Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Kia Motors America is adding something new for select Kia models with the “UVO powered by Microsoft” infotainment system. This is a new intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system that provides user-friendly voice and touch activation controls for music files as well as hands-free communication.
Among the highlights of this new technology from Kia Motors include accessing media content via voice command and a 4.3” full color display that displays detailed information on media content. It can also double as a rear-view camera when the shifter is put in reverse. The UVO will debut this summer on the new 2011 Kia Sorrento CUV and is already present in other models like the Kia Sorrento, Soul, Forte and Forte KOUP.
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Tags:
car communications,
CUV,
entertainment system,
free communication,
infotainment system,
KIA,
kia models,
kia motors america,
kia sorento,
kia sorrento,
media content,
Microsoft,
music files,
new technology,
rear view camera,
select models,
uvo,
voice command
Posted in 2010 Vehicles, 2011 Vehicles, Kia | Comments
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
It seems that Ford will be giving potential buyers another reason to opt for a vehicle with Sync built-in: car wide WiFi access. Of course, there is a catch, you will need a mobile broadband card.
But honestly though this is a pretty cool idea, all you need to do is plug in your mobile broadband card and then the entire car will get WiFi access. Great for long trips when your kids are in the back with their laptops.
Don’t be thinking that drivers around you will be able to steal your WiFi as every time a new connection is made, it must be verified by the driver.
via wcf
Tags:
Ford,
Microsoft,
Sync,
WiFi
Posted in 2009 Vehicles, 2010 Vehicles, Cars, Ford | Comments
Monday, December 21st, 2009
It seems that the former CFO of Microsoft, Chris Liddell, will be appointed General Motors‘ new CFO starting next year. After GM has had such tough financial times, perhaps Liddell’s previous position at the head of Microsoft will give the automaker new life.
Chris Liddell will take Ray G. Young’s position after he leaves Microsoft on December 31st.
Will this actually give General Motors a more financially successful 2010? Let’s hope so.
via autoblog
Tags:
chris liddell,
General Motoros,
Microsoft,
ray g young
Posted in 2010 Vehicles, Business, Cars, GM | Comments
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
Game play for most games today such as Need for Speed needs to be as realistic as possible. And you have to wonder how they do it. Well now it can be told. Game designers try to get as close as possible to the real thing and Microsoft game developers have shown how they do it. Thanks to a loaned Tesla, the sound of squealing tires were properly recorded thanks to proper placement of mics near the wheels of the said vehicle. Game audio is essential and as far as car-based games are concerned, this practically moves them closer to the real thing.
As you can see from the large microphones placed which look like overgrown feather dusters or willows, these things actually record the actual sounds coming from the car itself. These Tesla sounds are apparently meant to prepare the audio support for their upcoming game titles, the new Forza and Project Gotham Racing. Now the question is on whether there will be an actual Tesla car in these games. Let’s just wait and see!
(Source) Crunch Gear
Tags:
actual gaming,
crunch,
feather dusters,
forza,
game audio,
game designers,
game developers,
game play,
game titles,
microphones,
Microsoft,
microsoft game,
mics,
Need for Speed,
project gotham racing,
tesla car,
these games,
tires,
wheels,
willows
Posted in Cars, Tesla, Tesla | Comments
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
The Apple iPod has certainly received widespread support, however, support for its competition, the Microsoft Zune, has been almost completely absent from any car. But now GM has begun a 28-model roll out of full Zune support, beginning with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
Microsoft employee, Dave McLauchlan, tested the new system in a production Camaro in a Chevy dealership and sent his results to blogger, muscle car enthusiast and Zune fan Michael Ganotti. According to the email McLauchlan sent Ganotti, “Zune connectivity is a standard feature on the Camaro which is the first of some 28 models to support Zune as this feature is rolled out across GM models in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia through 2011.”
Tags:
GM,
Microsoft,
models,
roll-out,
Zune
Posted in GM | Comments
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
Good news from Sync folks! Your 2010 Ford will get new features when it comes to traffic information. Sync will add turn-by-turn directions and traffic reports but it won’t stop at that. It will also offer news, weather and sports information. The first 2010 Ford models will be released later this year so you will be able to check the service for yourself. By 2011 every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will get the new Sync service. In case you were wondering the service is free for the first three years but then you might have to pay for it.
via Press
Tags:
2010,
Ford,
Lincoln,
Mercury,
Microsoft,
Sync
Posted in 2010 Vehicles, Ford, Science | Comments
