share driving performance with the VW Labs Community.

The technology will appeal to Audi vehicle owners looking for an even more satisfying experience with their vehicle as well as the opportunity to use the capabilities of the Apple iPhone, said David Tait, Audi of America’s lead After Sales executive.

“This is a great addition to the already impressive interior features that Audi owners have come to appreciate,” said Tait. “And it’s another example of Audi listening to what our owners would like to see to make their motoring experience even more satisfying.”

“Apple iPhone users are used to the kind of ‘wow’ applications that the smart phone offers. We’re very pleased to give me them another highly useful tool, especially designed to enhance the Audi driving experience.”

Lighted Floormats

I’ve always been a bit jealous of AMG Mercedes owners who have the option to get lighted logo door sills. I’m not much of a “bling bling” guy as you may know by know but that won’t stop me from enjoying some very nice and clean LED logo display. It is subtle and classy and I believe adds just that perfect amount of personalization that many Audi owners look for without being over the top. They will be releasing pricing and availability soon, and they should be available for most, if not all, of the current models. My favorite part of these floor mats is how perfectly they match with the ambient lighting already existent in all newer Audis. Here is the official press information from Audi.

Existing and future Audi owners have something to look forward to when an eclectic array of After Sales products are revealed at Audi of America’s first-ever SEMA Show exhibit this week in Las Vegas.

Today the company announced a new way for owners to customize their Audi models: illuminated floor mats. Designed by Audi Electronics Research Lab, Palo Alto, Calif., the floor mats are an After Sales component, and will be available exclusively through Audi dealers in North America.

The Audi illuminated floor mats incorporate a cool-to-the-touch Light Emitting Diode pad, which glows through the vehicle’s nameplate, integrated into the floor mat. Audi owners will be able to customize several factors, including the intensity of the light, color, materials, and even the graphics displayed on the floor mats. Several layers of different rubber materials achieve a homogenous illumination.

The illuminated floor mat is one more example of how Audi seeks to enhance the overall ownership experience, according to David Tait, Audi of America’s lead After Sales executive.

“Audi owners have high expectations when it comes to the performance of their vehicle, as well as its appearance,” said Tait. “This is a great visual enhancement that we know Audi owners will appreciate.”

Audi shows off new technology at SEMA Part.1

Yesterday we posted an overview of the Audi booth at SEMA. Today we will take a closer look at the new technology that they are showcasing. The new technology includes a wireless phone charging system, a car monitoring program for the Apple iPhone and iPod, and some illuminated floormats. Audi has always pushed the envelope with new and exciting technologies and this is just one more example of them bringing some game changing features to market.

Audi Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

The innovative wireless charger, a collaboration involving the Audi Electronics Research Lab, Qualcomm Incorporated and peiker, effectively eliminates the clutter and complexity of having multiple devices connected for charging purposes. The device is powered by a single connection and charges mobile phones and PDAs that are conveniently situated within reach of the driver. Digital displays on both the phone and the Audi audio system indicate that the equipment is charging.

As you can see in the picture here, the system works by adding on a nice slim case that fits over your current phone. It is slim enough to be left on all the time as it is not much thicker than most soft rubber phone cases. In our opinion, the success of this product will be directly related to the quality and design of the cases, as most phone junkies I know have strong preferences when it comes to phone cases. Blackberry users can be excited because the setup they had on display featured a very nicely designed case for the Blackberry.

Here is a snippet from the official Audi press release with some more information.

Existing and future Audi owners have something to look forward to when an eclectic array of After Sales products are revealed at the first- ever Audi of America SEMA Show exhibit this week in Las Vegas.

Today the company announced a new way for Audi owners to wirelessly charge the batteries of their personal communication devices without the hassle of plugging in cables, cord and adapters.

The innovative wireless charger, a collaboration involving the Audi Electronics Research Lab, Qualcomm Incorporated and peiker, effectively eliminates the clutter and complexity of having multiple devices connected for charging purposes. The device is powered by a single connection and charges mobile phones and PDAs that are conveniently situated within reach of the driver. Digital displays on both the phone and the Audi audio system indicate that the equipment is charging.

The wireless charger is another example of how Audi is enhancing its owner experience through innovation in electronics and connectivity, said David Tait, Audi of America lead After Sales executive.

“The Audi experience is one that continues to evolve, even as owners discover new ways to enjoy their vehicle and integrate its benefits into their lifestyle. We’re very pleased to introduce one more example of that with the hassle-free, wireless charger,” said Tait.

New transit technology and design

 

A look at some of the new technology and designs being considered for B.C. buses.

A look at some of the new technology and designs being considered for B.C. buses.

 

The Tech Museum’s New ‘Technology Benefiting Humanity’ Gallery

Multi-Purpose Display Module

Technology Benefiting Humanity is The Tech’s new permanent exhibition linking social responsibility with technology, intended to encourage a deeper understanding of the technologies that are improving the human condition. The new gallery showcases inventions from past Tech Awards Laureates, which will be routinely updated.

The Tech Awards is one of the premier annual humanitarian awards programs in the world, recognizing technical solutions that address the most critical issues facing our planet and its people. The program honors 15 global innovators (Laureates) who are applying technology to benefit humanity in five universal categories: environment, economic development, education, equality and health. The Laureates include individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations/companies.

The five categories are represented in the new gallery. The exhibits are basically lit up multi-purpose display modules that you stand there and read. Some have sound and video along with a few simplistic hands-on activities. Actually, you can find this information and a great deal more on The Tech Awards website.

New amphibian technology – Aquada the “boat” car Part.3

New amphibian technology – Aquada the “boat” car

New amphibian technology – Aquada the “boat” car Part.2

New amphibian technology – Aquada the “boat” car

New amphibian technology – Aquada the “boat” car Part.1

New amphibian technology – Aquada the “boat” car

Seiko’s “Future Now” project aims to provide a new generation of electronic ink watch, the world’s first ink form an active matrix system.

In 2009, BASELWORLD, SEIKO Seiko introduced the world’s first “electronic ink” watches, it features a new ultra-thin, high contrast, large angle (about 180 degrees) of the watch.

In addition, it requires only a very low energy levels, but also has virtually unlimited show that the “E-Ink electronic ink” or * EPD (Electrophoretic Display) Watch aroused great interest, the fall of 2010 in the “Grand Prix d ‘Horlogerie de Genève Geneva High Watch Award “won the award presentation ceremony.

Since then, the technology is widely understood and appreciated by consumers, thanks to the growing popularity of e-books.

Today, SEIKO Seiko in the new era to take this exciting new technology, new generation of watch has an active matrix display. The new display system retains all the original accessibility, but watch the dial display images and data more abundant.

80,000 pixels, each line has four different color with a resolution of 300 Seiko is the first and only company able to watch using active matrix EPD technologies. It shows very clearly, and each item of information technology than the traditional LCD watch 3 times more precise, text, graphics and charts to a very smooth and unlimited programming displayed on the dial.

For example, the date shown to re-adjust the size or design, according to the amount of information will be displayed in a fixed place. 2006 ‘E-Ink electronic ink’ watch has a front hundreds of fan-shaped gear EPD electrophoresis showed only black and white, there are 80,000 new pixels, each row shows four gray color.